Tesla Model 3, running costs
Discussion
What are general running costs, serving and maintenance of an EV? Assume there is an annual service schedule? Is it pricey?
I am looking to go the other way. We have a PHEV Outlander. We used to have a merc 220 coupe and said we would have another when child is old enough to go in the front seat which she now is so we are looking to bin off PHEV. Combined MPG of PHEV on our school route (48 miles total) is around the 55mpg mark. Merc would do about the same (but more fun doing it).
I am looking to go the other way. We have a PHEV Outlander. We used to have a merc 220 coupe and said we would have another when child is old enough to go in the front seat which she now is so we are looking to bin off PHEV. Combined MPG of PHEV on our school route (48 miles total) is around the 55mpg mark. Merc would do about the same (but more fun doing it).
Tom8 said:
What are general running costs, serving and maintenance of an EV? Assume there is an annual service schedule? Is it pricey?
EV servicing is down to what you want to do and whether the manufacturer requires you to service it for warranty. Tesla don't require a service but thats not the same as the car not benefiting from some attention to brakes, cabin filters, etc which is pretty much the same as other EVs if you go to a indeptendant garage. You get the odd Tesla driver (including one guy who ran one as a Taxi for 150k miles) boasting they'd never had it serviced. Believe me, the cabin filters need doing ever 2 years, you still need the brake fluid checking every 2-3, and the brakes can bind as you might use them much due to the regen. Tesla is good on efficiency, but they're all cheap compared to petrol unless you're on a public rapid charger (and even then, the Tesla superchargers aren't too bad).
The big cost is depreciation. Tesla have been catastrophic in recent years, but if you're buying a 2021 model a lot of pain is someone elses, and if on PCP, you know what you're in for on that score.
The second biggest cost is out of warranty repairs, they're older cars but Carwowo did a recent video on the 10 worst cars for claims against a 3rd party warranty provider and the Model S and Model X were both in the top 10, and despite the battery and motors being covered by warranty. On personal experience, most of the issues I've had so far have been in the first year of ownership (new drivers seat, roof needed refitting, front motor gave up, all within 15k miles) abd then they seem to settle down with suspension being one of the biggest gripes, but as its not air like most Model S and all Model X it's relatively cheap to fix if out of warranty.
Personally, I'd also look at a BMW i4. just to work out whats an "EV" thing, and thats a "Tesla" thing.
Only brief experience as 4 months/4k into Model Y long range.
Either of the dual motor Model 3s are a hoot although as previously noted, not as engaging as the better ICE cars (but IMO still better than most at a similar budget). As a transport appliance it is faster and more convenient than ICE and it's a delight to walk out to a full tank every day.
I dont have first hand knowledge of UK public charging network but in the US having a tesla is the obvious choice when charging away from home. I also hear that non Tesla users pay more on the Superchargers, but can't confirm.
So far it's been a pleasure not having to work with car dealers but of course that might change.
Massively cheaper than ICE when charging at home and even `worst case' it is `comparable' to the latest economical hybrid ICEs when using the supercharger network (this is true for UK also).
In recent years the price of new teslas has dropped significantly, so value of an older used car has been impacted by downward pressure from reduced price of new cars. This makes depreciation appear worse than it is. However tariffs against low cost EVs from China coupled with US/EU labor rates and cost of doing business in Europe and America will limit how far down the price of a new car can go. At that point the value of a used car will be more determined by depreciation alone. I guess leasing costs roll all this up into a single figure.
Either of the dual motor Model 3s are a hoot although as previously noted, not as engaging as the better ICE cars (but IMO still better than most at a similar budget). As a transport appliance it is faster and more convenient than ICE and it's a delight to walk out to a full tank every day.
I dont have first hand knowledge of UK public charging network but in the US having a tesla is the obvious choice when charging away from home. I also hear that non Tesla users pay more on the Superchargers, but can't confirm.
So far it's been a pleasure not having to work with car dealers but of course that might change.
Massively cheaper than ICE when charging at home and even `worst case' it is `comparable' to the latest economical hybrid ICEs when using the supercharger network (this is true for UK also).
