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Meet Tesla’s #1 fan who was inspired by “Revenge of the Electric Car”

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The following story was first published by Matt Pressman at EVANNEX.

We get amazing photos and stories from Tesla fans all over the world. Whether it be rock stars, pro athletes, or avid Tesla owners, we’re fortunate to have connected with so many in the Tesla community. One intriguing email came in just recently. Steve Distante wrote to us, “I have been called Tesla’s #1 fan… I belong to a couple of Tesla groups and have been called a narcissist, an egomaniac and awesome, I prefer the last one” — indeed, we agree with that last adjective — Steve’s pretty awesome and it was fun to learn more about his love for Tesla.

First of all, Steve loves his Tesla Roadster: “My 2010 Roadster was a gift for my 50th birthday from my wife Heidi, she knew I was in love with the car and arranged for my baby… it is definitely a little guy and I either [get] asked ‘How do you fit in that?’ or ‘I love your Ferrari’, both of which make me smile. I had that one wrapped with the same attention-getting red on matte [black] design as well as a couple of logos…. This [Roadster] is a very fun car.”

Source: Steve Distante via EVANNEX

I asked him how he first discovered Tesla and he explained, “My love for Tesla started after watching the documentary, Revenge of the Electric Car, which educated me about the history and the impact that we could have if we embraced electric vehicles. That is also where I began to appreciate how Elon Musk risked everything he owns, to make a difference with the vehicles that we drive.” Steve provides more in-depth insight into his unbridled love for electric cars and Tesla during an interview on The Grey Ave Podcast.

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What about his Tesla Model S experience thus far? Steve explained, “My current P90D with Ludicrous Mode is my second Model S. I was about to customize my P85D and I reached out to my local dealer and they had great deals on this demo with 21’s and a sunroof, which I didn’t have. I had planned to do a [vinyl] wrap on the P85D and decided to go a little crazy on the P90D, since I was already thinking about customizing in the first place. I added carbon fiber accents, a stripe and the red lettering the ‘wrapper’ used is reflective [see top image], so it is really obvious at night!”

Source: Steve Distante via EVANNEX

Steve’s commitment to clean energy extends from his cars to his work: “I have a LEED Platinum headquarters for my business powered by 295 solar panels and [I also] had two electric car charging stations [installed]. Last year we achieved 95.3% of our power from the sun… I own an investment firm that teaches people about a special way to invest called Impact Investing (also known as ESG and SRI), investing in things that are environmentally and/or socially beneficial. This is my purpose, to educate the public and advisors about this amazing way to ‘vote with your dollars’ by investing impactfully. I love it so much I created an online university called impactu.me to share, educate and certify advisors who want to learn more.”

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Tesla Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger

The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

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Credit: Hammer_of_something/Reddit

There comes a time in a driver’s life when one is faced with one’s limitations. For the driver of a Dodge Charger, this time came when he lost control and crashed into a Tesla Cybertruck–an absolute epic fail. 

A video of the rather unfortunate incident was shared on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit.

Charging Charger Fails

As could be seen in the video, which was posted on the subreddit by Model Y owner u/Hammer_of_something, a group of teens in a Dodge Charger decided to do some burnouts at a Tesla Supercharger. Unfortunately, the driver of the Charger failed in his burnout or donut attempt, resulting in the mopar sedan going over a curb and bumping a charging Cybertruck.

Ironically, the Dodge Charger seemed to have been parked at a Supercharger stall before its driver decided to perform the failed stunt. This suggests that the vehicle was likely ICE-ing a charging stall before it had its epic fail moment. Amusingly enough, the subreddit member noted that the Cybertruck did not seem like it took any damage at all despite its bump. The Charger, however, seemed like it ran into some trouble after crashing into the truck.

Alleged Aftermath

As per the the r/TeslaLounge subreddit member, the Cybertruck owner came rushing out to his vehicle after the Dodge Charger crashed into it. The Model Y owner then sent over the full video of the incident, which clearly showed the Charger attempting a burnout, failing, and bumping into the Cybertruck. The Cybertruck owner likely appreciated the video, in part because it showed the driver of the Dodge Charger absolutely freaking out after the incident.

