Tesla, a company that has revolutionized not only the electric vehicle market but also the automotive industry as a whole, undeniably holds a significant presence. However, amidst its success, there exists a cohort of individuals who perceive Tesla as a mere fiasco. They believe that the company's virtues are nothing more than the result of an exceptional marketing strategy, failing to manifest in the actual vehicles Tesla produces. While Tesla myths persist, the truth is that Tesla vehicles are not as bad as many people claim. In fact, they often outperform other electric vehicles in various aspects, sometimes by a considerable margin.
The reasons behind Tesla's vast number of haters are diverse. In certain cases, criticism is rooted in legitimate issues faced by Elon Musk's company. However, these challenges are no more significant than what any innovative company might encounter along the way. On the other hand, Tesla quickly rose to a dominant position in the market, unsettling automotive enthusiasts and traditional brand loyalists, who viewed Tesla as the perfect enemy. Although isolated cases of Tesla's shortcomings can be found, it remains true that there are compelling reasons to regard Tesla electric cars as some of the most significant offerings in the market.
1 A Range Far Above Average
Historically, it was no easy task to create electric vehicles that could travel long distances without the need for constant recharging, unlike their conventional counterparts. However, Tesla has achieved remarkable success in this regard: the Tesla Model 3, currently the most affordable option in the lineup, easily achieves a range of 272 Miles, and with certain improvements, it surpasses the 300-mile mark (this figure has gradually become the benchmark that everyone expects from a quality electric car). The Model Y offers similar numbers, starting at 279 Miles and reaching up to 330 Miles in the best-case scenario. The Model S can exceed 400 Miles, while the S Plaid achieves an impressive 396-mile range. There are only a few cars on the market that can surpass these figures, such as the Lucid Air, but they are exceptions.
2 An Out-of-this-world Performance
Tesla ownership entails having a car with incredible performance across all segments, particularly in the higher-end range and for each Tesla Plaid. The Tesla Model S Plaid boasts an astonishing 1,020 Horsepower (like the Tesla Model X Plaid) and a claimed 0 to 60 MPH acceleration time of 1.99 seconds according to Tesla, although independent tests suggest it may actually be closer to 2.1 seconds (either way, it is an incredible achievement). As for the Tesla sports car, the upcoming Tesla Roadster is expected to achieve an acceleration time of 1.9 seconds, making it one of the few cars capable of reaching such speeds below the 2-second barrier. This is just a sample, but this commitment to power is seen in all models.
3 Autopilot: A Wonder In The Making
One of the reasons Tesla has faced significant criticism in recent times is due to its Autopilot system. However, it is important to note that the NHTSA has recorded very few complaints against Tesla after 2022, especially concerning the Tesla Model S, with statistics improving notably in 2023. Despite the occasional serious flaws that have been reported, it is undeniable that Tesla's Autopilot system surpasses any other developed thus far. Once perfected, it is likely to become the best in the entire industry, on par with the autonomous driving developments of companies like Google. The system offers an extensive range of features, and activating the navigation mode is straightforward (by quickly moving the gear lever downwards twice or by pulling the cruise stalk toward you twice in quick succession).
4 Unmatched Advanced Technology
One of the greatest things about owning a Tesla is being at the forefront of automotive technology. It's hard to find a more up-to-date and technologically advanced vehicle than a Tesla Model S or Tesla Model S Plaid, for example. From advanced safety systems to cutting-edge batteries and overall software, Tesla vehicles consistently offer the most advanced technology. However, this commitment to innovation has not come without its challenges: in 2021, Tesla ranked low on the Consumer Reports rating, but in 2022, it climbed four spots and is expected to continue advancing in 2023 and 2024. This downside is simply a result of constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in terms of car technology, but Tesla's willingness to test new pioneer advancements is what has positioned them as industry leaders.
