The Slat Rat and The Tesla
Last night, Peter and I met Songya and Can (pronounced John) for dinner at the Slanted Door. This was actually the first time we’d met Can. We’ve heard about him for the past year, but hadn’t yet been lucky enough to meet him.
Songya and Can were a few minutes late - they had a tough time finding a parking spot - Can had to get some change from the bar and go back out to feed the meter - on a Sunday night no less! Parking down in the Embarcadero can be tricky.
While Can was gone stuffing the meter with quarters, I asked Songya who Can worked for. She responded, “A car company.”
I asked, “Really, which one?”
She answered “Tesla…”, wondering if I’d ever heard of Tesla.
Well, as she uttered the word, “Tesla” I rocketed out of my seat. “Tesla!!!!!!!!!!!! OMG!
And it turns out that the car forlornly parked by the underfunded parking meter was a
Holy batmobile!!!! The Tesla Roadster is only one of the hottest sports car on the market. AND it’s completely battery powered. $130,000 of Geek heaven!!!!
When Can returned, I peppered him with questions, the first of course being, “Will you take me for a ride?!!!”
Oh boy! Oh boy! After dinner, Can and I went on a high powered cruise through the Embarcadero. Easily the hottest car I’ve ever been in. Wow! But maybe not the most comfortable. Can’s car was a weekend test loaner from the company. So, there were lots of computer cables hanging out on the passenger side - which made me feel right at home. The car is very low to the ground and it’s a true cockpit. The seats are low and tight. My legs stuck straight out inst amongst the cables.
The Roadster would not be a good Alaska car - not enough road for it. And the roads we do have, are peppered with frequent frost heaves. Very bad for a low clearance sports car.
But the car would be absolute heaven on California freeways or the Autobahn in Germany.
Peter said that when Can and I took off, it was very odd. We rocketed out of the parking space. But with absolutely no noise. Those electric cars…
And speaking of electric, the two Lithium-Ion battery packs were huge. Really really big. Took up most of the rear of the car.
Here are a few pics (but not of the batteries):
Standing next to the Tesla with Songya behind me and Can on the driver’s side.
In the driver’s seat! (I didn’t actually drive it - it’s a test model so I couldn’t. And besides it would have been way too scary)
Hello. I am 
so here I come looking for news on the Ice Classic and I see photos of palm trees.
Looks like you are having fun.
I want one!!! Mother’s Day????
I checked the ice for the Ice Classic late last night. There were large open spaces but even more area covered with rotten ice.
totally jealous of your time in that car. looks like you guys had a fabulous time!
Very nice ride. Good to see a picture of Songya too.