First month in a Tesla
Discussion
Hi,
Thought I'd post my experience of a recent switch from an ICE car to an all electric car.
Picked up a new Model S at the beginning of this year and so far very impressed.
Compared to my previous car I guess the only obvious difference is range and not being able to 'fill up' without a bit of planning. Having said that, the Superchargers have thus far always been available to use (i.e.: no-one else plugged in when I needed to charge), and I'm now used to plugging it in every night and setting off to work in a nice pre-warmed car!
I'm hoping the range will improve with warmer weather, but even then it's not too bad. By way of example:- On a recent trip to the far end of Cornwall from Milton Keynes (roughly 280 miles each way) I had to stop for a 10 minute top up at Bristol and another 5 minute one at Exeter. To be honest I could probably have skipped Exeter, but didn't want to run out of juice on Bodmin moor so thought it prudent to top up. Arrived in Cornwall with 70 miles range left and plugged the car into the nearest 13 Amp socket. By morning it had a range of 120 miles showing which was plenty to get me back to Exeter Superchargers.
In my first month with the car I've covered 2400 miles, so early days to make any form of judgement, but my personal plus points of the car so far are:- (these are all pretty obvious I guess!)
warm in the morning
quiet at low speeds
amazing interface via the touchscreen
instant throttle response
intelligent controls - even though it's all controlled through the touch screen, it's really well thought out and not in the least frustrating to use.
negatives
Always having to be aware of how much juice is left in the batteries and planning the next charge ahead
slim sun visors - not deep enough when the sun is so low at this time of year
Blimey - those are the only negatives I can think of. It's an amazing car!
Not sure if any of that is helpful to anyone considering a Tesla as their everyday car, but hope that it might be.
Thought I'd post my experience of a recent switch from an ICE car to an all electric car.
Picked up a new Model S at the beginning of this year and so far very impressed.
Compared to my previous car I guess the only obvious difference is range and not being able to 'fill up' without a bit of planning. Having said that, the Superchargers have thus far always been available to use (i.e.: no-one else plugged in when I needed to charge), and I'm now used to plugging it in every night and setting off to work in a nice pre-warmed car!
I'm hoping the range will improve with warmer weather, but even then it's not too bad. By way of example:- On a recent trip to the far end of Cornwall from Milton Keynes (roughly 280 miles each way) I had to stop for a 10 minute top up at Bristol and another 5 minute one at Exeter. To be honest I could probably have skipped Exeter, but didn't want to run out of juice on Bodmin moor so thought it prudent to top up. Arrived in Cornwall with 70 miles range left and plugged the car into the nearest 13 Amp socket. By morning it had a range of 120 miles showing which was plenty to get me back to Exeter Superchargers.
In my first month with the car I've covered 2400 miles, so early days to make any form of judgement, but my personal plus points of the car so far are:- (these are all pretty obvious I guess!)
warm in the morning
quiet at low speeds
amazing interface via the touchscreen
instant throttle response
intelligent controls - even though it's all controlled through the touch screen, it's really well thought out and not in the least frustrating to use.
negatives
Always having to be aware of how much juice is left in the batteries and planning the next charge ahead
slim sun visors - not deep enough when the sun is so low at this time of year
Blimey - those are the only negatives I can think of. It's an amazing car!
Not sure if any of that is helpful to anyone considering a Tesla as their everyday car, but hope that it might be.
Agree with most of that. I must by cynical as i have a few more issues although relatively trivial compared to the good stuff:
Headlights are poor. The auto fill beam helps but they made a mistake not including a washer jet resulting in low powered bulbs compared to most cars with xenon headlights.
Boot lights are poor too. I bought a kit for the states that have improved matters.
I've had to reboot the thing more often than I should for various issues like the 3G stopping which meant the map didn't fill in.
The leather is a not brilliantly finished.
The plus points are how much free charging I've been able to do. I rarely plug in at home as I can charge in Manchester for free and at the railway station when I go to London and I've taken to stopping at the odd SC for a boost and catch up on emails. Range is the killer as I thought I'd get over 200 miles (I've a 90D) but working range is more like 180 in this weather although I do have a heavy right foot which makes my trips to Leeds impossible without a top up (SC help but some days I could do without it)
Auto pilot is getting more use than I expected. Makes life a lot easier.
