Tesla & Elon Musk Made Sedans Cool Again For a Brief, Shining Moment.

by Gabrielle DeSantis

The sedan is dead. However, even dead things can let out a last ghostly gasp from time to time. For a brief, shining moment, Tesla and Elon Musk gave the sedan one last breath of fresh air. Historically, the sedan is certainly one of America’s fastest declining segments. Nowadays, those with families, and even those without, turn to the SUV, or the truck, or the crossover. But Tesla changed that with one car.

Tesla jolted the sedan back to life

Resting in Catalunya | Joan Cros via Getty Images

The Tesla Model S experienced a meteoric rise on its debut back in 2012. Of course, things were off to a somewhat slow start. EV culture was in its infancy, and range anxiety was way more of an issue than it is now. However, year by year, the Tesla sedan became something no one really thought it would be: a status symbol.

Normally, when we think of cars as status symbols, we think BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Lamborghini, Ferrari. Storied brands with history and that oh-so-important “pedigree” factor. They’re classic symbols of wealth that Tesla simply wasn’t at the time. However, the Model S changed what that meant. It pushed the status symbol spotlight from objects of wealth onto something else: consciousness.

The Model S, for all its flaws, deserves the limelight

The center display of a 2017 Model S
The Model S center display | Patricia de Melo via Getty Images

Now, I use conciousness here as a similie for forward-thinking. Because that’s what the Tesla Model S came to represent, for a while at least. People were buying a Tesla Model S to say “look, I care about the environment. My car is green, baby!” And it worked. Those ideas of forward-thinking and conciousness have become symbols of status just as much as zeros in a bank account, or how many cows you killed for your Bentley.

The sales numbers reflected that trend for a while too. Just look at the sales statistics from GoodCarBadCar. Up until 2018, the Tesla Model S was on an upward trend. All of that is justly deserved, marketing antics aside. The Model S elevated the sedan. It something to aspire to again, not some massive truck with 70-inch rims, lightbars screaming into the night.

Unfortunately, the Model X &Y were the nail in the coffin

A closeup of a white Model S sedan charging in Germany
Charging in Germany | Dünzl via Getty Images

That is, until Tesla’s other, larger SUV and crossover options began to catch on. Tesla took a hit in production sometime between 2018 and 2019, and frankly, the Model S never recovered. The brand’s larger options, however, did. As of this year, the Model X outsells the Model S.

But, for a very brief period of time, Tesla changed the perception of what a status symbol was, and the sales numbers back that up. Sure, Elon Musk needs to be more realistic in his marketing. Yes, Tesla has quality control issues, and the company needs to change drasically. But they helped shift the status quo towards a greener means of transportation. So thanks, Tesla.

RELATED: Tesla Full Self-Driving vs Autopilot – Which Is Which?

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Nikola Founder Indicted For Fraud, Lying, to Increase Stock Value

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Questions about the legitimacy of electric vehicle manufacturer Nikola Motor Company have been swirling for almost a year. Today, a federal grand jury decided there were enough questionable moves to charge Nikola founder Trevor Milton with fraud for lying about “all aspects” of the company. His motivation was to increase stock sales which had become the lifeblood of the company.

Nikola became all about the stock value

Nikola EV semi-truck | Nikola

Investments were how Nikola stayed afloat. It had promised electric vehicle production for years with little to show. If you don’t produce anything, you can’t make money. So investments were how the company limped on. 

The US Attorney’s Office in Manhattan accused Milton of two counts of securities fraud. It says Milton lied about aspects of the company and also wire fraud. Then the SEC weighed in with civil securities fraud charges. 

Nikola front
Nikola EV truck | Nikola

“This is a very straightforward case,” U.S. Attorney Audrey Strauss told reporters. “Milton told lies to generate popular demand for the stock, beginning at least in or about March 2020. When Nikola announced that its stock would become publicly listed, Milton became increasingly preoccupied with keeping the company’s stock price high.”

Prosecutors say Milton was increasingly focused on the company’s stock. They say he lied about its vehicles, technology, and demand. The prosecutors also say he used its public offering to scam amateur investors. Some of those investors have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars.  

“Milton’s scheme targeted individual, non-professional investors — so-called retail investors — by making false and misleading statements directly to the investing public through social media, and television, print and podcast interviews,” says the indictment. 

Milton accumulated $1 billion from the company’s public offering

Nikola truck on mountain road
Nikola EV Motors | Nikola

Milton has accumulated more than $1 billion since the company went public a year ago. At that time, its stock was riding high at $93.99 a share. Today, it has taken a dump showing only $12.02 a share. That’s over a 15-percent plunge just today.

The wording of these charges does not soft-peddle the accusations. With such strong words, the feds must have more than ample ammunition to back their claims. Milton would do well to turn himself in and work with prosecutors. 

The strange road traveled by Nikola found it valued in June 2020, at more than Ford Motor Company. Such is the state of the stock market today. At that point, Milton had $8.5 billion in stock. 

Is Milton’s freedom worth $1 billion to him?

Nikola EV Motors logo
Nikola EV Motors | Nikola

The grand jury is asking that Milton “should forfeit all property traceable to the commission of said offenses.” That would pretty much flush all of Milton’s gains down the drain. One could ask, “Is Milton’s freedom worth $1 billion to him?”

Nikola has emphasized the charges are against Milton and not the company. The attorney for Milton, Brad Bondi, says Milton is “wrongfully accused following a faulty and incompetent investigation.” If you have been following the saga of this company it will get more interesting in the next weeks.

