Tesla Model S Named Among TIME’s Best Inventions of the 2000s
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Tesla Model S Earns Place Among TIME’s Best Inventions of the 2000s
Introduction
Tesla’s iconic Model S has earned a spot on TIME Magazine’s prestigious list of the Best Inventions of the 2000s — a recognition that underscores its role in redefining the electric vehicle (EV) industry. This accolade places it in the same league as the Model 3, which received similar honors in 2017, and cements the Model S’s status as a landmark innovation in the evolution of sustainable mobility.
The Model S and Its Lasting Legacy
Just as the Ford Model T transformed transportation in the early 1900s, the Tesla Model S reshaped the modern automotive landscape. Though it wasn’t the first EV to reach consumers, it was the first to prove that electric cars could combine long range, high performance, and premium design — qualities once exclusive to luxury combustion vehicles.
When TIME first highlighted the Model S in 2012, it praised the sedan for achieving an EPA-rated 265 miles (426 km) per charge — equivalent to 89 mpg (2.6 L/100 km) — while maintaining sleek aesthetics rivaling brands like Jaguar. Its large central touchscreen, a now-standard Tesla feature, was hailed as a bold departure from traditional dashboard layouts, offering an intuitive digital experience for drivers.
Redefining the Driving Experience
In its renewed recognition, TIME described the Model S as a “game-changing experience for electric vehicles.” The car didn’t just elevate Tesla’s reputation — it shifted the perception of EVs from experimental to aspirational. Alongside the 2008 Roadster, the Model S proved that electric power could deliver both excitement and practicality, paving the way for mass-market successors like the Model 3 and Model Y.
The Model S Today
While its influence remains undeniable, the Model S now represents a smaller share of Tesla’s sales mix. In 2024, Tesla sold a combined 85,133 units of its premium lineup — including the Model S, Model X, and early Cybertruck deliveries — out of a total 1.789 million vehicles delivered worldwide.
Speculation continues about a potential Model S refresh, but recent updates have been modest. Industry observers are debating whether Tesla will reinvent its flagship sedan or gradually phase it out in favor of newer, more scalable models.
Industry and Competitor Reactions
The renewed spotlight on the Model S has reignited discussion within the EV industry. Lucid Motors CEO Peter Rawlinson, a former Tesla engineer, remarked that “nothing has changed in 12 years,” pointing to what he views as stagnation in Tesla’s high-end offerings. These comments echo a broader industry sentiment: while Tesla continues to dominate EV sales, emerging competitors are innovating rapidly, intensifying pressure on the company to evolve its legacy products.
The Broader Impact on the EV Landscape
The Model S’s inclusion in TIME’s Best Inventions list serves as both a celebration and a reminder — a celebration of how far electric mobility has come, and a reminder that innovation remains the key to staying ahead. The Model S not only advanced battery and drivetrain technology but also inspired a global movement toward cleaner transportation.
Conclusion
More than a decade after its debut, the Tesla Model S remains a symbol of innovation and ambition. Its recognition by TIME reinforces its place in history as the vehicle that made electric driving desirable and attainable. As Tesla looks to the future, the challenge will be to build on this legacy — refining its technology, addressing new market realities, and continuing to set the standard for what an electric vehicle can be.