Headlights are poor. The auto fill beam helps but they made a mistake not including a washer jet resulting in low powered bulbs compared to most cars with xenon headlights.
Boot lights are poor too. I bought a kit for the states that have improved matters.
I've had to reboot the thing more often than I should for various issues like the 3G stopping which meant the map didn't fill in.
The leather is a not brilliantly finished.
The plus points are how much free charging I've been able to do. I rarely plug in at home as I can charge in Manchester for free and at the railway station when I go to London and I've taken to stopping at the odd SC for a boost and catch up on emails. Range is the killer as I thought I'd get over 200 miles (I've a 90D) but working range is more like 180 in this weather although I do have a heavy right foot which makes my trips to Leeds impossible without a top up (SC help but some days I could do without it)
Auto pilot is getting more use than I expected. Makes life a lot easier.
Interesting about your range. Mines a P90D and I don't drive gently and I reckon on about 180 mile range. I knew it wouldn't be anywhere near as good as claimed, and I know I drive fast, but had hoped for a bit more (hence upgrade to the 90 battery).
Here's hoping it gets up to more like 220 miles when the weather is warmer!
Here's hoping it gets up to more like 220 miles when the weather is warmer!
By way of comparison, I have a P85+ and also get around 180 miles range at high(ish) motorway speeds. Realistically though my regular journeys go past SC's and more often than not I stop for 10-15min top ups well before range becomes an issue, keeping the battery in the 50%-80% region anyway...
Now that I've had the car 2 months, I thought an update might help anyone considering switching from a conventional car to a Tesla.
Two months in and I've done just over 4300 electric miles, most of which has been in pretty cold and wet weather so not best for range in an EV.
One of my families criteria of whether I like a car or not is how long it is before I start reading Autocar and choosing my next car. So far I am not remotely interested in picking up the magazine and I seriously wonder if I'll ever be that bothered by regular ICE cars from here on in, the Tesla is that good!
Aside from wishing it did more miles per charge (500 would be about 'right' for a future battery upgrade I reckon), there isn't really anything to moan about.
For a USA built car the quality is surprisingly good and although not up to Merc S class standards the cabin is a perfectly nice place to sit. I've completed several journeys of over 5 hours (with a couple of 10/15minute stops to top up battery) and the next gen seats offer plenty of support and adjustment. Autopilot is incredible although best not engaged when one is feeling tired as the temptation/risk of falling asleep is pretty high I reckon!
After 2 months I still:-
- like using the App to pre-warm the Tesla in the morning and getting into a warm and ready to go car. I haven't had to scrape the windscreen to clear it or run out and start the car to let it warm up before going to work once this year. Result!
- enjoy the instant and smooth power delivery. No matter how good an ICE gearbox is, it will never match an EV
- love the fact that I don't have to touch the brakes that much. The regenerative braking is excellent and makes driving so much less effort
- get a kick out of using the SuperCharger network. Thus far I've never had to wait for a charger to be available plus there is something deeply satisfying about making a long journey and not having to pay for the fuel to do so :-)
Plus - it's so flexible! I recently had to load up a whole heap of house 'stuff' and was simply amazed at how much you can fit in the Tesla with the rear seats folded. It seems to have almost the capacity of an estate car and that's before making use of the front 'trunk' (which I'd forgotten I had and cramped everything into the back - duh!).
Charging at home isn't an issue, within a week I had grown accustomed to parking up at the PodPoint and plugging in the cable (I went with a tethered cable and glad I did as it's always 'ready' and therefore very quick to plug/unplug). Thanks to Gov and Tesla help I didn't pay for the home charge point or the one at work or the one at our second home either - so can't complain!
The Tesla is my everyday car and although I've still got the use of conventional engined cars I haven't used one or wanted to since taking delivery. Even if it means stopping en-route to charge up, I'd rather take the Tesla.
Hope that helps anyone thinking of taking the plunge?
Two months in and I've done just over 4300 electric miles, most of which has been in pretty cold and wet weather so not best for range in an EV.
One of my families criteria of whether I like a car or not is how long it is before I start reading Autocar and choosing my next car. So far I am not remotely interested in picking up the magazine and I seriously wonder if I'll ever be that bothered by regular ICE cars from here on in, the Tesla is that good!
Aside from wishing it did more miles per charge (500 would be about 'right' for a future battery upgrade I reckon), there isn't really anything to moan about.
