New Standard Wheels: 19" Slipstreams

As Tesla is wont to do, the company quietly updated their Model S configuration page sometime over Friday night.  The long-standard 19" 5-spoke wheel design was unceremoniously removed from the page and replaced with new silver 19" Slipstream wheels.

EVAnnex Front Seat Covers Review: Outerwear for Your Inner Tesla

You might think that you don't need seat covers-- I certainly didn't--  but read my review with an open mind and you could find yourself clicking over to the order page like a groupie ordering concert tickets to a sold out show.

BTW, if you're immune to clever imagery, sarcasm and general mischievousness with the English language, then please just watch to video review...  like a monkey in a lab experiment.  Heh.  Seekers of witty commentary, read on!

Erie Supercharger FOUND!

FINALLY, building permits for the Supercharger in Erie, PA are in the works.  We've been waiting for this location to appear for years now as it's popped on and off the "Coming Soon" maps on Tesla's website.  It will be a vital link for travelers on multiple routes and Tesla is sizing the site accordingly.

So here it is: 2225 Downs Drive, Erie 16509.  Right by the highway ramps for I-90 and surrounded by amenities on Peach Street.  Let's take a look.

Working For the Man. His name is Gene.

Eventually I'll cross/re-post the review here (with deleted scenes and gag reel!) but for now, please enjoy the hospitality of a man named Gene, who runs the Teslarati website.  I've done a few product reviews for them and this is the latest one:

Link is after the jump-->  WHEEEEeeeee.....

The Tesla Math - How the heck does THIS make sense??

I was recently asked if I would write "My Story" for Tesla.  Naturally, I agreed.  I didn't receive any money or "gifts" for doing it, I just did it to toss my two cents into the ring.  After perusing many of the other "stories" on their website, I decided that the value perspective was under-represented, so I took that approach.  I call it "The Tesla Math".  I didn't go into the actual math there but merely alluded to it-- which didn't go unnoticed by some.  So, for them (and for you) HERE is The Tesla Math:

RECALL UPDATE: Seatbelt Safety Check

All Model S owners should have received the notice below.  I don't think it's a big deal (Tesla being their typical proactive selves have recalled every car ever built because ONE car showed a possible problem) but there's no harm in a once-over.  

Click through for details:

The Somerset Supercharger MUST-DO Detour

With so many of you hitting the roads this holiday season, I realize a lot of folks might be traveling through my "neck of the woods" for the first time.  Even if it isn't your first time, indulge me in a little description of what we call the "Must-Do Detour" between the Somerset, PA and Hagerstown, MD Superchargers.

Yes-- yes, I'll admit this would be a far superior excursion in warmer weather.  But even in winter I think you'll find it worthwhile and starkly beautiful.

Where All the Cars Are Above Average

My parents and I would spend road trips listening to Garrison Keillor's "A Prairie Home Companion" to break up long stretches of music.  As a restless youngster, the tales from Lake Wobegon were always a welcome respite from my father's Willie Nelson or yet another round of Peter, Paul and Mary complaining about their lemon tree love.  In Lake Wobegon, everything was pretty idyllic despite also being able to prop up Keillor's local news with some entertaining stories.

I'm beginning to think that perhaps Fremont, California is the EV movement's Lake Wobegon-- or perhaps the entire auto industry's (especially as the Volkswagen diesel scandal grows).  If you're at all familiar with NPR you're probably really scratching your head about now... I know, it seems like a very random association.  Let me explain...

Baby Steps - Building Up Tesla's Pittsburgh Presence

In April, I announced in a post that an official Tesla Pittsburgh presence was on the way.  

In May, I introduced the first (known) employee of that store, Katie (Hi Katie).  

Now, as school starts back up and the days get shorter-- and the new team has had a chance to get their feet under them (and a cooler display car!)-- I thought it would be appropriate to update the blog with some pictures of the Ross Park Mall kiosk and where Tesla goes from here.

A Penny For My Thoughts?

As soon as I knew we were getting a Model S, I started this blog.  My wife was tired of my blathering on about our upcoming car in the months while we waited for it to go into production and I needed an outlet.  It's my understanding there are a number of other car blogs that have been birthed by similar compulsions.

Since Serena arrived, I've tried to be candid and open about my various thoughts on the car and have reviewed a number of accessories here and there.  My goal was to help nudge you-- yes, YOU-- off the fence railing and into the ownership of your own Tesla.  And now... the best nudge yet!