[artsci]

Got to be careful dumping on Elon and the Model S. As best I can tell, there are quite a few Volt owners who have reservations for the Model S, me included. The Model S is far from B$ and that's not my opinion. All of the reviews and test drives have raved about the car. Musk is a game changer. His work was one of things that got Bob Lutz to push very hard for development of the Volt, and Lutz has said that for all to hear. If the world evolves to all electric cars, we'll have Musk to thank for pushing the envelope. By the way, posters on the Tesla web site are very positive about the Volt.

 

[artsci]

I agree with you completely, not argumentative at all. The Tesla, Leaf and Volt are all the best possible cars for people with the driving habits that each of those vehicles match.
You asked about what happens when you have a 350 mile trip. I would say you would drive your Volt by the sounds of it. For me, I NEVER have had, and don't ever expect to have a 350 mile trip. And the off chance I do, and have to drive myself, I will also take my Volt.
Each person buys the product that fits their needs. The Model S fits my needs perfectly. The Volt is a great backup in case I need to drive further, although if I get much further I would prefer to fly or take the train. I strongly suspect there is a sizable market share who's trips are within the limits of 265 miles. Time will tell.



Your assumption would be incorrect. Free supercharging is in effect for all 85kwh models.
Part of the reason it isn't even an option for the 40kwh Tesla's is it would fry that size battery pack or have to slow down to the point where you may as well be doing level 2 charging. And it that case why take up a spot when someone else can take advantage of the capabilities of the supercharger.

I make a 350 mile plus round trip once a year (about 420 miles actually), and that's to go on vacation in North Carolina. Next summer, when I make the trip again, I should have a choice of the Model S or the Volt (if I haven't sold it by then). I love the Volt and think it's a fabulous car but given the choice of driving straight through in one day and burning gas, or stopping for one night in a hotel and recharging the Model S, it's no contest. I hate burning gas and given my driving needs once I have the Tesla I'll never touch the stuff again. But if Tesla has superchargers installed along I-95 by then (a possibility but not likely until 2014) I can make the trip in day, stopping to supercharge midway while I have lunch.