Are you sure? From where I sit, it looks like Tesla is just offering a traditional car with a different set of organs. They don't seem to show any signs of doing anything different than ford on the sales/direction angle.
- No dealerships
- Supercharger network (It started as free, but now it's moving to pay/minute usage). I expect that in the years to come it will become a profit center.
- Powerwall battery + solar roof integration
- Tesla seems to have more cars on the road doing some level of autonomous driving now than anyone else. I think that real world experience and data counts for something.
I do find it ironic that those that complain about Uber "violating the law" when it comes to taxi services seem to have no problem not complaining when Tesla attempts to subvert many state laws against direct-sales. For the record, I think Uber should challenge ridiculous anti-competitive regulations just as Tesla should challenge ridiculous anti-competitive regulations.
But you can't cheer Tesla fighting the law while condemning Uber for doing the same and stay intellectually consistent.
Dealership laws were passed ostensibly to 'protect the consumer' just as taxi regulations were passed for the same reason. In reality, both types of laws don't protect anyone -- except industry incumbents.
2. Is anyone interested in adopting Tesla's power connector ? If not then it is a massive sunk cost. Not a smart move for a small company.
3. Not aware of any unique integation between Tesla car and the Powerwall battery. I can imagine the car being used as an extended battery but that's hardly a game changer.
4. The big difference for me having driven a Tesla is how god awful the interiors are. Arguably one of the worst on the road today. That's definitely unique.