Having covered the automotive industry for over a decade, I’ve had the opportunity to drive a wide array of vehicles, from cutting-edge electric cars to traditional gas-powered models and hybrids. One of the advantages of being an automotive journalist is access to press fleets, allowing for firsthand experience with the latest advancements in automotive technology and engineering. This direct interaction is crucial for understanding the industry’s rapid evolution.
However, Teslas have always been somewhat elusive. Unlike traditional automakers, Elon Musk’s company doesn’t operate with a conventional press fleet. My encounters with Teslas have been limited to brief test drives, often for comparative reviews, or as a passenger during auto show demonstrations.
Recently, during the holidays, I decided to immerse myself in the Tesla experience and rented a Model 3 from Hertz. While Business Insider has previously reviewed the Model 3, this would be my first in-depth experience as a Tesla novice. Stepping into the Model 3, it quickly became apparent that much of my prior automotive knowledge needed recalibration. Teslas present a fundamentally different driving and technological interface, setting them apart in today’s automotive landscape.
Here are the key lessons from my five-day journey with the Model 3.
The Tesla Supercharger Network is a Genuine Game Changer
I was already aware of the Tesla Supercharger network’s reputation as a significant advantage, based on data and conversations with Tesla owners. However, experiencing it firsthand was still eye-opening. Charging the Model 3 proved to be noticeably faster and more convenient compared to my experiences with electric vehicles from legacy automakers.
During my rental, the longest charging session lasted about an hour on the second day. This was to increase the battery level from approximately 20% to a full 100%. I later learned that charging to 80% is generally recommended, particularly in colder temperatures, but the full charge didn’t seem to negatively impact my experience.
In contrast, a previous road trip in a Chevrolet Bolt in 2019 involved numerous lengthy stops at Level 2 chargers in rural areas, often without achieving a full battery. The seamlessness and speed of the Supercharger network significantly enhance the practicality of long-distance EV travel in a Tesla.
Cold Weather Charging Presents a Minor Inconvenience
My experience with battery preconditioning in the Michigan cold was not ideal. Although I consistently used the Tesla navigation to direct me to Superchargers, which is supposed to initiate battery warming en route to optimize charging, I encountered a recurring warning on the touchscreen. Each of the four times I charged, the message indicated that the battery was cold and charging would be slower as a result.
While the Supercharger network remained efficient, the cold weather undoubtedly impacted charging speeds. Drivers in colder climates should anticipate slightly longer charging times, especially during winter months, even with preconditioning features.
The Minimalist, Button-Less Interior Requires a Shift in привычки
Certain automotive functions are so universally standardized that encountering a different approach in the Tesla Model 3 was initially surprising. Adjusting the side-view mirrors was the first example. The Hertz employee who delivered the car was significantly taller, necessitating a considerable mirror adjustment.
My ingrained reflexes led me to search for mirror controls in the usual locations – the driver’s door, steering column area, or center console. However, the conventional buttons were absent. I had to consult the instructional materials provided by Hertz to locate the mirror settings within the touchscreen interface. This experience underscored the Model 3’s departure from traditional automotive interior design, where many functions are integrated into the central touchscreen.
One-Pedal Driving: A Divisive Feature with Urban Advantages
In previous EV experiences, I typically deactivated or minimized regenerative braking due to a dislike for the abrupt deceleration when lifting off the accelerator. In the Model 3, I couldn’t locate settings to adjust one-pedal driving, so I decided to fully embrace it.
Despite adapting to modulating the accelerator pedal to mimic coasting in a gasoline car, I remain unconvinced about one-pedal driving. The lack of natural coasting, particularly on highways, resulted in a less smooth driving experience, potentially uncomfortable for passengers prone to motion sickness.
However, for city driving, once mastered, one-pedal driving becomes more palatable. It’s plausible that it contributed to some energy recuperation during holiday errands around town. While not my preferred driving style, its urban utility is undeniable.
Powering Down a Tesla: Surprisingly Intuitive
The most unexpected moment occurred when I first parked the Model 3 and realized I was unsure how to turn it off, lacking a traditional start button or key ignition. After navigating through the touchscreen settings, initially accessed for mirror adjustments, I was still perplexed. A quick Google search for “how to turn off Model 3” was necessary.
The solution is remarkably simple – and characteristically Tesla. Exiting the vehicle with the key (or phone with the Tesla app) automatically locks and powers down the car. Stepping out and slowly backing away, I waited for visual or auditory confirmation of shutdown. The headlights eventually dimmed and turned off, confirming the process without an audible lock confirmation.
This initially felt unusual but quickly became second nature. So much so that upon returning to my Subaru after five days, I instinctively exited the car while it was still running, a testament to how quickly one adapts to the Tesla way of doing things.
In conclusion, my first extended experience with the Tesla Model 3 revealed a vehicle that challenges conventional automotive norms. From the seamless Supercharger access to the minimalist interior and unique driving dynamics, the Model 3 offers a distinct and often innovative approach to personal transportation. While some aspects, like cold weather charging and one-pedal driving, presented minor drawbacks or personal preferences, the overall experience highlighted Tesla’s commitment to a unique and technologically forward-thinking automotive future.
