Tesla's New Pickleball Paddle: A Surprising Hit

Tesla, known for its electric cars and futuristic tech, has ventured into a new area: pickleball. They recently launched a limited-edition paddle called the Tesla Plaid. It costs $350 and sold out in just three hours. This isn't Tesla's first lifestyle product, but it is their first foray into traditional sports gear. They also sell items like $65 salt and pepper shakers and a $1, 600 electric quadbike for kids. The paddle is made from carbon fiber with a foam core. It's designed for high-performance play, not just as a branded item. Selkirk, the paddle maker, worked closely with Tesla's design team for over a year. They exchanged data, tweaked the design, and tested prototypes. The idea came from a meeting at the 2023 USA Pickleball National Championships.Pickleball is growing fast. In 2024, about 19. 8 million Americans played it, up 45. 8% from the previous year. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is a fan. He once said pickleball is more convenient than tennis and might even overtake it. The paddle's price is steep compared to other high-end paddles, which usually cost less than $150. But despite the high price, it sold out quickly. Tesla plans to release more paddles next week. This move shows Tesla's interest in expanding beyond cars and tech. It's a bold step into the world of sports and lifestyle products. The paddle's success might encourage more companies to explore similar ventures.