Electric car experience with a Tesla Model 3
Jun 29, 2023
- Top level summary: the logistics of travel and use is different from that of “regular” cars. But you can commute and you can go places.
- Used Teslas are a thing.
- We would not have bought a new Tesla.
- We got a used one in good condition, with 31,500 miles. So far (3 months in) it is working fine.
- Dual motor, long range battery, total $40,200.00 out the lot (with all taxes and expenses paid), selected 50% downpayment.
- No rebates for used cars.
- Really, just buy a used one if you want one.
- If you want to test one, rent one from turo.com for a weekend trip, for example.
- Tesla Model 3 is smaller and lower than Model Y, for example, so make sure you test the one you want, or test multiple if not sure
- Model 3 also has less external automation (e.g. no powered trunks), although I understand that newer models do have this. Ours does not.
- To us, only long range models, and only all-wheel drive works well (i.e. dual motor).
- Dual motor has 450hp total, it’s insane.
- I artificially limit the acceleration to ensure a smooth ride.
- M doesn’t. It’s a ticket magnet.
- The car is powerful and grippy, and feels and handles like a go-kart. Lots of fun to drive.
- Long hauls and all nighters are not possible. You must stop for recharge.
- Only superchargers are worth the charging wait.
- The charging wait is typically from 15 min to 60 min, depending on the length of your next trip leg.
- The daily commute vs long haul logistics are different:
- For daily commuting, you should charge at home.
- This way you never need to stop at a charger so long as you are not going on a long haul.
- Tesla does not recommend using the supercharger on a daily basis anyways.
- We found that a regular 120V outlet will charge 25% of the battery overnight.
- This is enough for our local needs.
- For long hauls, planning is essential.
- The routing software on board does not behave particularly well in areas with poor cellular phone coverage (i.e. without an internet connection).
- We found that having to stop every 2 to 3 hours is fine for us.
- The supercharger network will determine where you can go, but so far we were able to drive all the roads that we wanted.
- We drove across the continent twice so far, 10,000 miles total.
- Cruise control, autopilot, traffic-aware autopilot and full self driving.
- It kind of works.
- “Phantom braking” is a thing. Look it up.
- Full self driving quality is spotty, you must stay alert.
- It costs $15,000 for full self-driving, but it does not transfer with the car.
- It costs $200/month to rent the self-driving capability. Do that instead only when you need it.
- We found it useful to buy various NEMA 30A and 50A plugs for less range anxiety on long hauls.
- You can charge at RV camps.
- However, RV camp power is not “clean” enough, which may affect battery lifetime is what I heard.
- I have not verified this claim.
- RV camps also have regular 120V (12A) plugs, which work well.
- You can sleep in your car, with AC on.
- Great for on-the-road camping in too hot or too cold climates.
- The ladies said it has served them well in Death Valley and other spots.
- Battery does have a lifetime, but is rated for 1M miles.
- I think that the rest of the car will die first.
- Repairs are costlier vs a Subaru for example.
- It is very easy to crack the windshield. Repair is $2,000 to $3,000.
- Compare that to ~$300 for a Subaru Forester windshield in San Francisco.
- Electricity is about 30% cheaper per mile compared to gas.
- So, not that much cheaper really.
- And it depends on your location.
- Tesla does not have a fixture for a front license plate.
- But, a front plate is required in California. We already got fined once for not having a front plate.