Thirteen years ago, automotive analyst Mike Ramsey experienced something revolutionary behind the wheel of the Tesla Model S. The vehicle wasn’t just another car; it signaled a fundamental shift in how automobiles would be designed, built, and perceived.
The Dawn of a New Era
The Model S introduced a radical design: a massive 17-inch touchscreen dominating the dashboard, a feature unheard of at the time. The electric powertrain, with fewer mechanical components than traditional cars, created an unexpectedly spacious interior. But the true shock came with acceleration. Ramsey described being “thrown back into the seat” by instant torque, yet experiencing near-silence—a jarring contrast that underscored the car’s groundbreaking nature.
Production Shift Signals a Changing Market
On Wednesday, Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced the end of Model S and Model X production, opting to repurpose factory space for robotics. This decision follows years of declining sales, as the company’s volume has overwhelmingly shifted to the more affordable Model Y and Model 3. Despite this change, industry experts recognize the Model S as one of the most influential vehicles in automotive history.
A Modern Ford Model T
The Model S wasn’t merely another electric vehicle; it was a catalyst. Before its arrival, EVs were niche products, designed primarily for compliance with emissions regulations and marketed to a small segment of eco-conscious buyers. They were, in essence, uninspiring. The Model S broke this mold, demonstrating that electric cars could be desirable —powerful, luxurious, and technologically advanced.
Like Ford’s Model T, the Model S redefined the automobile. Both vehicles challenged existing norms, proving cars could be cheaper, easier to manufacture, and radically different from what came before. The Model S didn’t just introduce an electric car; it reshaped the entire industry’s trajectory.
The Tesla Model S proved that electric cars could be desirable, powerful, and technologically advanced. Its impact transcends sales numbers; it fundamentally changed what a car could be.
