August 30, 2013

The rear jump seats in our 2013 Tesla Model S are intended for children, but that didn't stop me from using them for a tailgate party. Intent on impressing my college buddies, I picked up the keys to the Model S last weekend and headed for Angels Stadium. Spoiler: They loved it.

We had a surplus of cargo space, as the Model S wasn't even remotely challenged by our lawn chairs, food bags and cooler. Once we parked, the Tesla gave us two extra seats and provided shelter from the setting sun. I thought for sure that after a certain amount of time the rear hatch would try to close on its own but it never did and after a few minutes without the key nearby, the lights for the hatch shut off as well.

Following burgers, dogs, cookies and lemon bars, I gave a few of my old college buddies a quick demonstration of the Tesla's all-electric torque capabilities before the first pitch. My friend Mark commented that he planned to buy a Model S instead of a home. His wife loved the Tesla, too, but she didn't approve.

After a walk-off homer in the 10th, I pulled up the Tesla app on my iPhone and set the climate control to 72 degrees. By the time, we got to the car, it was already pleasantly cool. So if you're planning a tailgate party, I can now confirm that the Tesla Model S is an ideal choice.

Travis Langness, Associate Editor @ 7,750 miles