The Forgotten Tesla That Failed

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Video details: Most people are unaware that there was a brief period in Tesla history when the company marketed and sold l its most affordable EV to date. The 2013 Tesla Model S with a 40 kWh battery capacity offered a range of just 160 miles. This video dives into the details of just how many of these vehicles exist today and why nobody wanted it.

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[jackdowden]

I bought one, thinking that I would use it for local travel and the wife’s Mercedes on road trips. After one trip driving the Mercedes, I upgraded the soft to 60 and added supercharging. The car now has 86000 miles.

[ernestbecker]

Thank you for this history on the 40kwh. I reserved one of these in 2011, and it was delivered May, 2013. My wife and I still have this car and she drives it daily. She is always correcting Facebook groups when this car gets mentioned because they are usually wrong regarding the story. Our car has 78k miles on it and charges to 128 miles. The last time it was at a service center, the advisor led me to believe there were less than 20 remaining. I often joke that i will never upgrade the car until Elon comes to my door and says " you are the last one, give it up already".

[Kaodusanya]

wow imagine that those companies still STILL haven't come out with 300 mile cars yet.

[MsAngrybutterfly]

What a great trip down memory lane! I started working at Tesla in 2011, and I've seen one of these cars in the wild and spoke to the owners, it was great because they were huge fans! I made many of the very early production rotors, and I made the rotor in the display at the 7:10 mark!

[joe]

My 2017 Model X 60D was actually a software limited 75D. It’s rare too!

[plangston]

First Tesla I ever test drove was a used 40. Didn’t know they even made one. I kept saying to the salesman. “This is a 40”. Had freaked me out. Still loved the way it drove. Instant Tesla grin. Bought a 85 a year or so later. Driving a Y now!

[morrisonbrett]

Loved this video! I had forgotten about the 40KwH until this. And it was great to see the old versions of the touchpad software again. Thanks for making Kim!

[chrisose]

CNBC is going to glamorize this video lol. “Breaking news on CNBC tonight, remember that crappy range Tesla from years ago? Well, watch this YouTubers video to learn about it.”

[JakesOnline]

That's exactly what I thought back then "All Teslas cost $100k"

[JustPeaceLoveAndKindness]

Nice concise little documentary. Thank you for this excellent retrospective of the EV industry.

[rowancrist]

I have been a big fan of Tesla for a long time. Last month, we got a model 3 long range, with aero wheels (which I think look fine), with full autopilot, and with the black and white interior. I it!! It’s super quiet too. I love how the glass is all around the car, and it looks good too. Autopilot is so cool, I’m so glad we got the full self driving feature. My favorite part is navigate on autopilot, because it will go where you want to go.

[earthling]

I actually see Teslas almost 4 times a week, maybe everyday, and I live in near Seattle, Washington.

[SCWgreg]

Great research Kim! I was there following Tesla since late 2008, seeing the changes in their website. It wasn’t until 2011 that I realized I would buy one. Our journey officially started in 2012 with the order of an 85s Model S. Trading in as we go, then to a Model 3 (I’ve been able to break even on each one), and we’re now on our third Tesla, a Model Y. It’s been a fantastic ride.

[BrianBull]

I almost forgot about Bob :) haha 1:13 ! He was such a part of Tesla history hahahaha ! Thanks Bob

[smalllondon]

Everything about Tesla is crazy! The battery life, the tail lights, the interior etc. Tesla stocks is the best of them all! I have always hoped to invest in Tesla stocks one day but the thought of doing so without enough knowledge of the stocks market makes the whole thing less attractive to me. One cannot afford to lose any money in this pandemic era

[wm.perrykillam]

Congratulations on the new member of your family. Nice to have you back on YouTube.

[GetOutsideYourself]

Cool parade. Out of the 550 homes in my neighborhood, I think we could put together a 330 Tesla parade too. Seems like everybody's got one. Surprised to see that many in ATL.

[hennek]

I would love to have a story on that prototype. See where it is and what the specs are and what kind of software it´s running

[johnp.weiksnar]

Excellent documentary, right down to the detail of no badging! Stands out among any I've seen on the topic.

I once saw a 40kWh for sale used and almost jumped on it, but waited for a Model 3.

Also, will you do a sequel video on the first Tesla YouTube channels? I've always credited @KmanAuto for taking that claim.

[dgmcginty]

we have one of the Originals in our area. Its a bit more then a daily driver..They have 440, 000 on the car and it JUST KEEPS TICKING. (Commute 90 miles each way, 5 days per week)