Tesla Model 3 2021 electric car owner review

Phil Hughes drives a Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD 2021.

This is Phil’s second electric car, he’s owned the Model 3 between 3-4 years and drives under 5,000 miles annually. The current mileage of the car is between 10,000-20,000 miles and he achieves 310 miles from a full charge.

Why did you choose the Tesla Model 3?

The major factor was the minimalist interior and single point interface. My wife has a neurological condition and she becomes anxious if she can’t see speed etc. Second was styling, SUVs are out of the question, again due to my wife’s condition, so it had to be a saloon car. Third was performance and handling. It is exceptionally rapid and great on bends due to a low height and low centre of mass. The tech wasn’t part of the decision making process but it will become a major factor in the purchase of my next car.

Positives

Technical excellence
performance & handling
one pedal driving.

Negatives

Ride can be harsh
lack of a birdseye-view camera
phantom braking.

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

Yes, I do very little public charging so it’s not something I would notice. Range is the same also.

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

Rattle in rear door card but it was fixed very quickly and a loan car was supplied. I didn’t have time to get home before they called to say it was fixed!

What are the standout technological features of the car?

Integration via the app and with the sat nav & calendar
reactive headlights are now set so no dazzling other drivers
OTA updates just seamless.

Tell us something people wouldn’t readily know about the Tesla Model 3

My favourite (small thing) which impresses others is the voice command to play any song.

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

The tyres are too expensive.

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

Next gen Model 3 but when FSD Hardware 5.0 comes out. I want to be able to use all the features, HW3 on mine is limited, I think HW4 will be replaced in the not too distant future. Because I need a saloon my choices are limited.

Home charging unit

Hypervolt 2 – it just works, without fail, every time. No faults at all after 3 years.

Electricity supplier & tariff

Intelligent Octopus Go – I’ve never had an issue with it, just plug-in and forget. I do find the charging plan changes during the evening and night so it can’t be relied upon to plan cheap house use. I have batteries and I had to get the setup modified, the extra slots outside core just drained the battery. It’s fixed now but something for others to be careful about.

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

Tesla only – it’s so easy. I don’t do much public charging (none in 2024) but it’s easy to find a Tesla charger anywhere I want to go. The problem I find is charging is too quickly, with a disabled wife there’s not enough time to get her to the loo then grab a coffee.

Insurer

Churchill – very good with UK call handlers. They quote higher on their website than if I phone them. Quick to respond. I haven’t had a claim so no experience of that side.

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

Car bought privately for cash so no lease or PCP cost. Fuel saves around £1,500 per year, servicing saves about £300 per year, car tax saves £600 per year. Tyres no difference. Depreciation better than my previous cars, I always buy new. I’ve saved around £8,000 since buying it, so £200 saving per month on low mileage.