For a USA built car the quality is surprisingly good and although not up to Merc S class standards the cabin is a perfectly nice place to sit. I've completed several journeys of over 5 hours (with a couple of 10/15minute stops to top up battery) and the next gen seats offer plenty of support and adjustment. Autopilot is incredible although best not engaged when one is feeling tired as the temptation/risk of falling asleep is pretty high I reckon!
After 2 months I still:-
- like using the App to pre-warm the Tesla in the morning and getting into a warm and ready to go car. I haven't had to scrape the windscreen to clear it or run out and start the car to let it warm up before going to work once this year. Result!
- enjoy the instant and smooth power delivery. No matter how good an ICE gearbox is, it will never match an EV
- love the fact that I don't have to touch the brakes that much. The regenerative braking is excellent and makes driving so much less effort
- get a kick out of using the SuperCharger network. Thus far I've never had to wait for a charger to be available plus there is something deeply satisfying about making a long journey and not having to pay for the fuel to do so :-)
Plus - it's so flexible! I recently had to load up a whole heap of house 'stuff' and was simply amazed at how much you can fit in the Tesla with the rear seats folded. It seems to have almost the capacity of an estate car and that's before making use of the front 'trunk' (which I'd forgotten I had and cramped everything into the back - duh!).
Charging at home isn't an issue, within a week I had grown accustomed to parking up at the PodPoint and plugging in the cable (I went with a tethered cable and glad I did as it's always 'ready' and therefore very quick to plug/unplug). Thanks to Gov and Tesla help I didn't pay for the home charge point or the one at work or the one at our second home either - so can't complain!
The Tesla is my everyday car and although I've still got the use of conventional engined cars I haven't used one or wanted to since taking delivery. Even if it means stopping en-route to charge up, I'd rather take the Tesla.
Hope that helps anyone thinking of taking the plunge?
Lgm50 said:
Now that I've had the car 2 months, I thought an update might help anyone considering switching from a conventional car to a Tesla.
Two months in and I've done just over 4300 electric miles, most of which has been in pretty cold and wet weather so not best for range in an EV.
One of my families criteria of whether I like a car or not is how long it is before I start reading Autocar and choosing my next car. So far I am not remotely interested in picking up the magazine and I seriously wonder if I'll ever be that bothered by regular ICE cars from here on in, the Tesla is that good!
Aside from wishing it did more miles per charge (500 would be about 'right' for a future battery upgrade I reckon), there isn't really anything to moan about.
For a USA built car the quality is surprisingly good and although not up to Merc S class standards the cabin is a perfectly nice place to sit. I've completed several journeys of over 5 hours (with a couple of 10/15minute stops to top up battery) and the next gen seats offer plenty of support and adjustment. Autopilot is incredible although best not engaged when one is feeling tired as the temptation/risk of falling asleep is pretty high I reckon!
After 2 months I still:-
- like using the App to pre-warm the Tesla in the morning and getting into a warm and ready to go car. I haven't had to scrape the windscreen to clear it or run out and start the car to let it warm up before going to work once this year. Result!
- enjoy the instant and smooth power delivery. No matter how good an ICE gearbox is, it will never match an EV
- love the fact that I don't have to touch the brakes that much. The regenerative braking is excellent and makes driving so much less effort
- get a kick out of using the SuperCharger network. Thus far I've never had to wait for a charger to be available plus there is something deeply satisfying about making a long journey and not having to pay for the fuel to do so :-)
Plus - it's so flexible! I recently had to load up a whole heap of house 'stuff' and was simply amazed at how much you can fit in the Tesla with the rear seats folded. It seems to have almost the capacity of an estate car and that's before making use of the front 'trunk' (which I'd forgotten I had and cramped everything into the back - duh!).
Charging at home isn't an issue, within a week I had grown accustomed to parking up at the PodPoint and plugging in the cable (I went with a tethered cable and glad I did as it's always 'ready' and therefore very quick to plug/unplug). Thanks to Gov and Tesla help I didn't pay for the home charge point or the one at work or the one at our second home either - so can't complain!
The Tesla is my everyday car and although I've still got the use of conventional engined cars I haven't used one or wanted to since taking delivery. Even if it means stopping en-route to charge up, I'd rather take the Tesla.
Hope that helps anyone thinking of taking the plunge?