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The Cybertruck is not an impregnable vehicle, but it can take bumps pretty well thanks to its thick stainless steel body. Based on this video, it appears that the Cybertruck can even take bumps from a charging Charger, all while chilling and charging at a Supercharger. As for the teens in the Dodge, they likely had to provide a long explanation to authorities after the incident, since the cops were called to the location.

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Anti-Elon Musk group crushes Tesla Model 3 with Sherman tank–with unexpected results

Ironically enough, the group’s video ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

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Credit: Led By Donkeys/X

Anti-Elon Musk protesters and critics tend to show their disdain for the CEO in various ways, but a recent video from political action group Led By Donkeys definitely takes the cake when it comes to creativity.

Ironially enough, the group’s video also ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

Tank vs. Tesla

In its video, Led By Donkeys featured Ken Turner, a 98-year-old veteran who served in the British army during World War II. The veteran stated that Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is “using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars.” 

He also noted that he had a message for the Tesla CEO: “We’ve crushed fascism before and we’ll crush it again.” To emphasize his point, the veteran proceeded to drive a Sherman tank over a blue Tesla Model 3 sedan, which, of course, had a plate that read “Fascism.” 

The heavy tank crushed the Model 3’s glass roof and windows, much to the delight of Led By Donkeys’ commenters on its official YouTube channel. But at the end of it all, the aftermath of the anti-Elon Musk demonstration ended up showcasing something positive for the electric vehicle maker.

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Tesla Model 3 Tanks the Tank?

As could be seen from the wreckage of the Tesla Model 3 after its Sherman encounter, only the glass roof and windows of the all-electric sedan were crushed. Looking at the wreckage of the Model 3, it seemed like its doors could still be opened, and everything on its lower section looked intact.

Considering that a standard M4 Sherman weighs about 66,800 to 84,000 pounds, the Model 3 actually weathered the tank’s assault really well. Granted, the vehicle’s suspension height before the political action group’s demonstration suggests that the Model 3’s high voltage battery had been removed beforehand. But even if it hadn’t been taken off, it seemed like the vehicle’s battery would have survived the heavy ordeal without much incident.

This was highlighted in comments from users on social media platform X, many of whom noted that a person in the Model 3 could very well have survived the ordeal with the Sherman. And that, ultimately, just speaks to the safety of Tesla’s vehicles. There is a reason why Teslas consistently rank among the safest cars on the road, after all.

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Tesla Model 3 driver is using FSD to travel to Mt. Everest Base Camp

The ambitious, nearly 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) Tesla FSD journey is being livestreamed on Chinese social media.

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Credit: Douyin 老高懂电车

Count on Tesla drivers in China to push Full Self Driving (FSD) as far as it could go. As could be seen in videos posted on Chinese social media, a brave Model 3 owner is currently going on an epic journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest on FSD.

Recent posts from the Model 3 driver suggest that the ambitious destination may be within reach.

Epic FSD Journey

As noted by Tesla owner-enthusiast Aaron Li, the journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest spans almost 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). The journey itself is epic, with stunning vistas and roads that require some drivers to bring oxygen canisters with them. The fact that it is being done using FSD makes it extra impressive. 

Based on the videos that have been recently shared, the Model 3 running FSD seems to be nearing the Everest Base Camp. There seems to be a good chance that the Tesla Model 3 may reach its destination this Friday.

Previous Everest Trips

This is not the first time that a Tesla has driven to Mt. Everest’s base camp.  That would be a Model 3 that was driven in September 2020. That vehicle, which went on a long 5,500 km (3,400-mile) journey, was manually driven to its destination. 

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In April 2021, Tesla China announced that it has completed the buildout of 11 Supercharger stations in the picturesque route from Chengdu to Tingri. This route would allow drivers to reach the base camp of Mt. Everest. Sure enough, in July 2022, Tesla China shared a video of two Teslas—a Model X and Model Y—reaching the Everest base camp without any issues. Numerous other Tesla drivers have since taken on the long, picturesque journey.

Check out this Tesla Model Y’s journey to the Mt. Everest base camp in the video below.

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