When it comes to electric cars, Tesla is definitely leading the race with its cutting-edge battery technology and electric powertrain. With an aim to prove that electric vehicles (EVs) can be better, quicker, and more fun to drive than normal conventional cars, Tesla undeniably creates waves in the automotive industry with their exceptional range of electric cars – from Model S, the first-ever premium all-electric sedan to the popular and affordable Model 3.
When Tesla rolled out the Model S, their main competitors remained faithful to the internal combustion engine, while several introduced hybrid cars – a model that combines petrol and battery to power up the car. But after seeing the interest rise with demand for EVs, even traditional automotive leaders such as Toyota, Ford, and Nissan have either launched or have concocted plans to launch their own range of EVs to rival the mighty Tesla.
The demand for Tesla EVs has even shot up since its launch, so much so that the company struggled to keep up with production, leading to a long waitlist on backorders.
So, let’s get to know the revolutionary Tesla with these fun facts.
Facts You Should Know About Tesla
Fact 1: Elon Musk Is Not the Founder of Tesla
Although Elon Musk has become synonymous with Tesla Motors as the company’s CEO and product architect, Elon Musk is not the founder of this world-famous automotive company. In fact, the Tesla brand was founded in 2003 by Martin Eberhard and Marx Tarpenning with the aim to solve a real problem – dependency on oil to drive a car. It wasn’t until February 2004when Elon Musk joined Tesla to lead the Series A Funding Round and entered Tesla’s board of directors as Chairman before being appointed CEO of Tesla.
Tesla was actually named in honor of Nikola Tesla, an innovator, engineer, and inventor of Siberian-American descent. He was known for his contributions to the design of modern alternating current (AC) electrical systems.
Fact 2: The Fastest Tesla EV
Considering the aspects of acceleration, driving range, and vehicle performance, the Tesla Roadster is acclaimed as the fastest EV in the world. This EV model, which was introduced in November 2017, is a full four-seater electric car that is capable of producing acceleration power from 0 km/h to 100 km/h in an impressive 1.9 seconds. In addition to that, it offers a top speed of over 400 km/h with a driving distance of 965km with a single charge.
Fact 3: Tesla Model 3 and others are Recognized as the Safest EVs
For most Tesla fans, this might be a familiar fact that drove them to purchase a Tesla. The Tesla Model 3, for example, is one of the safest Tesla EV models and is officially certified by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). The test procedure performed on the Tesla Model 3 recorded the lowest probability of accidental injury risk.
In addition to the Tesla Model 3, two other Tesla models – the Tesla Model S and the Tesla Model X – also dominated the second and third positions for this same test procedure. This means that Tesla’s EVs are arguably safer than 900 other car models including Mercedes, Volvo, and Subaru that were tested by NHTSA.
Fact 4: Tesla EVs Are Equipped with the Best Groundbreaking Technology
All Tesla EVs are equipped with a control screen panel and the largest infotainment system in the dashboard section of the car. The Tesla Model S, a four-seater sports sedan is equipped with a 17-inch touch screen that serves as a single control panel for driving, navigation, music, and more. In addition to the largest control screen panel, the Tesla Model S also offers protection from biowarfare or germs.
The Tesla Model X is equipped with a defense mechanism capable of keeping electric cars, drivers, and passengers safe from biowarfare and is also equipped with similar features that are able to filter out viruses, bacteria, as well as other allergens found in the air. As for software updates, Tesla models use the same mechanism as our everyday mobile devices. It can be set to sleep mode just like a laptop and the software can be updated to the latest version over the internet.
Fact 5: Tesla Cars Are Affordable
Apart from offering a range of safe, fast, and quality electric vehicles, the price range of these cars is among other factors to be commended. In an effort to encourage people to own electric vehicles, Tesla introduced the Tesla Model 3 at a much cheaper and affordable price. Although the price offered is not as affordable as other conventional cars on the market, it is relatively affordable compared to other electric cars from other brands.
The starting price for the Tesla Model 3 Standard Range Plus goes as low as RM144,914.32 ($ 34,190). These prices may vary depending on the variant, as well as add-ons such as the Tesla Autopilot Driving Assistance system.
Fact 6: Tesla EVs Are Pet Friendly
Tesla electric cars are also equipped with a choice of climate control features, also known as Dog Mode. In general, Dog Mode is a technology in a Tesla car that leaves the air conditioning or heater turned on when the owner leaves their pets in the car. This feature allows the owner to set the temperature in the cabin to ensure the comfort of pets as they are left in the car.
The Dog Mode will also display a notification message on the infotainment screen to state that the pet is well-treated and safe in case any worried onlookers stop by. If the battery is less than 20 percent and the owner still has not returned, a warning message will be sent to the owner’s mobile device.
Fact 7: Tesla Technology Is a Shared Concept
Most manufacturing companies will patent new technologies or innovations that they produce. This is done to protect and prevent new technologies or innovations from being plagiarized or imitated by other competitors. Nevertheless, Tesla took a different approach and initiative by eliminating patent rights on the technology developed and applied a shared source concept. This means other competing companies can develop electric cars using Tesla’s innovations through technology sharing. This is in line with Tesla’s mission in an effort to accelerate the transition to more sustainable energy sources.
Fact 8: Tesla Model S Easter Egg
Tesla EVs are known for their hidden fun features that give the cars extra exclusivity. In the Model S, an easter egg or a hidden feature can be found in the diagnostics mode on the center infotainment system. All you need to do is type in 0-0-7 and the car will make “nautically themed adjustments” that show you the car transforming into a sea-worthy shape.
What’s Next for Tesla and Is Tesla Available in Malaysia?
Tesla is a car that is far from any conventional vehicle in the automotive industry. With Elon Musk pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation with his ideas and ambitions for future Tesla cars, it would not come as a surprise that Tesla might soon take over the automotive industry and roads all over the world including Malaysia.
Buy a Brand-new Tesla with Carsome for Peace of Mind
Carsome is joining the EV movement with brand-new Tesla models available now on our website starting with the Tesla Model 3. Now, you can experience Tesla’s coveted driving intelligence as we bring their exceptional and well-designed automobiles to our Malaysian roads.
These Tesla models are available on a pre-order basis, while a Tesla Model S P100D demo car is available for test drives at our Petaling Jaya Experience Center (No 2, Lorong 51a/227c, Seksyen 51a, Petaling Jaya). Additionally, to ensure our customers have complete peace of mind, all Tesla models purchased with us come with the Official Manufacturer’s Warranty. Book a test drive today!
For any other used car services and news, do check Carsome out! You can sell your used car at Carsome for the best price, fast payment, and no paperwork hassle. Check the website today to know more.
Keyword: Tesla Cars in Malaysia: 8 Fun Facts For All Tesla Fans