7 uncommon things to know before you switch to a Tesla
Last update: Wed Aug 07 2019
Some of the most common misconceptions that you may not expect when switching to a Tesla.
WAAAAY Lower gas costs
| Tesla Model 3 LR | BMW 330i | |
|---|---|---|
| Miles per gallon / kWh | 4.1 miles per kWh | 36 highway mpg |
| Cost per gallon / kWh | $0.19/kWh (LA) | $3.57/gal |
| Cost per mile | $0.04 per mile | $0.09 per mile |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75kWh | 15.6 gal |
| Full tank cost | $14.25 | $55.40 |
| Range | 307 miles | 561 miles |
| Cost for 307 miles | $14.25 | $30.40 |
| Cost for 561 miles | $25.99 | $55.40 |
Range anxiety isn't actually a thing
Who says so? All EV owners. It's a myth!
Just like charging your iPhone every night, charge your Tesla before going to bed and you'll be just fine.
Now, when do you need to charge your iPhone on the road? When you're on a roadtrip. This is the same for superchargers: when you're doing long distances to meet friends, going on road trips or weekend getaways, then you'll be using public superchargers, of which there are plenty (roughly 10,000 currently, plus all the other networks out there!).
Lower insurance costs
Through Electrade, Tesla Model 3s can be insured for roughly $118/mo - for pretty good coverage levels. Check out our piece comparing Electrade insurance against the legacy players (Geico, Nationwide, Allstate, etc) here.
The speed is addictive
Many people still think that EVs are no more than golf carts. They regularly beat gas powered cars on both acceleration, and increasingly, on top speed. Because EVs produce instant torque, you'll be pushed to the back of your seat instantly!
They never break down
Maintenance, oil checks, brake replacements and fixes are a thing of the past. Tesla don't use oil, traditional brakes are replaced with regenerative braking, and the engine wears far less.
They are less expensive than owning an ICE car
Turns out, they are actually way cheaper to own than a Toyota Camry (mainly due to no fuel costs or maintenance), and increasingly the prices for new EVs are comparable with similar gas-powered cars.
They are safer
Due to large crumple zones (no engines in the front or back), less rollover risk (heavy batteries under the floor gives you a low center of gravity), and advanced driver-assist systems, Teslas are far safer to drive. The Model 3 does come with a 5-star safety rating by the NHTSA.
Tesla Source: Model 3 achieves the lowest probability of injury of any vehicle ever tested by NHTSA
NHTSA Link: Source
Thank you for reading, and thank you for supporting the electification of transport. ⚡️