[stephencanon]

> Also, Musk is right: no one else has even come close to matching the 2012 Model S. Tesla's lead is starting to look unassailable (in the medium term).

This is kinda sorta true, if you ignore non-performance factors, but also no one actually needs what Model S provides. In the classic setup for disruption Tesla isn't the disruptor, it's the established "high quality use" getting disrupted. It is not very unreasonable to expect the growing "good enough" products in China to claim much of the world's car market.

[gonehome]

This still sounds like the iPhone to me.

A lot of other competitors will make android devices that are similar and eventually get a large market share, but the iPhone still dominates the higher end with better margins.

[_ea1k]

Indeed... its already happened with the Bolt. It beats the Model 3 on several objective practicality metrics.

It is also slower and perceived as less attractive. Due to poor marketing, I suspect most perceive it to be much slower, rather than just somewhat slower.

It sells really poorly. Most of these other competitors are going to run into the same fate for years.

[davidgould]

I'm curious about "beats the Model 3 on several objective practicality metrics". Please elaborate, I'd like to know.

I considered the Bolt to replace my Honda Fit. I was on my second (first leased, second purchased) Chevy Spark EV. I'm committed to electric driving and I like small hatchbacks and have had a great experience with the Spark EV. The looks didn't bother me and I didn't want to spend a lot on a car either. I'm basically the perfect Bolt customer.

And yet, I every time I drive past a Bolt in my Model 3, I glad that I didn't make that mistake.

[gonehome]

Yeah I'd also be curious - the Model 3 seems to be categorically better in every way?

I'd even go so far as to say the Model 3 is the best car Tesla makes, I think it's a lot better than the X (I think the falcon wing doors are actually a pain in practice and the bucket seat arrangement in the back doesn't leave much space for practical use).

The S is nice, but pretty large and I prefer the interior (and door handles) of the 3. I think the 3 also drives more like a sports car because of its smaller size. I don't think there is anything on the market at any price point that I'd prefer day to day.

[Zenbit_UX]

Chevys reputation is dogshit and compared against Tesla for quality innovation/brand the contrast is night and day.

They also ran those absurd car commercials for the last decade or so about "real people, not actors" which were spoofed so well on YouTube that I think they actually damaged their brand.

[stephencanon]

Absolutely.

But if we assume that, the question for investors is "will it dominate the high end with better margins like iPhone does, or will it dominate the high end with better margins like Porsche does?" Only one of those outcomes justifies a $100B valuation.