Offering luxury, advanced technology, superior range, and a private charging network, Tesla has become a household name. Nearly two of every three electric vehicles sold in the United States is a Tesla. So, why should you purchase one? Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of ordering a Tesla.
Reasons for Buying a Tesla
Considering whether to invest in a Tesla? Explore the pros and cons, financial implications, and environmental impact to make an informed decision. Plus, learn about optimizing battery health with Tesla’s recommended charge limit for longevity and performance.
Should I Buy Tesla? There are a range of factors in this when you decide to buy tesla.
Range and Fast Charging
Compared to other EVs, Teslas have superior range and charging capabilities. The base Model 3 has an EPA-rated range of 263 miles. On the other end of the price spectrum, the Model S has up to 400 miles or so of range.
Tesla also has a coast-to-coast Supercharger network. These stations provide up to 250 kW of charging power and can recharge a Tesla’s battery in as few as 20 minutes. Every Tesla knows where every Supercharger is located. It will tell you how busy it is before you get there and will guide you to the location using its navigation system
Cost of Operation
The overall operating costs for a Tesla are minimal compared to those of an internal combustion vehicle. There are no oil or transmission fluid changes, belts, or spark plugs. In fact, there are far fewer moving parts in a Tesla than there are in an internal combustion engine alone.
While an internal combustion engine (ICE) can have more than 2000 moving parts inside it, Tesla claims there are fewer than 20 in their car’s drivetrains. Fewer parts means less can go wrong, and that’s exactly what happens in real life.
“Fuel” costs are significantly less, too. On average there is a charge of just 28 cents per kWh when you use a supercharger and that translates into a “fill-up” costing around $12.00 – $13.00, about a quarter of what you’d pay for gasoline.
Because of this, you can drive 15,000 for just $555 in a Model S, as the charging cost works out to be about 4 cents per mile.
Technology
Teslas are known for their technology. Once you get into a Tesla, one of the first things you will notice is the large touchscreen on the dash. From this screen, you can control the infotainment system, HVAC, and even surf the internet or stream your favorite music and shows.
Tesla interiors have no buttons or knobs, providing a clean look. On top of this, everything can be controlled from your smartphone, including the windows, horn, valet mode, and vehicle tracking.
Need to take a break from driving for a bit? Tesla’s advanced suite of driver assistance systems, known as Autopilot, will take over the steering wheel while on the road. Autopilot will steer, accelerate, brake, and change lanes.
You can even summon your car to the front of the grocery store so that you don’t have to push the shopping cart across the parking lot.
Safety
Teslas have high safety ratings and have earned five stars in NHTSA, Australian ANCAP, and European NCAP testing. In fact, NHTSA testing found that passengers have a low chance of injury in an accident in a Tesla.
Teslas also have Sentry Mode, which records and detects external threats via cameras. The system constantly monitors the vehicle’s surroundings when not in use and acts as a home alarm system, and you can get a live view of what’s around your Tesla through the smartphone app.
Vehicle Performance
Whether you’re interested in Model S, Model 3, Model X or Model Y, every Tesla can be purchased in a performance model. Tesla’s renowned road-handling and suspension are available in every vehicle, but the performance version offers special capabilities for the driving enthusiast.
Performance Teslas are amazingly quick, with zero to sixty times that crush every ICE sedan and many exotic sports cars.
A Tesla Model S “Plaid” has a zero to 60 time of 1.9 seconds and a quarter mile time under 10 seconds, making it the fastest production car in the world.
Availability of Tesla Accessories
Whether you’re just driving around town or are on a long road trip, you can customize your Tesla to suit your tastes and needs. There are a wide array of aftermarket Tesla accessories available on the market, such as pet seat covers, all-weather floor mats, and LED lighting.
Planning on going camping? You can even purchase an inflatable mattress to fit in the back of your Tesla, so you can sleep comfortably in a climate-controlled interior.
Don’t let range anxiety keep you from having a weekend away from home. We offer a Road Trip Charging Accessory kit with several common adapters and plugs so you can take advantage of whatever charging stations that may be along your road trip route!
Why You Shouldn’t Buy a Tesla
Pricing
The upfront cost of a Tesla may be shocking to some shoppers, especially as there are less expensive EVs available on the market. As of January 2023 the Model 3 starts at $43,990, while the top-of-the-line Model X SUV costs more than $119,990.
However, while the $7,500 federal tax credit has run out for new Teslas, state governments may offer as much as $2,500 in tax credits, helping reduce the initial purchase cost of a Tesla.
Maintenance and Insurance Costs
While there may be no oil changes, Teslas are not immune to problems. If something goes wrong, such as an electronic door latch or a faulty touchscreen, you could have to fork over $1,000 for the repair.
Now that more Teslas are on the road with higher miles, we’ve learned that control arms can be a common issue with Tesla cars and we have added Tesla replacement control arms to our site for purchase. Later down the road, you may also have to replace the battery, which can cost up to $16,000. However, Tesla batteries come with an eight year/150,000-mile warranty.
With these high repair costs come potentially high insurance premiums. Some insurance companies may even classify Teslas as luxury vehicles, raising insurance premiums even more. Owners with good driving records, though, may be able to get Tesla’s own insurance coverage, which can offer lower premiums than those of other insurance companies.
Cons aside, overall Teslas have a lot to offer with their incredible range, technology, and fast charging. They can suit any buyer, from the office commuter to the road tripper to the performance enthusiast.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: Is a Tesla worth the investment?
Investing in a Tesla can offer a range of benefits, from reducing your carbon footprint to enjoying cutting-edge technology and performance. Consider factors like your driving habits, budget, and environmental values when making the decision.
Q: Are Tesla vehicles reliable?
Tesla vehicles have earned a reputation for reliability, with many owners reporting satisfaction with their cars’ performance and longevity. Like any car, maintenance and occasional issues may arise, but Tesla’s extensive warranty coverage and responsive service network help address concerns promptly.
Q: How does owning a Tesla impact the environment?
Owning a Tesla contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions. Additionally, Tesla is committed to sustainability in manufacturing and energy storage solutions, further supporting environmental conservation efforts.
Q: Are there any financial incentives for buying a Tesla?
Depending on your location, you may be eligible for various financial incentives when purchasing a Tesla, such as tax credits, rebates, or special financing options. Research available incentives in your area to maximize potential savings.
Q: What about charging infrastructure and convenience?
Tesla’s extensive Supercharger network provides convenient and rapid charging options for long-distance travel, with many locations strategically placed along popular routes. Additionally, home charging solutions offer convenience and flexibility for daily charging needs.
Is Tesla technology user-friendly?
Tesla vehicles are equipped with intuitive touchscreen interfaces and regularly receive software updates to improve functionality and introduce new features. While some adjustment may be needed for those accustomed to traditional vehicles, Tesla’s technology is generally user-friendly and adaptable.
Q: What about resale value?
Tesla vehicles typically retain their value well, thanks to high demand and limited depreciation compared to traditional gas-powered cars. Factors such as model, condition, and market trends can influence resale value, but overall, Tesla cars tend to hold their worth effectively.
Q: Are there any potential drawbacks to consider?
While Tesla vehicles offer numerous advantages, it’s essential to consider factors like initial cost, availability of charging infrastructure in your area, and potential service and maintenance costs. Additionally, personal preferences regarding vehicle design, features, and driving experience should be taken into account.