Two months in and I've done just over 4300 electric miles, most of which has been in pretty cold and wet weather so not best for range in an EV.
One of my families criteria of whether I like a car or not is how long it is before I start reading Autocar and choosing my next car. So far I am not remotely interested in picking up the magazine and I seriously wonder if I'll ever be that bothered by regular ICE cars from here on in, the Tesla is that good!
Aside from wishing it did more miles per charge (500 would be about 'right' for a future battery upgrade I reckon), there isn't really anything to moan about.
For a USA built car the quality is surprisingly good and although not up to Merc S class standards the cabin is a perfectly nice place to sit. I've completed several journeys of over 5 hours (with a couple of 10/15minute stops to top up battery) and the next gen seats offer plenty of support and adjustment. Autopilot is incredible although best not engaged when one is feeling tired as the temptation/risk of falling asleep is pretty high I reckon!
After 2 months I still:-
- like using the App to pre-warm the Tesla in the morning and getting into a warm and ready to go car. I haven't had to scrape the windscreen to clear it or run out and start the car to let it warm up before going to work once this year. Result!
- enjoy the instant and smooth power delivery. No matter how good an ICE gearbox is, it will never match an EV
- love the fact that I don't have to touch the brakes that much. The regenerative braking is excellent and makes driving so much less effort
- get a kick out of using the SuperCharger network. Thus far I've never had to wait for a charger to be available plus there is something deeply satisfying about making a long journey and not having to pay for the fuel to do so :-)
Plus - it's so flexible! I recently had to load up a whole heap of house 'stuff' and was simply amazed at how much you can fit in the Tesla with the rear seats folded. It seems to have almost the capacity of an estate car and that's before making use of the front 'trunk' (which I'd forgotten I had and cramped everything into the back - duh!).
Charging at home isn't an issue, within a week I had grown accustomed to parking up at the PodPoint and plugging in the cable (I went with a tethered cable and glad I did as it's always 'ready' and therefore very quick to plug/unplug). Thanks to Gov and Tesla help I didn't pay for the home charge point or the one at work or the one at our second home either - so can't complain!
The Tesla is my everyday car and although I've still got the use of conventional engined cars I haven't used one or wanted to since taking delivery. Even if it means stopping en-route to charge up, I'd rather take the Tesla.
Hope that helps anyone thinking of taking the plunge?
What did you pay for the car?
Really looking forward to it!Yes you can unlock and drive off without your key and just the app however it's not advisable because if you stop where there's no mobile reception you're stuffed.
The key needs to be close to the car when using summon from the app which is different, you can just move the car forward or backwards from outside the car.
The key needs to be close to the car when using summon from the app which is different, you can just move the car forward or backwards from outside the car.
Ex Boy Racer said:
I tested one and ordered a couple of years ago but had to cancel due to range issues.
Only thing I didn't like was the steering and handling; seemed a bit wooden and lifeless. Has it improved?
I think they have changed. My first Tesla experience was a test drive in an early P85 in the US (2013). It was fast, but a bit loose. More recently (2014) I tested a P85 in the UK with the optional sports suspension. That was very firm. My car (an early 2015 build S85 with air suspension and on 19s) is somewhere in the middle. It is a big car, but surprisingly wieldy and a good balance between comfort and cornering. Ride can be a bit brittle at low speeds (air suspension?), but overall very good IMO.Only thing I didn't like was the steering and handling; seemed a bit wooden and lifeless. Has it improved?
As for the steering: not a lot of feel, but not that different to my V8 M3. There are user options to vary the weight.
Lgm50 said:
Now that I've had the car 2 months, I thought an update might help anyone considering switching from a conventional car to a Tesla.....
Couldn't agree more on all the points you make there, I have exactly the same sentiments! Like you, we still have ICE cars we could use, but unless we're heading to a particularly tight multi-storey car park, we will always take the Tesla. On long journeys in particular it is more relaxing (Autopilot!), calmer (air suspension is great), cheaper (free Supercharging) and better for the environment; just generally a much nicer experience.Steering feel is not great; it's electric, and like every car with electric steering that I've tired, it feels numb when pressing on. However, round town the 'Comfort' setting is nicely weighted, and gets heavier as you press on. 'Standard' is also OK, but 'Sport' just feels overly heavy to me. It's not the last word in dynamic driving, but then it wasn't designed to be - if you want that, get a Lotus Elise I guess!
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