There was a time when teens could scrounge through the recesses of their jean pockets for enough change to buy a couple of gallons of gas, enough to give everyone a lift home from wherever we’d been on mom and dad’s fumes. A gallon of gas could be had for pocket change, and a whole dollar’s worth would make the gas gauge move.
It was autumn of 1973 when the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, placed an embargo on oil exports to the United States and gave us an automotive rude awakening that included long lines at empty gas stations and gas prices with dollar signs in front of them.
Since then, attempts to limit dependency on foreign oil have included demanding auto manufacturers design vehicles with ever increasing fuel efficiency, developing synthetic fuels, and creating alternatively-fueled vehicles.
Miles per gallon efficiency rates have doubled and tripled, ethanol and biodiesel fuels power engines, while hybrid and electric powered vehicles are becoming common on highways and in driveways. I’ve even seen a Tesla or two during my morning commute in Roswell and Marietta.
The Tesla, an American made electric vehicle, has been the object of a lot of attention lately. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s car safety website, Safercar.gov, reports the Tesla Model S scored five of five possible stars in all crash test categories. Edmunds.com discovered that the Model S is the most popular vehicle in eight of the 25 wealthiest ZIP codes in America, as compiled by Forbes magazine’s 2013 List of America’s Most Expensive ZIP Codes.
Although I’m not in one of those ZIPs, a recent weekend found me at the Tesla Marietta Store. The first model I drove had the largest battery capacity, over 200 miles, and a price tag in excess of $80,000. There was no roar of the engine and no slow down when easing my foot off the gas, make that, “power” pedal, it basically just stops. But Tesla holds your hand with high tech modes that compensate as you become accustomed to the differences.
Meanwhile, advertisers promise new cars at year-end clearance prices with no money down and zero-percent financing for 60 months, to consumers with qualifying credit. I’d hope the terms are easy to qualify for, because in Georgia we need to negotiate the best deals we can manage. A Bankrate.com study declares Georgia, with the highest state automobile taxes and fees in the country, the most expensive state in the nation to own a car.
Although there are federal and state tax incentives for purchasing electric cars, I’d need 600 months to pay for a Tesla Model S. Anyone willing to finance?
Vicki Griffin has lived in Roswell for 22 years. You can reach her at vlg1230@hotmail.com
