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I agree with both sides, because though Tesla X pricing doesn't make economic sense, it's only because petroleum gas is greatly under-priced.

goneskiian
I know that global impact of CO2 emissions is negligible on geologic scale, however when we look to all known planets, suitable atmospheres for supporting our life forms are extremely rare. Earth itself has supported human life for a relatively short time.

Climactic scientific research has developed only several human generations.

Let's say we make a fabulous flea market find; buying a a personally useful and highly attractive yet bargain priced antique. It may be a worthless knockoff, or worth a fortune, but wouldn't you treat it with care, even before having it appraised?

Common and economic sense says don't spew poison into your breathing supply. Without studying the process by which CO2 dissipates, interacts, and is consumed, I think it unwise to assume it costs what it takes to pump petroleum out of the ground and then distribute it.

For me, it's as simple as the horrific odor of exhaust. The cost of disgust, shame and guilt at spewing that nastiness while traveling long distances with my large family, may be eliminated by driving the only vehicle that can do so emission-free. Tesla X!

Cle;
your thinking isn't bad, but will improve when you distinguish "poison" from CO2. Did you know...in higher CO2 concentrations, plants' leaves need fewer stomata to take in all they need? This then means they lose and take in less water -- so not only do they become more productive (grow bigger and faster), their water use is far more efficient, and they become drought-tolerant.

Ultimately, everything you eat was built up out of CO2 and water. It's good stuff. Far, far from being a poison.

@Sam F.
No oil/filter changes, no transmission flushes, no tune-ups, no exhaust system maintenance, no radiator flushes, no gasoline.

So, add this to your mathematical calculations and factor in that we won't be killing as many people or animals to get oil and could me making the fresh air and water last a little longer.

And, you can park your Model S in your living room, just like Batman.

...could "be" making...

CleOlivia and alcassfast - You both make great points. Thanks for contributing.

I wonder if SamFisher will return to enlighten us with his brilliant math skills and comprehensive understanding of Tesla's business plan some more. Probably too busy installing an 80 mile battery and electric motor in a Chevy S10.

Brian H - I'm sure there are others. Probably quite a few that are already (or soon to be) driving their S's!

@CleOlivia
You are correct, it is always better to keep what you know works then count on a pie in the sky. Common sense makes sense.

Just watched science channel show about dinosaurs. On there they showed a test done by the japan scientists on plants in our atmosphere and plants in higher CO2 atmosphere. The plants grew bigger but were all yellow and brown, had less then half the nutrition of the plants grown in our atmosphere, there was no mention of water intake reduction. CO2 is a big blanket and will suffocate our planet.

I hear things all the time like, "I don't think we (people) make as big of a impact on earth as we think we do." What does that mean? I can't think of one thing on earth we don't impact, most of it negative.
If doing the correct is obvious, why do the opposite? Money against your grand kids life.

A couple of old sayings come to mind. Garbage in garbage out. Figures don't lie but liars figure.

As a person that bikes forth and back to work every day, I look forward to a future where the ICE cars are replaced by hybrids and EV’s. The EV technology should in fact be so heavily subsidized in the years to come, that all of today’s obstacles with the technology is minimized (battery weight, charging etc.), so that the price of the car is on equal terms to an ICE car.

Unfortunately, there are only a few countries in the world where a heavy subsidy is possible (Norway, Denmark).

There's no doubt about it, the Model X is a very cool car and has something for all sides, whether you are really that concerned about the CO2 or not.

Cle - I agree with the general pollution control. I don't buy that we'll have as much impact on climate as many do ... you are right about just the general avoidance of all the other smog and pollution. Definitely a worthwhile pursuit.

Speaking of pollution - what about noise pollution! One of my favorite things about the hybrid is how quiet it is in EV mode.

goneskiian - it's going to take me awhile to convince the wife too ... no deposit for me yet ... but I'll keep trying :)

I think a lot of people will buy the Tesla brand for the absolute cool factor. Have you seen the vehicle? It is awesome. The fact that it is all electric just makes it so much better.

I have absolutely no concern about the Co2 levels in the atmosphere, the oceans will take care of that...climate change has been going on for as long as the earth has existed...IMHO: puny little humans cannot effect it in any appreciable degree...

But, that being said, I love the idea of an AWD vehicle that can go over 50 miles on a charge. Where I live I MUST have AWD minimum, true 4X4 would be better. Other wise I can go nowhere in the winter. I already have a Polaris EV, and love not having to worry about gas. Just plug it back in and it is ready to go next day.

I presently have an Audi A6 Quattro, and it appears that the Tesla X will be about that size. Perfect for me. We live 20 miles from a small town, and 40 miles from a place big enough that it has a Wal-Mart or Home Depot, so 100+ mile range is imperative. We live 250 miles from our children, so that is even better. The number of miles we drive is generally limited except our weekly trips to town, and occasional trips to visit the kids and to go to church with our old congregation where the kids still live.

So, how to justify the price? you do not look at the total cost of the vehicle minus the cost of operation. You look at the investment cost of ownership, plus depreciation, plus the battery cost (I plan on this being my last car purchase...I'm retired) less the cost of the savings in gas or Diesel. (if Audi would only bring the A8 over with the 4.3L diesel... oh my)

This is assuming the fit and finish will be in the same class as the Audi A8...

All purchases are made with funds that Could be earning; or through Debt, that has a direct cost. If your investments earn you 5% on average, your $80,000(est)investment will cost you $4000 a year in earnings not received, or in something else you can no longer use those funds for. If your investments earn 10%, then that opportunity cost would be $8,000 a year. If you have to borrow the funds, the cost of the debt is the opportunity cost of the funds used to pay that debt and interest.... all, plus depreciation.

The savings will be with the difference between the cost of the batteries verse the cost of the fuel that was not consumed. It would appear, if you are a high mileage driver your savings would be much better than if you are a low mileage driver like I am these days. Back when I was driving 50k miles a year or more, the Tesla would have made me money.

Compare those numbers to the same analysis of an acceptable alternative, then you will see what the cost of the Tesla will actually be.