Tesla has quickly become synonymous with innovation, clean energy, and style. As a global leader in battery pack and electric vehicle manufacturing, the company has recently become the most valuable automaker by market share. It feels like more and more Tesla’s are being sold by the day and the prices for consumers keep decreasing. But what if money wasn’t a factor? How much is Tesla’s best of the best, and is it truly worth it?
Tesla was founded in 2003 with a simple, but lofty goal for the time – convince the world that electric vehicles can still be cool and perform, then convert the entire planet to clean energy. Beginning with its short-lived, but pivotal Roadster model, CEO Elon Musk first demonstrated how awesome electric vehicles could be by manufacturing a sports car. As intrigue (and investment) grew, Tesla released its second EV, the Model S sedan. Since then, Tesla has released three more models, all pushing the limits of performance and mile range forward while decreasing in price. That being said, Tesla still offers a multitude of powertrain choices and other add-ons for its customers that want to splurge for extra gadgets.
Any curious consumer scrolling through Tesla’s website can quickly find the various custom options for each of the four current models: S, 3, X and Y. However, others might not take the time to do the math, add up all the custom options and determine what the most expensive Tesla looks like, and what the damage to the wallet actually could be. While many might think that Tesla’s Model X performance powertrain is the most expensive, it’s actually the “Plaid” Model S announced by Musk this past September on Battery Day. Starting at $139,990 for the bare bones version (which is still miles ahead of any competition), the Plaid can cost as much as $156,490 with all the add-ons, like red exterior paint, performance wheels, oak wood interior, and full self-driving (FSD) capabilities.
Is Plaid Worth It? What Could You Buy Instead?
Most average consumers would see the $1 and the five additional digits that follow it and immediately answer, “No. It’s not worth it.” Perhaps others were early investors in Bitcoin or medical supplies, and currently have plenty to spend on an EV? Even then, the answer is probably still no, it’s not worth it. For perspective, for the price of one souped-up Plaid Model S, a customer can purchase four… yes four standard versions of the Model 3 sedan. For the price of a standard Plaid Model S, they could buy 147 brand new iPhone 12 phones with maximum storage. Maybe they really like the Model S? Well for the same amount of money as the Plaid, they can buy two of the Long Range Plus versions instead!
Obviously whether the purchase of a Model S Plaid is worth it is subjective, but it’s safe to say most average consumers don’t have that sort of savings to blow on a fast car. That being said, the Plaid is a fast car… the fastest EV on the planet actually. At 0-60 in under two seconds and a top speed of 200 mph, this electric vehicle can travel upwards of 520 miles on a a single charge, making it the most efficient EV sedan ever made. So, in a sense, the price tag is justified, as it’s a one-of-a-kind machine. Although for how long that status remains is another question entirely. Tesla is constantly improving its vehicle performance and the Plaid version has already overshadowed the “Ludicrous” mode on the Model S that had held the speed throne since 2017. Is Tesla’s Model S Plaid the fastest and one of the most impressive electric vehicles ever made? Yes. Is it worth a minimum of $140K? That Tesla question is probably best answered by your financial advisor.
