Almost 500,000 cars delivered in 2020. Moving to Texas and building a huge new factory there.
Wonder when they're going to turn a profit? What would the stock price be with proper management in such a heavy industrial environment?
I'm not sold on a car that's (1) so expensive, (2) has no dealers, (3) has no outside mechanics that can do repairs and (4) does not sell parts to the public. Just try to get one repaired if it's in a wreck. And I don't care to have to plan out every 200 mile trip so I can find a Supercharger.
Not sure what constitutes "proper management" in your view. Ford, GM, VW? They are all scrambling to create an EV that can compete in the market with Tesla. Not very impressive from a management standpoint.
Regarding profit, Tesla will complete two new and massive factories in Berlin and Austin this year while the CA and China factory are producing thousands of Model Ys and 3s each week, currently. Projections for 2021 are a million cars sold. Tesla also is expanding on its huge advantage in charging infrastructure.
Yes, the cars are still too expensive, but not by much and the prices are coming down while the driving range is going up. A 263 mile Model 3 will cost about $38,000 and a 244 mile Model Y sells for $42,000. Higher mileage versions are a little more:
https://www.tesla.com/modely/design#battery
Price out a similarly equipped Toyota Camry or Rav4 and you will pay close to the same.
No dealers is an advantage, not a weakness. What value do you find in buying from a dealer?
Service must continue to improve, but give it time. Starting from nothing takes a few years. I would note that you will never have to change your oil, timing belts, or brakes with an EV, although tires will wear a little faster due to better torque and acceleration.
Cross country drives in a Tesla will cost about 1/3 less than ICE cars, but you are correct that charging will force you to take a break every 4 or 5 hours. Supercharging takes 30-40 minutes. I would get a meal, visit a restroom, and stretch my legs during that time, but I understand some are in a bigger hurry.
When not on cross country trips you can charge in your garage or carport. In my view, the time saved avoiding weekly trips to the local gas station outweighs the extra time spent charging on a cross country.
EVs are displacing ICE vehicles as we speak and the pace will continue to grow. This thread asks about the "long-term" investment value. If the future is with EVs, then the long-term is looking good.