If you are considering buying a Tesla, you are about to join a growing community of sustainable and forward-thinking people who appreciate the cutting-edge electric vehicle technology and excellent performance that Tesla has always offered. Since Elon Musk founded Tesla in 2003 (this very millennium), the company has revolutionized the automotive industry with its electric vehicles and energy solutions. With the Tesla Model 3, Model Y, and (very soon) the Cybertruck, among others, the brand provides a good range of options for those who want to participate from now on in the transition to electric supremacy.
As you prepare to buy your Tesla, there are certain things you can expect to encounter in terms of your driving experience and your bond with Tesla. Realistic expectations are important to ensure that you will not find unpleasant surprises, so you should know about driving performance, safety features, access to the charging networks, and maintenance needs, to name a few. You should also know what to expect in terms of price and resale value or customer service. It is well known that Tesla has built a great reputation very quickly, but it is good to be clear on what to expect when deciding to buy one.
1 Unmatched Driving Performance
Tesla's electric vehicles offer excellent driving performance and have set a new (and high) standard for the industry. The Tesla Model S, for example, can accelerate from 0 to 60 MPH in just 2.1 seconds for the Plaid version, which makes it simply one of the fastest cars on the market. The Model 3 Performance offers impressive acceleration too, reaching 60 MPH in just 3.5 seconds. These models also offer long-range capabilities, with the Model S capable of traveling up to 405 Miles on a single charge, and the Model 3 achieving up to 358 Miles for the Long Range version. The Tesla Model X and Model Y provide impressive acceleration and range as well, and this is something Tesla will continue to apply to its future models, no doubt about that.
2 Advanced Safety Features
Tesla's electric vehicles are renowned for their stunning safety features. Tesla's commitment to safety has paid off, with some models achieving perfect scores in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) safety rankings. The Tesla Model S, Model 3, and Model Y, for example, have all received 5-star safety ratings in every category tested by the NHTSA. These models have a design that allows them to be less dangerous for passengers and drivers in the event of a crash: that is what the tests prove, as they consist, for example, of a frontal crash, side crash, and rollover situations. However, it should be noted that the NHTSA has asked Tesla to provide more data because complaints of phantom braking have been received on some models (although this is a recurring problem with many electric cars).
3 Long-Lasting Battery Life
If you buy a Tesla, you can be sure that your battery will have a reasonably long life. Tesla's electric vehicles are equipped with industry-leading battery technology designed to provide a long lifespan, which means that you can enjoy driving your Tesla for many years to come without having to worry about the battery losing its charge capacity. This is because Tesla's batteries use advanced materials and cooling systems to help maintain their health over time. In addition, Tesla offers a good warranty policy for its cars: it covers battery defects for eight years or 150,000 Miles, whichever comes first, for models S and X. In the case of the other models, the number of Miles decreases to 120,000 or 100,000 (the latter only for Model 3 Rear-Wheel Drive).
4 Access To The Supercharger Network
Tesla's electric vehicles not only offer an impressive range but also access to Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network. This Supercharger network provides you with over 40,000 Superchargers available worldwide. With Superchargers located strategically along major travel routes, you can enjoy long road trips without worrying about the famous and unpleasant range anxiety. Tesla's Superchargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes: one of the fastest electric vehicle charging networks available. In addition to its Supercharger network, Tesla has also expanded its charging options with the introduction of its Destination Charger program, which gives you convenient charging options at hotels, restaurants, and other locations. It is a concern of Tesla that its customers do not have problems linked to expensive infrastructure: your expectations can be reasonably high in this regard.
5 Intuitive Infotainment System
Tesla's electric vehicles offer an intuitive and user-friendly infotainment system that sets them apart from their competitors. Tesla's infotainment system features large touchscreen displays that provide you with easy access to some functions, including navigation, media, and vehicle controls, but in a way that avoids confusion or lengthy reading of instructions. In addition to its user-friendly interface, Tesla's infotainment system also includes a range of Easter eggs, which give you a fun and interactive driving experience. These hidden features include fun animations and secret menus, adding an element of surprise and delight to the car, without this implying oversights in terms of high technology and software standards. Moreover, the Tesla app allows you to regulate and control various vehicle functions, which adds to the ease of use.
6 Minimal Maintenance Needs (Though Expensive)
Another significant benefit you can expect from owning a Tesla is its minimal maintenance needs. Unlike traditional ICE vehicles, EVs have far fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. Tesla's electric vehicles take this one step further by being equipped with software that can update itself automatically, ensuring that the car always has the latest features and functionality. This means that you do not need to worry about scheduling regular maintenance appointments all the time, saving time and money in the long run (although it is true that when you have to do it, it can be a bit expensive). In addition, Tesla's electric vehicles are recognized around the world for being built with high-quality materials, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns and component failures. By following a set of minimum instructions and trying not to subject your car to extreme situations, you can be sure that you will have no major problems.
7 Top-Notch Customer Service
Tesla is known for providing top-notch customer service, setting the bar high for other car manufacturers. Tesla is committed to providing exceptional support, whether it be through phone, email, or chat, and it also has an extensive network of service centers, that are there to help you very effectively in case you have any problem that has to do with the operation of the car. Additionally, there are several online resources, including official instructional videos and user manuals, to help you better understand and operate your car. All this is reflected in Tesla’s high customer satisfaction ratings and repeated customer base. It is for all these reasons that this brand has built such a strong reputation in such a short time and, therefore, you can be confident that in the event of a problem, you will have a satisfactory response.
8 Your Car Will (Almost) Drive Itself
Tesla's Autopilot technology is a game-changer in the automotive industry, so you can expect to be surprised in this regard. Autopilot is Tesla's semi-autonomous driving system, which uses a combination of sensors, cameras, and advanced algorithms to assist you with various driving tasks. This technology allows you to experience advanced features such as automatic lane changes, adaptive cruise control, and self-parking, that can greatly simplify some of your daily tasks. Moreover, Tesla is constantly updating and improving this Autopilot technology to make it safer and more useful, so that your car will become more and more intelligent in this respect. Self-driving is one of the characteristics of the cars of the future and, if it's about the future, Tesla is always ahead of the curve.
9 High Price, Impressive Resale Value
Investing in a Tesla may come with a higher initial cost compared to other vehicles in the market, but their impressive resale value can offset that cost over time. Tesla's vehicles are known for holding their value exceptionally well, with some models retaining over 70-percent of their original purchase price after three years of ownership. This is due in part to the strong demand for Tesla's cars and their continuously improving technology, but also to the reputation the brand has built. Tesla's impressive resale value can also be attributed to its advanced battery technology, which has already been discussed above. In your list of pros and cons, you should consider these two things: you will spend more upfront, but it will be a better investment in the long run.
10 Have The Car You Want: Customizable Options
When you are buying your Tesla, but also after you buy it, you will be able to add or change many features according to your specific needs and preferences. Tesla offers a kit of customizable options, that allows you to choose everything from the exterior color to the interior details and technology features. With the Tesla Model S you can choose from different battery sizes and range options, as well as various wheel designs and interior finishes, to give examples. Tesla's customization options also include the above-mentioned Autopilot capabilities, which can be added to enhance the car's driving experience. The interface of the Tesla website will allow you to experience these customization possibilities in a very simple way and with some interesting animations that allow you to see the result of your changes.