Arran Blomfield as told to David Waterworth
My wife Natalie and I own a Tesla Model X, which is an absolutely amazing vehicle. We also have a small part-time chauffer business and over November 2021 I had over 15 bookings escorting students to their school formals as part of the 30 bookings we had overall. November 5th through to the 23rd is the busiest time of year for me. It’s not a significant income, but it is enjoyable, and does indeed tend to top up the beverage fund rather well.
We thoroughly enjoy being a small part of school leavers’ special evenings, and our Tesla Model X really impresses with the falcon-wing doors and party mode, among other features. I also enjoy fielding questions about Tesla, and electric vehicles in general, helping educate young people about the joys and excitement of owning an electric vehicle, and of course the many benefits to the environment.
Last November we were contacted by Luke Smith from Tesla Owners Club of Australia to assist with the Strong Hearts formal. Strong Hearts is a group of young adults with disabilities. They would not have otherwise had the chance to participate in a school formal.
Needless to say, we certainly wanted to be a part of such a wonderful charitable event and we assisted with escorting around 20 young people to their event that evening. It was great to play a part and see them enjoy the experience of this important ritual.
We love fulfilling the wishes of children who are keen to be involved with a Tesla. It was Riley’s dream to at least sit in a Model X for his 9th birthday. His passion and understanding of the brand and the products are inspiring. So Riley’s mum sent me a message: “Hi! Are you free on the 12th of February at 12pm?”
My response was, “Sure how long do you require the service and where are you located?”
“Two hours, East Brisbane.” came the answer.
The family was committed to making Riley’s birthday memorable; another experience I was privileged to be a part of. So, I suited up, spent quality time brushing my hair and applying gel to my long vibrant locks so as to look presentable. Then jumped in the Tesla Model X and made the hour-long journey to the eagerly awaiting family.
When I arrived there was a crowd of onlookers, feeling like I was a clown ready to jump on stage and start juggling balls, I decided to gingerly introduce myself. Mum ran in to tell Riley: “Riley your birthday present is here, you can come out now!” Riley runs out and says with a stunned look on his face, “It’s a Tesla X. Is this our new car?” We all laughed, “No mate, but it’s yours for two hours though.”
Riley introduced himself and then adds: “I know everything about there is to know about the Tesla Model X!” I didn’t doubt it. “Can I sit in the front seat?”
“Of course you can, you can do whatever you want, apart from driving the car. “
The quick response: “No need for me to drive the car, it drives itself!”
After 30 minutes of playing with the Tesla main screen, and me losing Beach Buggy Racing 2 and going down in the game called Supersonic, we decided to make the drive around the local area visiting the parks by the water. We take off and Riley calls out “Wow! It feels like a roller coaster!”
When we arrive back home, I field the usual questions about electric vehicles: What are the costs of running an electric vehicle? How much range do you receive on a single charge in the Tesla X? What happens when the battery need upgrading?
But before I could answer, Riley pops up and responds with all the answers. “Like he said,” I confirm. “Riley, you appear to know more than me about the tech provided in the vehicle.”
“I do!” he replied.
After a few trips around the block with all the different family members, we decide to finish the drive with the celebration mode. The celebration mode is the setting in which the car can complete a dance routine. The vehicles falcon doors open and close to the sound of music along with flashing and strobing lights, windows will synchronise to the flow of the music, the dance will continue for three or four minutes.
I’ll never forget the faces when the dance mode had completed. I was feeling humbled and a bit overwhelmed that a car can bring so much joy and wonder to many people’s lives. I’m guilty of taking that feeling for granted, and completing these drives always brings me back to earth.
