As someone immersed in the automotive world for over a decade, I’ve had the privilege of test-driving a wide array of vehicles – from cutting-edge electric cars to traditional gas-guzzlers and everything in between, including hybrids. A significant perk of my profession as an automotive content creator is access to press fleets, allowing for hands-on experience with the latest models and technologies. This direct engagement provides invaluable insight into the rapid evolution of automotive engineering and technology.
However, Teslas have always remained somewhat elusive. Unlike traditional automakers, Elon Musk’s Tesla operates without a conventional press fleet. My interactions with Teslas have been limited to brief encounters – short test drives for comparison articles or ride-alongs at auto shows.
Driven by curiosity and the desire for a more in-depth understanding, I decided to take matters into my own hands over the holiday period. I rented a Tesla Model 3 from Hertz, venturing into the experience as a relative Tesla novice, despite having reviewed the Model 3 previously through other channels. This extended test drive aimed to bridge the gap in my direct Tesla experience and provide a firsthand perspective on living with this groundbreaking electric vehicle.
What I quickly discovered was that much of my extensive background with other vehicles didn’t fully prepare me for the Tesla experience. Teslas present a fundamentally unique approach to driving, technology integration, and overall vehicle interaction, setting them apart in a rapidly transforming automotive landscape. My five-day journey with the Model 3 was a steep learning curve, filled with surprises and revelations about what makes Tesla, well, Tesla. Here are my key takeaways from this immersive experience.
The Tesla Supercharger Network is a Game Changer for EV Drivers
Having heard countless times about the advantages of Tesla’s Supercharger network, both from data and Tesla owners themselves, I was still unprepared for the sheer convenience and speed it offered. The Supercharger network isn’t just an incremental improvement; it’s a fundamental shift in the EV charging experience. Charging my rented Model 3 proved to be significantly faster and more straightforward compared to my past experiences with electric vehicles from legacy automakers.
During my five-day rental, the longest charging stop was approximately an hour. This session brought the battery level from 20% to a full 100%. While I later learned that charging to 80% is generally recommended, especially in colder climates, the full charge didn’t seem to negatively impact my immediate experience.
This starkly contrasted with a 2019 road trip in a Chevrolet Bolt. On that journey, charging was a far more time-consuming and often frustrating endeavor. I spent what felt like endless hours at Level 2 chargers in rural areas, frequently struggling to achieve a full battery, highlighting the patchy and less developed state of non-Tesla charging infrastructure at the time. The Supercharger network truly sets Tesla apart in terms of charging accessibility and efficiency.
Cold Weather Charging in a Tesla: A Mixed Experience
Michigan’s cold weather presented a less-than-ideal scenario for evaluating the battery preconditioning feature of the Model 3. Each time I needed to charge, I diligently used the Tesla navigation system to route me to a Supercharger. This action is supposed to trigger the battery preconditioning, warming it up en route to optimize charging speeds upon arrival.
However, on all four charging occasions, the Model 3’s touchscreen displayed a persistent warning message indicating that the battery was cold and, consequently, charging would be slower than optimal. Despite the preconditioning system’s attempt to mitigate the cold’s impact, the repeated warnings suggested that frigid temperatures still significantly affected charging performance. This experience underscored that while Tesla has made strides in cold-weather EV operation, ambient temperature remains a factor in charging efficiency, even with Supercharger access.
Navigating the Buttonless Interior of the Model 3: A Thoughtful Redesign
The minimalist, nearly button-free interior of the Tesla Model 3 demands a significant shift in how drivers interact with vehicle controls. Accustomed to the standardized placement of controls in most vehicles, I encountered unexpected challenges with even basic functions. Adjusting the side-view mirrors was my first such hurdle. The Hertz employee who delivered the car was considerably taller, necessitating a substantial mirror adjustment upon my first entry.
My ingrained reflexes led me to search for mirror toggles in the usual locations – the driver’s door panel, the steering column, the center console. However, the conventional buttons were conspicuously absent. I had to consult the instructional materials provided by Hertz to locate the mirror settings, which are buried within the touchscreen menu system. This experience highlighted Tesla’s radical departure from traditional automotive interface design, requiring a conscious relearning of even the most fundamental car operations.
One-Pedal Driving in the Tesla Model 3: City Driving Advantage, Highway Adjustment
In my previous experiences with electric vehicles, I typically deactivated or minimized regenerative braking due to a dislike for the abrupt deceleration when lifting off the accelerator. However, the Model 3 rental lacked readily apparent settings to adjust or disable one-pedal driving. Consequently, I decided to fully embrace the experience.
While I eventually adapted to modulating the accelerator to mimic the coasting sensation of a gas-powered car, I remained unconvinced about one-pedal driving’s universal appeal. The inherent jerkiness, even with practice, detracted from highway smoothness. For passengers prone to motion sickness, this driving mode might be particularly uncomfortable.
Nevertheless, one-pedal driving proved advantageous in urban environments. Once mastered, it simplified stop-and-go traffic and, presumably, contributed to energy recuperation and range extension during errands around town. The system presents a trade-off: city driving efficiency gains versus highway driving smoothness.
The Unconventional Power-Off: Learning to Turn Off a Tesla
Perhaps the most surprising moment of my Tesla rental was realizing I was unsure how to turn the car off after parking for the first time. The absence of a traditional ignition button or key slot left me momentarily perplexed. Recalling the touchscreen settings menu from the mirror adjustment episode, I navigated through it again, but still couldn’t find an obvious power-off command. In a moment of slight bewilderment, I resorted to a quick smartphone search: “how to turn off Model 3.”
The solution, as with many Tesla functionalities, was surprisingly simple, almost to the point of disbelief. To power down the Model 3, you simply exit the vehicle with the key (or your phone, if using the Tesla app). The car automatically locks and shuts down.
Stepping out of the car, I cautiously retreated, waiting for visual or auditory confirmation of shutdown. There was no audible beep, but the headlights gradually dimmed and extinguished. This automatic power-off felt initially unconventional but quickly became intuitive. So much so that upon returning to my own Subaru after the rental, I instinctively exited the vehicle while it was still running, a testament to how quickly Tesla’s unique operational logic can become ingrained.
My five days with the Tesla Model 3 were an enlightening immersion into the distinctive world of Tesla. It reinforced the notion that driving a Tesla is not merely operating another car; it’s engaging with a fundamentally different automotive philosophy. From the seamless Supercharger experience to the minimalist interior and unconventional controls, the Model 3 offers a driving experience that challenges and redefines traditional automotive norms. For car enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike, understanding these nuances is crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of personal transportation.