In recent years the price of new teslas has dropped significantly, so value of an older used car has been impacted by downward pressure from reduced price of new cars. This makes depreciation appear worse than it is. However tariffs against low cost EVs from China coupled with US/EU labor rates and cost of doing business in Europe and America will limit how far down the price of a new car can go. At that point the value of a used car will be more determined by depreciation alone. I guess leasing costs roll all this up into a single figure.
ShortBeardy said:
Only brief experience as 4 months/4k into Model Y long range.
Either of the dual motor Model 3s are a hoot although as previously noted, not as engaging as the better ICE cars (but IMO still better than most at a similar budget). As a transport appliance it is faster and more convenient than ICE and it's a delight to walk out to a full tank every day.
I dont have first hand knowledge of UK public charging network but in the US having a tesla is the obvious choice when charging away from home. I also hear that non Tesla users pay more on the Superchargers, but can't confirm.
So far it's been a pleasure not having to work with car dealers but of course that might change.
Massively cheaper than ICE when charging at home and even `worst case' it is `comparable' to the latest economical hybrid ICEs when using the supercharger network (this is true for UK also).
In recent years the price of new teslas has dropped significantly, so value of an older used car has been impacted by downward pressure from reduced price of new cars. This makes depreciation appear worse than it is. However tariffs against low cost EVs from China coupled with US/EU labor rates and cost of doing business in Europe and America will limit how far down the price of a new car can go. At that point the value of a used car will be more determined by depreciation alone. I guess leasing costs roll all this up into a single figure.
Great cars.Either of the dual motor Model 3s are a hoot although as previously noted, not as engaging as the better ICE cars (but IMO still better than most at a similar budget). As a transport appliance it is faster and more convenient than ICE and it's a delight to walk out to a full tank every day.
I dont have first hand knowledge of UK public charging network but in the US having a tesla is the obvious choice when charging away from home. I also hear that non Tesla users pay more on the Superchargers, but can't confirm.
So far it's been a pleasure not having to work with car dealers but of course that might change.
Massively cheaper than ICE when charging at home and even `worst case' it is `comparable' to the latest economical hybrid ICEs when using the supercharger network (this is true for UK also).
In recent years the price of new teslas has dropped significantly, so value of an older used car has been impacted by downward pressure from reduced price of new cars. This makes depreciation appear worse than it is. However tariffs against low cost EVs from China coupled with US/EU labor rates and cost of doing business in Europe and America will limit how far down the price of a new car can go. At that point the value of a used car will be more determined by depreciation alone. I guess leasing costs roll all this up into a single figure.
I’ll get one soon.
But in fairness, you walk out to a full half a tank every day
By way of an update and also to say thanks to everyone for the sense check and helpful advice:
I am now quite close to pulling the trigger on a black '21 plate Model 3 Standard plus with 16k miles.
I've also looked at the switch to Octopus Energy which gives me access to 7.5p per kwh off peak charging. Between that, the solar panels andsetting some timers on our white goods, I might even pay less in electricity than I do now. Oh, and ordering a zappi charger, thanks for the recommendation!
Anyway, that's all very boring and un-PH, I'm viewing the Tesla as nice means of transportation, pleasant place to be whilst offering a large saving each month. I'm conscious that there may be some bills but the same would hold true if I kept the Golf R, which is now approaching 7 years old.
Fortunately, I have a motorbike (GSXS-1000F if anyone cares) to scratch the petrol itch so I'm not going completely off the rails as a petrolhead
I am now quite close to pulling the trigger on a black '21 plate Model 3 Standard plus with 16k miles.
I've also looked at the switch to Octopus Energy which gives me access to 7.5p per kwh off peak charging. Between that, the solar panels andsetting some timers on our white goods, I might even pay less in electricity than I do now. Oh, and ordering a zappi charger, thanks for the recommendation!
Anyway, that's all very boring and un-PH, I'm viewing the Tesla as nice means of transportation, pleasant place to be whilst offering a large saving each month. I'm conscious that there may be some bills but the same would hold true if I kept the Golf R, which is now approaching 7 years old.