RELATED: Nikola Electric Trucks Promise a Tesla-Like Revolution

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These Three States Offer Free Windshield Replacements with No Deductible

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Having a cracked or damaged windshield is not only annoying, but it can also be dangerous. Having your windshield replaced in itself can be an annoying task, and in some states, it can even be rather expensive. While there are many mobile auto glass companies that will come to your home or work to replace your windshield, this doesn’t always come without its own costs. But, in a few states, you don’t even have to pay your car insurance deductible to get a new windshield, and, if you’re lucky, you can get it done quickly, safely, and almost completely at no cost.

What states offer free windshield replacements?

Spider cracks cover a windshield | Harold Hoch, MediaNews Group, Reading Eagle, Getty Images

There are only three states that offer friend windshield replacements with no deductible: Florida, Kentucky, and South Carolina. But that might leave you with more questions than it does answers. Are windshield replacements unlimited? Does it affect your insurance? Why do these states provide for free windshield replacement while others don’t? The first important thing to note is that the windshield replacement isn’t completely free, it only works if you have insurance on your vehicle. But, you can’t just have basic insurance on a vehicle, such as what would be the most affordable, basic insurance on a vehicle that is paid off. In order to enjoy the benefits of this policy, you have to have comprehensive insurance coverage on your vehicle.

States that offer separate glass coverage for vehicles

If you don’t live in one of these three states but find yourself wondering if you need insurance that covers glass damage on your vehicle, such as if you live in an area that gets harsh weather like hail, there are still several states that offer separate glass coverage policies for vehicles. This includes Minnesota, New York, Arizona, Connecticut, and Massachusetts. The policies offered in these states may include a free windshield at no cost or with a deductible that can vary, but is typically around $100 — and, depending on what vehicle you drive, that could save you thousands in a new windshield. Comprehensive coverage in some other states may also include windshield replacement as well depending on your plan, so it is important to check with your insurance provider, or keep this in mind when shopping around for a new insurance plan.

Is it dangerous to drive with a cracked windshield?

Driving with a cracked windshield can be dangerous for several reasons, even if the crack is seemingly small. Depending on where the crack or damage is, having a damaged windshield can reduce your visibility, and these cracks typically get bigger and bigger with time, presenting more of a problem. This damage also prevents your windshield from protecting you fully in case of a rollover or crash, and if an airbag is deployed it can push the damaged windshield out place, creating a new danger.

While there are only three states with state-wide requirements for insurance companies that have clients with comprehensive coverage to provide windshield replacements with no deductible, there are still options for drivers insured in other states.

RELATED: Does Car Insurance Cover Water Damage?

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Rapper Quavo’s Custom Tesla Model X Is a Major Flex

by Gabrielle DeSantis

Rappers really know how to live it up, especially when it comes to what they drive. Rapper Quavo of the hip-hop supergroup the Migos got a West Coast Customs exclusive Tesla Model X custom. The Tesla Model X is already considered a luxury SUV, but Quavo’s design idea and the crew at West Coast Customs took the Model X electric vehicle to the next level.

Quavo’s Model X gets a killer bloody red paint job

Quavo’s custom red Tesla Model X interior | West Coast Customs YouTube channel

Quavo and the Migos are killing the game, so the Grammy-nominated recording artist wanted his Tesla Model X to reflect that. The Migos frontman purchased a new Model X and told Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs that he wanted it bloody red with hints of chrome.

Ryan and the West Coast Customs team completely disassembled the Tesla Model X to ensure every panel was coated in candy paint and redo the interior. The Model X’s interior was customized with real red leather and diamond stitching. It also got an awesome new sound system with West Coast Custom exclusive subs.

Telsa Model Xs are luxury vehicles, but this custom took things up a notch. The cabin was equipped with red stars in the ceiling. The wheels were replaced with chrome Forgiatos. In just a month, the West Coast Customs team made the superstar’s dream a reality and transformed the Model X from simple to extravagant.

Is the Tesla Model X worth the price?

A red 2017 Tesla Model X electric vehicle.
The Tesla Model X | National Motor Museum/Heritage Images via Getty Images

Quavo’s custom Tesla is way beyond most of our budgets, but what about a stock Tesla Model X? Is one of Tesla’s most expensive models really worth the price? Tesla prices are constantly fluctuating. Currently, the 2021 Model X Long Range is listed at $94,990. The Model X Plaid is listed at $119,990.

Tesla Model X SUVs are extremely expensive. They do, however, come with some pretty unique specs and features. The Long Range trim is estimated to go a whopping 360 miles on a single charge using its dual motors. Most automakers are struggling to reach 300 miles of range for EVs, so 360 miles is pretty impressive. It also can do 0-60 miles per hour in just 3.8 seconds.

The Plaid trim has less range at 340 miles per single charge. This is still impressive, but battery range isn’t the Model X Plaid’s strong suit, speed is. The Model X Plaid can go 0-60 miles per hour in a mere 2.5 seconds. It uses a tri-motor system. It’s also important to note that both trims are standard all-wheel drive models.

So, is the luxury electric SUV worth its hefty price tag? If you have the money to spend, the Model X has many exclusive highlights to offer. The extraordinary electric vehicle comes with an extraordinary price, so it depends on how much you value speed and battery range in an EV.

The Model X is a great luxury electric vehicle

A white 2021 Tesla Model X driving down a highway.
2021 Tesla Model X | Tesla

Electric vehicles have often been accused of being impractical or weak. The Tesla Model X proves that electric vehicles can be luxurious, powerful, and even faster than some gas-powered vehicles. The Model X may not be within everyone’s price range, but it has taken electric vehicles to new heights.

RELATED: A Shocking Comparison: 2019 Audi E-Tron vs. 2020 Tesla Model X

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