Consumers expect convenience and ease of use. Lengthy charging times are a no-go. And when it comes to EVs, that makes the Tesla Model S the sole option. With a 265-mile E.P.A.-rated range and 90-kW charging from the supercharger network, this is an electric car as easy to use as a gas car. All that comes from the availability of a 85-kWh battery pack. That's the secret.

Tesla's stock price has soared since it announced its first profitable quarter this week, jumping to an all-time high of more than $80 per share this afternoon. Still, investors aren't buying because they expect Model S sales to compete with the Toyota Prius this year—they're buying because they expect Tesla to grow.

The Tesla Model S is one of the most advanced electric cars you can buy today. With a huge 17-inch touch screen doubling up as a center console, and a steady stream of software updates beamed directly to the car over its integrated 4G data connection, the Model S is part car, part gadget. If Tesla C.E.O. Elon Musk has his way, future Tesla models could go one step further—taking over the driving for you—something Musk calls a “logical step” in automotive technology.

On Friday, Elon Musk, chief executive of Tesla Motors, announced a revision of the Tesla Model S financing program—the one that was unveiled only a month ago. Tesla had presented the program as a big deal that makes the Model S more affordable, but it was met with criticism. “We decided we were wrong and other people were right and we decided to fix it,” said Musk. The changes include adjustments to the residual value guarantee, and lengthening the financing term to lower the payment.

Calling it the worlds best service and warranty program, Elon Musk unveiled a new warranty and service plan on Friday. It includes an unlimited battery warranty, and a Model S upgrade program. Is Tesla setting a standard for the rest of the auto industry to follow with its electric cars?