In defense of Tesla's price tag  May 13, 2013: 12:06 PM ET
Selling Teslas to wealthy people today may be the best way to
get electric cars to everyone tomorrow, and for the U.S. to wean
itself from its dependence on oil.  By Michael Levi  Tesla Model
S  Tesla Model S  FORTUNE -- Tesla Motors made news last
Wednesday when it posted its first quarterly profit. But the
maker of luxury electric vehicles continues to come under fire.
The U.S. government gives a $7,500 tax credit to anyone who buys
one of its cars, but at more than $70,000 for a Model S sedan,
only the rich can afford to benefit. The Department of Energy
has also provided the Palo Alto, Calif.-based company with a
$465 million loan guarantee, which boosts returns for Tesla's
wealthy owners while putting taxpayers' money at risk. No wonder
many are furious with Washington for "subsidizing cools cars for
rich people."   The U.S. economy is making big gains as domestic
oil production rises, but high U.S. oil use leaves the nation
vulnerable to dange