My Tesla Model 3 ordering experience and why Tesla sold 95000 cars in Q2 2019 ?

I was at the Tesla store in Raleigh, NC in 3rd week of June 2019. Before this day I had never thought of buying a Tesla. The event of actions were something like an impromptu one. My girlfriend’s friend totaled her car in June first week and she was looking to buy a new car. As it happens in California, she bought a red multi coat standard plus model 3. For her it was an obvious choice, she was eligible for $3750 federal credit rebate and $2500 California state rebate. Additionally, access to HOV lane was a cherry on top. That night we were coming back from a dinner when she called and showed us her new car. She also mentioned that “federal credit of $3750 will be cut by 50% on July 01, 2019”.

Reason 1: At that moment I did not think too much but later I randomly visited their website and began customizing the model. Not to mention that this was my first time to Tesla website. I was shocked by the simplicity of their website and ordering process. This is reason number 1 for their growth – simple, elegant website with well thought out and sorted ordering process. It literally takes 5 clicks to customize your car and enter your payment information to place the order. In my view this is the most under rated aspect of Tesla’s growth. People talk about all the other stuff like autopilot, self driving, dog mode etc. but does not pay attention to this.

Reason 2: I was still not convinced that I want a Tesla as my second car. So, I did what every millennial will do 🙂
I went to the Tesla store for test drive. Even at this point I was not planning to buy the Tesla. I own a Ducati Monster 1200S and it was due decimo maintenance. I had an appointment for the Ducati maintenance and Tesla store was close to that service center. I reserved a slot that would work for me and we went to the store after dropping Ducati.

First surprise, the so-called Tesla showroom was a smaller than an apartment. We waited for our turn for a while till our salesperson showed up. He was friendly, knowledgeable and welcoming. Soon after meeting him and scanning our driver license ids we went for a test drive.
After basic instruction to the features and driver settings I started driving.

Oh my god!!
Yes, that was my first reaction. Although, I knew it is going to be fast but believe me if you have never driven an electric car it will be an experience of a lifetime.
What the hell!!
Yes, that was my second reaction. Again, I knew about regenerative braking, but it took me off guard when I lifted my foot from the pedal. It was strong just like a brake. You have to drive it to believe me what I am talking about.
We went to the NC 540 with speed limit of 70 MPH, and he showed me the demo of much talked about autopilot. It was trying to keep the car in the dead middle of the lane and keeping safe distance from car in front etc.
So far it was just like better adaptive cruise control that’s what I was thinking in my mind until we took the exit and the car literally took exit on its own managing the lane changing, turn signal etc. and slowed down at the stop sign.
This is the second reason. I always say that, if you do not plan to buy a Tesla then don’t drive it. There is no way you want to buy it after test drive.

Reason 3:

Federal Credits: As I mentioned previously in the introduction, federal credits were diminishing to $1875 from $3750 as Tesla has sold more than 200,000 cars. This is literally a saving that you will get when you file your tax return next year based on how much you owe in federal taxes.

Reason 4:

Dealership experience: This in my view is one of the most important reason. Tesla sales persons unlike other dealerships do not push you to make the decision right there and  pressurize you to buy today. Best thing about Tesla is that you can book your car for $2500 and then go back home discuss about it. If it makes sense to you based on your financial state you can move forward with financing options (assuming most people would finance $45,000 car ).
We paid $2500 and booked our Tesla Model 3 Red multicoat color because it was difficult to get it delivered before 30^th June 2019 if we take more time.

Well, I hope this would give you an idea why Tesla sold so many cars in Q2. I am sure the number will go down in Q3 of 2019 as there is no federal credits change. However, in my view if it makes sense to you financially then there is no point in taking decision just based on federal credits. Just the fact that it will cut down your carbon footprint by at least 50% – 60% and save you at least $70 per month (if you drive gas car for 1200 miles in a month). I am not even calculating the cost of maintenance at this point as I am still waiting for true cost of maintenance as years go by.
Conclusion, Tesla is a great car manufacturer who just transformed the auto industry with its innovation in technology and dealership experience. They will continue to thrive and succeed as world demand more use on renewable energy sources and less reliance on fossil fuel.