Mahern drives a Tesla Model S 90D 2015.

This is Mahern’s first electric car, he’s owned the Tesla Model S from new and drives 10,000-15,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is over 100,000 miles and he achieves 250 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the Tesla Model S?

I originally purchased my Tesla because I wanted to help transition away from ICE vehicles and to eliminate on-road emissions. From day 1, I have LOVED driving this car. The instant acceleration and handling (low centre of gravity) make it really fun to drive. I also use auto-pilot often as an assist, particularly in stop and go traffic. My wife calls my car “my girlfriend”, she’s right, I love my baby.

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

• See above.

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

• It is low to the ground. Speed bumps are a killer with four adults, even when I go over them slowly. I should have gotten the adjustable height package in retrospect.
• Auto-pilot for my vintage model has been spotty when it comes to performance. I know Tesla states that drivers must always maintain control (and I do) but I’ve had periods after software updates where auto-pilot performance has degraded significantly. I continually test it on the same road, same curve, same time of day and it is always a crap-shoot whether she will navigate the turn successfully.
• Some software updates make basic functionality worse and don’t seem to address existing issues with the car. For example, the sensor mode for the wiper blades worked fine for a number of years but after an update last year, the wipers take a couple of sane swipes and then swipe like a bat out of hell. I actually have to put the wipers into the low swipe mode.

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

No – no fundamental faults.

What are the standout technological features of the car?

In short, the car! This car is a marvel of technological achievement. Tesla engineers circa 2015 did an amazing job.

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

I haul a lot of stuff in my car. Some folks pamper their Model S but I use this car daily and sometimes use it hard. I really like the extra storage behind the rear motor. Speaking of which, the dual motors make this heavy vehicle feel very light and responsive.

What electric car(s) are you interested in next and why?

I’m interested in Lucid’s line-up and the Lightyear 2. I continue to want to support advancement in the technology. I wish everyone had an EV not just environmentally but from a performance perspective as well.

Home charging unit – outline both positive & negative elements 

I have a Tesla Wall Connector (connected to a 240V outlet). It meets 88% of my charging needs based on the stats in my Tesla app. I had a contractor run a dedicated line. I used a local contractor at a significantly lower cost than the one suggested by Tesla.

Electricity supplier & tariff – outline both positive & negative elements

Not sure, supply has been fine, cost is fine.

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

Chargepoint, Electrify America & Tesla Super Charger. Early on I had a few instances of Chargepoint locations not being operational but that has gotten much better. Also, early on, public charging was sparse where I am. It has gotten better but it needs to be much more ubiquitous. Fast chargers will be key to mass adoption. My wife does not like taking long trips in the Tesla (even using the Supercharger network). Increased vehicle range and more charging locations should reduce this gripe.

Insurer – outline both positive & negative elements

Insurance has been fine although early on my rate was higher, relatively speaking, than my Toyota Prius at the time. I thought this seemed unjust since the Model S has a five star safety rating but I guess the class of vehicle (luxury vs consumer) has an affect, though, not enough for me to switch insurance companies.

Please itemise where you’re saving money owning & running your Tesla Model S

Maintenance & ‘fuel’ costs. With current prices, I am saving over $100 monthly.

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