reSee.it Podcast Summary
Rich Benoit shares his journey of buying a broken Tesla that had been submerged in water during Hurricane Sandy. The previous owner attempted to drive through floodwaters, leading to significant damage. Tesla typically writes off cars with water damage, making parts hard to obtain. Rich discusses the challenges of repairing the car, including the refusal of Tesla to sell him parts due to the car being listed as salvaged. He ultimately bought another damaged Tesla to salvage parts from it, spending around $30,000 in total.
The conversation shifts to the automotive industry, touching on the Fisker incident during Hurricane Sandy, where cars caught fire after being submerged. Rich critiques the design and performance of Fisker cars, noting they were not well-received. He contrasts American and German cars, praising the engineering of German vehicles while highlighting the advancements in American cars, particularly Teslas.
Rich describes his experience with his Tesla, emphasizing its power and performance, and how it has changed his perception of cars. He shares his journey into the world of electric vehicles and the DIY spirit that drove him to fix his Tesla. The discussion includes the growing trend of swapping Tesla motors into classic cars, likening it to the popular LS swaps in the automotive community.
The conversation also delves into the societal implications of electric vehicles, the future of transportation, and the challenges of maintaining a sustainable environment. Rich expresses his thoughts on the potential for electric vehicles to dominate the market and the need for better infrastructure to support them.
Rich shares his personal experiences with hunting and the outdoors, discussing the challenges of survival in the wild and the skills required to thrive. He reflects on the importance of taking risks in life, drawing parallels between hunting and pursuing passions like stand-up comedy. The conversation concludes with Rich contemplating the future of his career, the importance of following one's dreams, and the potential for personal growth through new experiences.