Tesla exec labels competing EVs as “appliances”, criticises legislation against direct sales to customers

2016 Tesla Model S facelift 1

Tesla vice president of business development Diarmuid O’Connell has labelled other electric vehicles as boring white goods, singling out the Nissan Leaf, Kia Soul EV, BMW i3 and Chevrolet Spark EV as electric vehicles that don’t provide enough range or performance and cost too much to appeal to most consumers.

“In essence, they’ve delivered little more than appliances. Now, appliances are useful. But they tend to be white. They tend to be unemotional,” he said, adding that the world is at a “very important juncture” in its history, and automakers must do more to make their electric vehicles more exciting, less costly and give them a range of at least 200 miles (320 km).

“On balance, I’m happier that they’re doing these care than not, I just wish they would do them better and faster,” O’Connell said.

The Tesla man also lamented that EVs can be hard to find in many US markets outside Los Angeles, particularly in Detroit. “I think if the Michigan legislature would allow Tesla to sell cars in Michigan, we could probably address this,” he said, referring to Michigan’s ban on the direct-to-customer sales model that Tesla uses.

Speaking to Automotive News, O’Connell reiterated that Tesla has been very clear it would only sell its cars under a direct-sales model, and that dealers could play a more significant role in getting EVs on the road. “It’s natural for folks whose business is vested in the existing technology to focus on that technology because it’s the foundation of their business, rather than taking a risk position on new and novel technology, especially when the automakers themselves aren’t supporting it,” he said.

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Mick Chan

Open roads and closed circuits hold great allure for Mick Chan. Driving heaven to him is exercising a playful chassis on twisty paths; prizes ergonomics and involvement over gadgetry. Spent three years at a motoring newspaper and short stint with a magazine prior to joining this website.

 

Comments

  • Lazak Empire on Aug 04, 2016 at 1:42 pm

    direct sale to clients is great. clients get membership plus recommendation bonus.

    Like or Dislike: Thumb up 4 Thumb down 1
    • And for more benefits, each client must get a least 3 more customers. And then these 3 more, each must get another…. wait a minute… this sounds familiar.

      Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 0
      • Same L00 on Aug 05, 2016 at 12:51 am

        If the models are good, people will try to buy no matter how many middleman (like Alphard from grey importers).

        If the car are junk quality, discount RM10k also no one touch. Proton is the best example.

        Like or Dislike: Thumb up 1 Thumb down 2
 

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