Darren Garside drives a Tesla Model 3 Long Range 2021 electric car.

This is Darren’s first electric car, he’s owned the Model 3 from new and drives 10,000-15,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 5,000-10,000 miles and he achieve 270 miles range from a full charge.

Rate your Model 3 out of 5

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Why did you choose this electric car?

Tesla charging network until the wider public network improves. Software was of a higher standard/state of development and feature set than other manufacturers. Autopilot was much more mature and provided better confidence than other manufacturers tested. Better range/efficiency for size of battery. Nicer design/look than what was available from other manufacturers at the time.

Positives – List 3 or more reasons why you love this electric car

• Cost of ownership compared to ICE
• ease of ownership (full tank of fuel every morning/OTA/integration with phone and Google Maps/charging network)
• something different.

Negatives – List 3 or more things that you really don’t like about this electric car

• Tesla is not really a mature manufacturer of cars, so still teething problems (improving all the time)
• software updates feel sometimes like 2 steps forward and 1 back (quality control)
• paint/material quality has me concerned longer term.

Have you experienced any faults with the car? If so, what have they been?

• Boot alignment on delivery
• Charging cover/access panel replaced
• …and still to be reported knocking from front driver’s side suspension.

What are the standout tech features of the car?

• Autopilot
• Infotainment/User interface
• Ease of driving/relaxed manner.

Surprise us! Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about this electric car.

The floor mats have a velcro-like back and are great for now moving forward/getting under pedals or breaking the tabs like on some manufacturer-supplied mats.

What electric car are you interested in next and why?

None at the moment, see where the market is in 3 years with the amount of expansion/growth at the moment.

What home charging unit do you use? Would you recommend it to others and why?

myenergi zappi – great unit and have it linked into solar and batteries. Great software control and also linked to Intelligent Octopus as well.

Rate your home charging unit out of 5

What home electricity supplier & tariff do you use? Would you recommend it to others and why?

Intelligent Octopus – great to maximise usage of lower cost rate.

Rate your electricity supplier out of 5

What public charging networks would you recommend to others and why?

• IONITY
• Osprey
• MFG
• InstaVolt.

List your top 3 favourite public charging networks (in order of preference)

• IONITY
• Osprey
• InstaVolt.

Who do you insure your electric car with? Would you recommend them to others and why?

Peugeot Insurance – did cheap Tesla insurance for a short while.

Rate your insurance provider out of 5

Estimate how much money you save per month owning and running an electric car compared to a petrol/diesel car

£450

See other owner reviews here