Tesla Owner's UberX Cost Analysis

This article presents a compelling argument for why using UberX in San Francisco might be more cost-effective than owning and driving a Tesla, specifically a Tesla Roadster. The author, a Tesla owner, details their personal cost analysis, highlighting the surprising results.

• The author initially used a web calculator and was astonished by the results, prompting them to conduct a more in-depth analysis with precise numbers.
• Despite the initial shock, their refined calculations confirmed that UberX was still cheaper than owning and driving their Tesla Roadster.

Tesla Charging Costs

The author meticulously breaks down the charging cost for their Tesla Roadster, which averages $10 for approximately 200 miles of range. This cost is influenced by peak pricing fluctuations, and the author notes that they often pay non-peak rates.

Tesla Depreciation

Acknowledging the high depreciation of Tesla cars, the author highlights how the battery pack's degradation contributes to this factor. This depreciation impacts the overall cost of owning and driving a Tesla, especially in comparison to a traditional car.

UberX Cost Analysis

The author uses an average cost per mile for UberX of $2, which they consider a fair average based on their experiences with minimum fares and longer rides. They emphasize that the cost can vary significantly, being higher for short trips and lower for longer trips.

Tesla Driving Alternatives in San Francisco

The author discusses their use of Caltrain, a commuter rail system, for travel within San Francisco. They mention using Caltrain about half the time, particularly when traveling to the south bay. The author estimates their annual Caltrain expense to be a few hundred dollars.

Tesla Ownership vs. UberX: The Tipping Point

The article concludes by highlighting the author's belief that Uber is undervalued, particularly for people like them who opt for ride-hailing services like UberX over car ownership. They argue that the convenience and cost-effectiveness of UberX have reached a tipping point, making it a compelling alternative to owning a car, even a high-end car like a Tesla.

Tesla's Impact on Ride-Hailing Services

The author believes that their situation, using UberX extensively over car ownership, is a testament to the growing popularity of ride-hailing services. They emphasize that the convenience and cost-effectiveness of these services, combined with the increasing cost of car ownership, are driving this trend.

• The author argues that those who underestimate the value of Uber fail to consider individuals like them, who are willing to switch from car ownership to ride-hailing services due to the cost savings and convenience offered.
• The author suggests that the increasing adoption of ride-hailing services like UberX is a significant factor in the growing market value of these companies.

Tesla and the Future of Transportation

This article provides a unique perspective on the evolving landscape of transportation, where the convenience and cost-effectiveness of ride-hailing services are challenging the traditional model of car ownership. The author's experience with UberX, even in the context of owning a high-end car like a Tesla, offers a glimpse into this changing dynamic.

• The author's decision to use UberX extensively highlights the growing importance of factors like convenience, affordability, and flexibility in transportation choices.
• The author's case study suggests that ride-hailing services like UberX are not just a temporary trend but a significant force shaping the future of transportation.