?? Tesla Model 3 full cost of ownership, esp including tax incentives in CA (where factory is) literally is the cheapest car on the market.
Despite all this I've always imagined it to be a great place to work because of the world-changing potential of the work.
But the idea of all these people toiling away on an amazing product they can't even hope to own just seems incredibly depressing. I guess it's no different to all the people making iPhones in China, it just hits closer to home.
Meanwhile, Tesla is not making a profit and one wrong move could destroy it - ending the jobs of thousands and an environmental movement in one fell swoop. Giving luxurious benefits to Tesla employees just isn't possible at this point.
Your criticism that Musk is just a capitalist who doesn't care about his workers and treat them well seems completely unfair.
Let's say your total tax liability for a year is $10,000. You paid in $11,000 via Payroll and other taxes. Without the credit you'd be due a refund of $1,000. If you are eligible for a $7,500 credit because you bought a Tesla you'd be due a $8,500 refund.
Let's say your tax liability for the year is $5,000. You've paid nothing in taxes for the year (probably because you knew you were buying the car and didn't need to). You bought a Tesla which makes you eligible for a $7,500 tax credit. You do not get anything refund from the IRS, but the $7,500 tax credit offsets your entire tax liability.
So just because it's a credit doesn't mean the credit is effective for low income people. You have to have enough income to have a high enough tax liability to even get the full $7,500.