Review of Transition to an EV: A 4400km Journey with a Tesla Model 3

Having long contemplated switching from a petrol car to an EV, I seized the opportunity on June 30, 2023, the last day of the EV rebate scheme (AUD3,000), by ordering a Tesla Model 3.

The custom colour choice extended the wait to four months, with the car arriving on October 27, 2023.

Now, after two months and 4400km, I’m ready to share my transition experience.

The Volvo Days

My journey began with a Volvo XC60, a faithful companion for two years. It was more than a vehicle; it was a part of our family fabric. The SUV, with its robust 2.0L turbo engine, offered a sense of security and comfort. Its in-built child seats were a boon for my daughter, eliminating the need for cumbersome car seats. But beneath this convenience lay a burden — high fuel consumption at 11.5L/100km with Petrol 98, translating to a cost of AUD0.25 per km, considering the petrol price at AUD2.2 per litre.

The Tesla Chapter

Then came the Tesla. It wasn’t just a switch in vehicles; it felt like stepping into a new era. The Tesla Model 3, with its sleek design and futuristic feel, was a stark contrast to the Volvo.

Economical Adventures

The Tesla redefined economy. A full 60kw charge, covering over 400km, cost just AUD0.035 per km, a stark drop from the Volvo’s AUD0.25 per km. The running costs are 86% lower compared to my previous car. With plans to install solar panels, this will further reduce to over 90% savings. This promised an annual saving of about AUD5,160, considering our average drive of 24,000km per year. Though the insurance was AUD500 more than the Volvo, the lack of annual service fees, typically around AUD500, balanced the scales.

Additionally, for trips like camping or staying in Airbnbs, we often utilise the mobile charger. This means travel car costs are virtually zero, as we can charge the car for free.

Renewed Passion for Driving

The Tesla’s driving experience is transformative:

• Instant response and quicker acceleration.
• Basic autopilot offers lane-keeping, adaptive cruise control, and automatic lane changes.
• Smartphone as a key and automatic seat adjustments enhance convenience.
• Regenerative braking allows for single-pedal driving, ideal in traffic.

Spaciousness

Although the car doesn’t appear large from the outside, it’s surprisingly spacious inside, offering more room than my previous car. It features a front boot, spacious enough for various items — it’s where I typically store damp groceries. The rear boot is deep and wide, complemented by an additional large storage area underneath, even more spacious than the front boot.

Connectivity

In my previous car, connectivity depended on sharing my mobile network, limiting access and data usage. The Tesla, on the other hand, boasts its own network. For a monthly fee of AUD9.99, I gain unrestricted access to services like Apple Music, YouTube, and Disney+, without worrying about data consumption. One limitation, however, is that the Tesla’s network connection cannot be shared with other devices. While slightly inconvenient, it’s a small trade-off for the onboard connectivity benefits.

Mobile Office

In my previous cars, I couldn’t keep the engine and air conditioning running for extended periods when not driving. To work inside, I had to slightly open the windows, but the outside noise was disruptive without climate control. In contrast, with the Tesla, I can keep the windows closed and the air conditioning on for as long as needed, providing a quiet and comfortable environment for working indefinitely.

Entertainment

Occasionally, during family outings, my wife needs to shop while the rest of us wait in the car. Previously, in our old car, we had to leave the vehicle and look for ways to entertain ourselves. However, in the Tesla, we can conveniently watch YouTube, Disney+, or play games right inside the car, making these waiting times much more enjoyable.

Drawbacks

However, the Tesla is not without flaws:

• The suspension, particularly in the back, is less comfortable.
• The sound system and noise insulation, especially on highways, are inferior to the Volvo.

Conclusion

The switch to a Tesla Model 3 has been largely positive, offering significant savings, enhanced driving pleasure, and improved functionality. In retrospect, choosing the Tesla over the Volvo two years ago would have been preferable, both for environmental and financial reasons.