Photo: u/marco0782 on Reddit
Tesla has been in the electric vehicle (EV) world for well over a decade now, and while other car manufacturers are showing up way late to the party, a batch of prototype pictures posted to Reddit reminds us how far the California EV company has been at it, comparatively.
On Tuesday, one user shared pictures of a pre-production 2009 Tesla Model S prototype, as seen at Petersen Auto Museum in Los Angeles, California. The post, as shared by Reddit user u/marco0782 on the Tesla Motors subreddit, depicts a red Tesla Model S, complete with a fake gas cap, the old chrome bar-style back, and a grill on the front, all of which were later removed.
The original Model S prototype, now a relic compared to most recently-refreshed Tesla’s Model S, is a classic red color and includes old rims and tires that aren’t even available for buyers of the Model S.
Many users commented that the prototype was even ahead of its own time, despite now being over a decade old. Commenters on the thread also emphasized that Tesla has been at the EV game for more than 10 years, while most legacy automakers are just beginning to release and deliver their first few EVs.
The Model S has come a long way, with Tesla having recently unveiled its long-anticipated Model S Plaid this year, which is reportedly the company’s “best car ever,” according to CEO Elon Musk.