Fortunately, I have a motorbike (GSXS-1000F if anyone cares) to scratch the petrol itch so I'm not going completely off the rails as a petrolhead
Edited by OIGMatt on Saturday 18th May 12:06
That's the car ordered and arriving next week. I've switched tariffs and the charger should be fitted before the car arrives, I'm quite excited about it now, which I hadn't anticipated!
One last question (for now anyway): on a 7kwh charger, how long does it take to charge from 20 to 80%? My logic was that it's adding 30kwh of charge, dividing that by 7 is circa 4h 15 mins. I imagine that might be an oversimplification on my part!
One last question (for now anyway): on a 7kwh charger, how long does it take to charge from 20 to 80%? My logic was that it's adding 30kwh of charge, dividing that by 7 is circa 4h 15 mins. I imagine that might be an oversimplification on my part!
Edited by OIGMatt on Wednesday 22 May 20:46
OIGMatt said:
That's the car ordered and arriving next week. I've switched tariffs and the charger should be fitted before the car arrives, I'm quite excited about it now, which I hadn't anticipated!
One last question (for now anyway): on a 7kwh charger, how long does it take to charge from 20 to 80%? My logic was that it's adding 30kwh of charge, dividing that by 7 is circa 4h 15 mins. I imagine that might be an oversimplification on my part!
Logic is fine, there might be a bit of charging losses to factor in but that’s essentially how it works.One last question (for now anyway): on a 7kwh charger, how long does it take to charge from 20 to 80%? My logic was that it's adding 30kwh of charge, dividing that by 7 is circa 4h 15 mins. I imagine that might be an oversimplification on my part!
Edited by OIGMatt on Wednesday 22 May 20:46
Gone fishing said:
Logic is fine, there might be a bit of charging losses to factor in but that’s essentially how it works.
Okay cool, thanks. My tariff gives me 5 hours of off peak so that should suffice 99% of the time. I understand that you should only do an 100% charge when you have a long journey the following day, so I'll prob adopt the protocol of charging to 80%. Is it okay to just top up charge most nights, when I imagine it'll usually be at 50-60% or is it better for the battery to run it down to circa 20% before charging?
My usual commute is a 30 mile round trip but I'll sometimes do quite a bit more with client visits etc, so it's easier if I just have 80% each day, then I don't need to think about it too much
OIGMatt said:
Okay cool, thanks. My tariff gives me 5 hours of off peak so that should suffice 99% of the time.
I understand that you should only do an 100% charge when you have a long journey the following day, so I'll prob adopt the protocol of charging to 80%. Is it okay to just top up charge most nights, when I imagine it'll usually be at 50-60% or is it better for the battery to run it down to circa 20% before charging?
My usual commute is a 30 mile round trip but I'll sometimes do quite a bit more with client visits etc, so it's easier if I just have 80% each day, then I don't need to think about it too much
I don’t charge up each day, I drift between 30% and 80% so in practice the only time I definitely charge is when I have a trip, and even then I still only charge to 80%. There’s an advantage to letting the car sit at lower states of charge overnight from time to time as it helps the BMS stay calibrated. If you (or anyone reading this as it can be confusing) have a car with the LFP batteries (typically RWD cars made in the last 3 years) then a 100% charge once a week is needed.I understand that you should only do an 100% charge when you have a long journey the following day, so I'll prob adopt the protocol of charging to 80%. Is it okay to just top up charge most nights, when I imagine it'll usually be at 50-60% or is it better for the battery to run it down to circa 20% before charging?
My usual commute is a 30 mile round trip but I'll sometimes do quite a bit more with client visits etc, so it's easier if I just have 80% each day, then I don't need to think about it too much
In essence, don’t be a slave to it.
If you can guarantee home charging for the majority of the time then I'd work on 7.5p a unit. You'd be mad not yo go for one of the cheap night rates.
Don't let the ICE luddites influence you too much. Even as a petrolhead the Tesla will be fine replacing a Golf R. The Golf hardly drives like an Elise or sounds like a GTV. Probably an ideal ICE to be replaced by an EV.
You'd save so much money you could cover most the cost of a fun car if you wanted with the savings.
