Wyse Decision: Charge It!

Our Tesla Story

Elizabeth: Our new Model S may go from zero to sixty in 4.2 seconds, but it took us considerably longer to make our decision. The decision to purchase our 2016 Model S 90D Tesla took nearly a year of steady research. We knew we wanted one. We knew we’d love it. But there were things to consider. Many things.

​Tom: I drove this Tesla P85D outside Chicago at my son, Nathan’s, insistence. I was instantly hooked. I wanted the one I test drove (including the wrap) and had Stephanie start the ball rolling. I went so far as to have my insurance company waiting for the VIN! When I returned to Ozark I was ready to buy. Elizabeth was not convinced. Discussions began. Over the next several months, I continued to research. It wasn’t until March, when we visited Jacksonville, Florida where Elizabeth had a chance to test drive a Model S P90. After her test drive she was ready for a more serious discussion.

Elizabeth: My test drive was nothing less than fabulous. What a sweet ride. Siobhan, in Jacksonville, guided me onto the Jacksonville interstate in rush hour traffic with every confidence I’d handle it fine. And, I did. She had me go into auto pilot and after a mile or so and under her guidance, I held the turn signal down and the car immediately changed lanes … well, it would have if I hadn’t taken control. Siobhan had already looked to see if it was safe, but I hadn’t had a chance to look over my shoulder before the Tesla made its move. I was hooked. I was impressed. When we returned to the store, she had me set it up to auto park and now I was ready for information. I knew we’d have a Tesla in our garage sooner than later.

​Tom: Of course, we just had to order a bumper sticker for the other car.  The various Tesla logos are the property of Tesla and not wanting to wait for authorization from them we designed our own (well, my wife mostly). It would be great if Tesla would put one of their own design in the after-purchase goodie bag. Great fun to have and good advertising for them.
Elizabeth: When we returned home it was up to me to finish the research - charging stations, electrical contractor, financial advisors, insurance company, etc. I had my work cut out for me, but in less than a week, our Model S was being prepared for pick up!

Tom: I told my wife about two great aunts who spent afternoons in an open field with a picnic basket. Why? To watch for the first plane flying overhead. I didn’t want to be in the field. I chose to be the one flying the plane.

Elizabeth: I love Tom’s story about the aunts and while we love our Tesla, in our family “range anxiety” is very real.” Our daughter lives just a few miles out of range one way. Aside from some park and charge spots, we only have one CHAdeMo charger but it is only available during business hours. We are anxious for a Supercharger in Montgomery or Birmingham.

Tom: We do have a huge advantage over those early adopters because we have internet - in the car!

Elizabeth: We find we create places to go and things to do. Out of something while making dinner? Tom will finally offer to run to the store! We’ve cruised more drive-in restaurants than we have in years. And those Sunday drives of yesteryear? Yep … doing that, too.

Tom: Car club meets and cruise nights? Yup, we’re there and sometimes inadvertently stealing the show. We haven’t had this much fun since we were teenagers!
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Elizabeth: Our local paper picked up our story which created an online presence which netted us some new friends. People we didn't know left messages on our answering machine - they were happy for us, wanted to see it, and wanted to be part of the joy! One caller was even interested in Tom's 22-mpg vehicle - which is for sale.

Links:

• Local news article (via The Dothan Eagle): Ozark family purchases electric car; offers public charging station at their home.
• ​Read our story on the Tesla Motors website.

Tom after his P85D test drive in Chicago in September of 2015.

Our DIY bumper sticker for our 2012 Toyota Prius.

Dothan Eagle picture of us with our new Tesla.