5 Easter Eggs: Hidden Jewels For Fun
Okay, it may not be the most crucial aspect of a car, but it is an incredible feature of owning a Tesla: access to a series of hidden surprises, known as Easter eggs, scattered throughout the vehicle that make the overall experience with your Tesla truly unique. From references to Monty Python or James Bond to the mesmerizing Christmas light show, the colorful charging port lights, or even the hilariously amusing "fart mode," Tesla provides an unparalleled experience in this regard, with no other company coming close. While other automakers may offer a few Easter eggs, they pale in comparison to the quantity and quality offered by Elon Musk's company. Depending on the model, you can find more than 10 of these surprises that are easily activated with a simple command, such as touching a button several times in a row.
6 Tesla's Incredible Superchargers Network
Tesla's commitment extends beyond the sale of its vehicles; it aims for the definitive triumph of electric cars over their conventional counterparts. That's why Tesla has built a global network of Superchargers, boasting over 45,000 charging stalls worldwide, with the majority located in the United States. These chargers are designed to offer up to 200 miles of range with just a 15-minute charge under ideal conditions. While Tesla is starting to open up this network to other brands, it is to be expected that it remains most efficient when used with a Tesla. Beyond that, what is certain is that the company continues to expand this network day by day, and it is likely that shortly, there will be an even more incredible number of these superchargers.
7 Best Resale Value On The EV Market
It is worth noting that the resale value of Tesla vehicles far exceeds the market average in all segments they compete in, so the demand for used Teslas is high. This is a testament to the quality and desirability of Tesla cars, which retain their value exceptionally well. In fact, Tesla even offers a resale value guarantee under certain conditions, further instilling confidence in the long-term value of their cars. The high resale value of Teslas contradicts the claims made by Tesla haters regarding the poor quality and unreliability of these vehicles: owning a Tesla ensures that you are making a wise investment. Even the Tesla Model S and Tesla Model X have received awards in this regard, as the cars with the best resale value on the market.
8 Excellent Fuel Efficiency
When it comes to fuel efficiency, it's hard to find cars that surpass Tesla vehicles. In comparison to the industry average in terms of consumption of energy, a Tesla Model 3 can save you up to $6,750 over 5 years with its impressive 132 MPGe, while a Tesla Model S can save you up to $6,500 in the same period with its 120 MPGe. Only a few cars achieve such remarkable numbers in this regard, with one notable example being the Lucid Air, which boasts 140 MPGe for its most efficient models. However, what sets Tesla apart is the consistently high performance across its wide range of vehicles, while Lucid focuses predominantly on the Air model. To round out this data, the Tesla Model Y achieves 123 MPGe.
9 Minimal (But Rigorous) Maintenance
While there have been criticisms regarding Tesla's customer service, particularly with communication difficulties, it is worth noting that Tesla vehicles are known for requiring minimal maintenance and that the service itself is reliable. Apart from software issues, the overall build quality of Tesla cars is excellent. Moreover, electric vehicles inherently have fewer components prone to wear and tear in daily use, resulting in reduced maintenance needs when compared to traditional ICEs. Although Tesla does offer maintenance services that may come at a higher cost, they are in line with the brand's pursuit of excellence. By following basic care and maintenance guidelines, you can ensure your vehicles continue to operate smoothly, and if you have a problem, even if you have trouble communicating, Tesla will resolve it promptly.
10 Some Of The Safest Cars On The Market
If Tesla vehicles were as bad as claimed by their haters, it's puzzling why these cars consistently receive perfect scores in NHTSA ratings. Not only do they excel in overall safety evaluations, but they also perform exceptionally well in specific categories such as rollovers, frontal crashes, and side crashes. The Tesla Model S has maintained a perfect score since its testing began, and similar results can be seen across other Tesla models. While it's important to acknowledge that no vehicle is without flaws, these outstanding safety ratings demonstrate Tesla's unwavering commitment to prioritizing safety, which is one of the greatest values the company offers to its customers. The continuous pursuit of excellence in safety is evident in the design and engineering of Tesla vehicles and that makes them amazing.