Don't let the ICE luddites influence you too much. Even as a petrolhead the Tesla will be fine replacing a Golf R. The Golf hardly drives like an Elise or sounds like a GTV. Probably an ideal ICE to be replaced by an EV.
You'd save so much money you could cover most the cost of a fun car if you wanted with the savings.
Gone fishing said:
I don’t charge up each day, I drift between 30% and 80% so in practice the only time I definitely charge is when I have a trip, and even then I still only charge to 80%. There’s an advantage to letting the car sit at lower states of charge overnight from time to time as it helps the BMS stay calibrated. If you (or anyone reading this as it can be confusing) have a car with the LFP batteries (typically RWD cars made in the last 3 years) then a 100% charge once a week is needed.
In essence, don’t be a slave to it.
Cool thanks, that's helpful. I'd seen something on the 100% thing, my car is June '21 registered. Is there a way to see if that has it LFP battery?In essence, don’t be a slave to it.
I guess I'll just have to get in the habit of checking my diary in advance and planning the charging accordingly
ChocolateFrog said:
If you can guarantee home charging for the majority of the time then I'd work on 7.5p a unit. You'd be mad not yo go for one of the cheap night rates.
Don't let the ICE luddites influence you too much. Even as a petrolhead the Tesla will be fine replacing a Golf R. The Golf hardly drives like an Elise or sounds like a GTV. Probably an ideal ICE to be replaced by an EV.
You'd save so much money you could cover most the cost of a fun car if you wanted with the savings.
I think you're right. The Golf is a good all rounder but certainly not a motoring deity.Don't let the ICE luddites influence you too much. Even as a petrolhead the Tesla will be fine replacing a Golf R. The Golf hardly drives like an Elise or sounds like a GTV. Probably an ideal ICE to be replaced by an EV.
You'd save so much money you could cover most the cost of a fun car if you wanted with the savings.
I've had a 24 hour test drive of a Tesla model 3 and it left me a bit cold. In hindsight that's maybe just because I needed more time to get to grips with the everything being controlled via the touchscreen, hoping I like it once I get used to it as it arrives next week.
OIGMatt said:
I think you're right. The Golf is a good all rounder but certainly not a motoring deity.
I've had a 24 hour test drive of a Tesla model 3 and it left me a bit cold. In hindsight that's maybe just because I needed more time to get to grips with the everything being controlled via the touchscreen, hoping I like it once I get used to it as it arrives next week.
I'm considering taking the plunge as well, most of my miles are commuting back and forth to work on a dual carriage way. I'm currently doing it in a vw t5 camper and it's costing me a fortune in fuel. and it's a lump to drive.I've had a 24 hour test drive of a Tesla model 3 and it left me a bit cold. In hindsight that's maybe just because I needed more time to get to grips with the everything being controlled via the touchscreen, hoping I like it once I get used to it as it arrives next week.
how did you get a 24 hour test drive??
i keep going around in circles with second hand an new with the good APR deals at the moment.
Craigyboy143 said:
I'm currently doing it in a vw t5 camper and it's costing me a fortune in fuel. and it's a lump to drive.
how did you get a 24 hour test drive??
i keep going around in circles with second hand an new with the good APR deals at the moment.
Funnily enough, my better half drives a T5 Kombi, which I adore, though maybe not as an every day proposition.how did you get a 24 hour test drive??
i keep going around in circles with second hand an new with the good APR deals at the moment.
I booked the test drive online with my local Tesla dealer and when they called to arrange, they tried to make me take a standard 1 hour drive. I just insisted that I needed it for a decent amount of time, or nothing.
Fastlane said:
OIGMatt said:
Ah, so that's a pretty similar decision process, albeit with the faster Tesla. I have only driven the Model 3 Performance version, even compared to the Golf it felt pretty ballistic, perhaps a little uninvolving by comparison if I were being critical.
Any regrets from a driving enjoyment perspective or are they just outweighed by the savings?
As a daily, the Tesla was so much better in every way, including driving enjoyment. However, I do have an Ariel Atom for fun...Any regrets from a driving enjoyment perspective or are they just outweighed by the savings?
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