Just as there appears to be a difference in the questions that rev-head hot rodders usually ask (i.e. how fast does it go?) and environmentalists (do they recycle the batteries?), it’s pretty clear that women have different expectations of a car to that of men.
At a recent Australian Electric Vehicles Association EV experience day (see this article), my wife Majella and I answered questions about our Tesla Model 3 flat out for about 4 hours.
This was 4 days ago. This morning I realised just how different some of the conversations that she had were to mine. In my defence we have had a house full of grandchildren and so haven’t talked to each other as much as we usually do.
Before we left for the AEVA day we had a conversation about how to prepare our Model 3, which was to be on display. Majella wanted to clean it and take out the baby seats. I disagreed, I like to demonstrate that this car is used for daily activities – it gets grubby, has some lolly wrappers on the floor and quite often a couple of rug rats in the back seat.
At the AEVA day, a couple walked and rolled by, she was in a wheelchair. She looked longingly at the car and was about to move on when Majella said: “Your wheelchair will fit in the boot”. We have a daughter who is currently recovering from FND and using a wheelchair. Then followed a wonderful conversation about how a Tesla could be used by someone with mobility needs.
Many mums and grandmothers commented on the car seats and how much their children/ grandchildren would love the car. Then Majella showed them fart mode. It went from 0 – 100% love in a nanosecond. They could have fun with the kids in this one!
A heavily pregnant woman was excited about the heated seats and the lumbar support. The lack of clutter in the dashboard, the ease of use of the air-conditioning controls and the use of voice commands, all were commented on positively.
Majella explained the Departure scheduling to a business woman. And to another, the convenience of being able to cool down the car before returning with the shopping and a hot cranky child (this is Queensland after all) .
That’s the thing with the Tesla Model 3. It’s not just grunt, it’s also comfort and convenience.
Note: Majella is a mother and grandmother. She has practiced her people skills over many years in retail. She is an amateur gemologist who enjoys faceting gemstones she has found herself.
David Waterworth is a researcher and writer, a retired teacher who divides his time between looking after his grandchildren and trying to make sure they have a planet to live on. He owns 50 shares of Tesla.
David Waterworth is a researcher and writer, a retired school teacher who continues to provoke thought through his writing. He divides his time between looking after his grandchildren and trying to make sure they have a planet to live on. He is long on Tesla.