The people here aren’t Hollywood stars or billionaire tech entrepreneurs who may own Ferraris and private jets. But they are fine. The median household income in the area exceeds $ 165,000, and half of the homes are worth more than $ 1 million. Eight out of ten residents have at least a bachelor’s degree. As a high-income early buyer, you can easily claim the federal electric vehicle tax credit.
The incentives “subsidize my luxury,” said Mr Teglia, who also has solar panels in his home. The Model 3s he owns sell for about $ 40,000 before government incentives are granted.
Dr. Jack Hsiao, an obstetrician and gynecologist, had avoided buying an electric vehicle because he feared he would not be able to drive very far before hooking up – a phenomenon known as range anxiety. But his sister, who moved from Texas to California and bought solar panels and a Tesla, persuaded her father, who was with Dr. Hsiao, 54, lives together, also to buy. After his family, Dr. Hsiao a Tesla and solar panels.
“Gas prices have just gone through the roof and since I have the solar panels it cost me next to nothing,” he said. “It was just perfect for me.”
Elaine Borseth, a retired chiropractor, is another convert. Before she bought a Model S, she had never spent more than $ 20,000 on a car. But after seeing several of the big, sporty sedans on the road, she drove one about seven years ago. “I found her elegant and sexy,” said Ms. Borseth, who now heads the Electric Vehicle Association of San Diego.
“It’s almost one of those cases where the more you see it just grows on its own,” she said, explaining why there are so many electric cars in her neighborhood.