Tesla Model 3 2019 electric car owner review

Marc drives a Tesla Model 3 SR+ 54kWh 2019.

This is Marc’s first electric car, he’s owned the Model 3 between 5-6 years and drives under 10,000-15,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 40,000-50,000 miles and he achieves 200 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the Tesla Model 3?

I initially pre-ordered a Hyundai Kona Electric. However, they took so long to actually deliver something that I had time to do more research. The efficiency, charging network and technology of the Model 3 (the Kona didn’t even have a proper mobile app at the time), and the fact that they could actually sell me one won me over. I ordered a Model 3 and it turned up about 5 weeks later.

Positives

Efficiency
range
technology
performance
convenience.

Negatives

The boot opening is like a letterbox and door ‘open’ buttons have to be explained to every new passenger (and some repeat passengers too). I just get out of the car and open the door for them.

Compared to when you first bought the car, does your battery still charge at the same rate & do you still get the same range?

Charging got faster with software updates that improved the charge curve. I get up to 172kW with Tesla Superchargers that aren’t limited by amps, but it’s a 400V system so low amp charge points can’t reach this. Zapmap etc. would do well to include max amps or charge speed for 400V and 800V systems separately. Range has dropped about 15%, that happened quite quickly but it has settled.

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

A number of small issues were quickly rectified after delivery, nothing to be too bothered about (no Tesla quality scare story here). Front suspension control arms replaced under warranty at around 4 years.

What are the standout technological features of the car?

The tech adds up to an seamless experience, it’s more about what you *don’t* have to do:

With nothing but my smartphone in my pocket I walk up to the car and it unlocks, knows who I am and sets my seating position, mirror’s etc.
I get in and it’s already on, it’s warm, defrosted, battery preconditioned and it knows where I’m going from my calendar. It automatically starts navigating to the destination, I just shift into drive and go.
On any journey the car knows if I’ll have to stop and charge on the way, where, for how long and I know chargers will be available, will be working and will be fast. If I leave the car the app will tell me when there’s enough charge to continue the journey.
At the other end I just get out and walk away, it turns itself off and locks the doors. Everything just works, it’s an end-to-end solution that makes journeys effortless.

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

It’s no surprise that Teslas are quick off the line but it never gets old.

What’s the biggest or funniest myth you’ve heard about EVs?

That you have to replace the battery after 2 years. A taxi driver told me this with absolute certainty when he saw my car!

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

Not sure, I love the Hyundai IONIQ 5N, just looks like great fun to drive, but I’ll assess the market when it comes to it.

Home charging unit

Pod Point Solo (basic) – it’s reliable and just works. I don’t have it connected to Wi-Fi so all the ‘smart’ charging stuff is controlled by the car.

Electricity supplier & tariff

Octopus Go tariff – works out about 2p/mile on the overnight rate. No complaints.

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

Tesla Superchargers – always work, always fast and always the best prices, even the ones open to non-Teslas are much cheaper.
InstaVolt – always seem to work but not always the fastest for 400V as often they’re low amp charge points.
Stay away from bp/polar/pulse!

Insurer

Direct Line – obviously car insurance is more expensive than I’d like but they’ve always been good to work with in the event of a claim.

Please itemise where you’re saving money (or not) owning & running a Tesla Model 3

Most of my journeys are at 2p/mile rate which is a huge saving over my previous petrol cars. I’ve paid no VED for over 5 years, no Congestion Charge or ULEZ and servicing has been minimal, perhaps £500 in total over 5 years.