Having spent over a decade immersed in the automotive world, I’ve had the privilege of test-driving a vast array of vehicles – from cutting-edge electric cars and efficient hybrids to robust gas-powered machines. This hands-on experience, facilitated by access to press fleets, allows for a unique understanding of the rapid technological and engineering advancements shaping today’s cars.
However, Teslas have always remained somewhat elusive. Unlike traditional automakers, Elon Musk’s pioneering electric vehicle company operates without a conventional press fleet. My encounters with Teslas have been limited to brief test drives, often for comparative reviews, or as a passenger during auto show demonstrations.
Driven by curiosity and the desire for a more in-depth understanding, I decided to take matters into my own hands over the recent holidays. I rented a Tesla Model 3 from Hertz, embarking on a five-day journey as a complete Tesla novice. While the Model 3 has been reviewed extensively, I approached this experience with fresh eyes, eager to discover what makes Tesla stand out in the crowded EV market.
What I quickly realized is that much of my prior automotive knowledge offered only a partial guide in the Tesla ecosystem. Musk’s vehicles present a fundamentally different experience, from the unique driving dynamics and tactile feedback to the seamless integration of technology.
Here’s a detailed account of my key takeaways and lessons learned during my five days exploring the Tesla Model 3.
The Tesla Supercharger Network is a Game Changer
For years, data and anecdotal evidence from Tesla owners have highlighted the transformative nature of the Supercharger network. Experiencing it firsthand during my Model 3 rental truly underscored its significance. Charging my Tesla proved to be significantly faster and more convenient compared to my past experiences with EVs from legacy automakers.
During one charging session on my second day, replenishing the battery from approximately 20% to a full 100% took about an hour. (I later learned that charging to 80% is generally recommended, especially in colder climates, though the full charge didn’t seem to adversely affect my experience).
In stark contrast, a 2019 road trip in a Chevrolet Bolt involved numerous lengthy stops at Level 2 chargers in rural areas, often without achieving a complete battery replenishment, highlighting the charging infrastructure advantage Tesla possesses.
Cold Weather Charging Presents Challenges
Navigating Michigan’s cold weather conditions during my rental period introduced me to the nuances of EV battery performance in low temperatures. While I diligently utilized the Tesla navigation system to direct me to Superchargers – a feature designed to precondition the battery en route for optimal charging – my charging experiences were still impacted by the cold.
On all four charging occasions, the Model 3’s touchscreen displayed a warning indicating that the battery was cold and, consequently, charging would proceed at a slower rate. This served as a reminder of the environmental factors that can influence EV performance, particularly in regions with harsh winters.
Adjusting to the Button-Less Interior and Touchscreen Controls
In the realm of automotive design, certain controls and functionalities are universally standardized. Stepping into the Tesla Model 3’s minimalist cabin challenged these ingrained expectations. My initial encounter with this deviation from the norm involved adjusting the side-view mirrors. The Hertz representative who delivered the car was considerably taller, necessitating a significant mirror adjustment upon my entry.
However, my search for the conventional mirror adjustment toggles – typically located on the driver’s door, steering column, or center console – proved futile. The Model 3’s button-less interior design philosophy meant these controls were absent. I had to consult the instructional materials provided by Hertz to locate the mirror settings buried within the touchscreen interface. This experience underscored Tesla’s radical departure from traditional automotive interface design, requiring a learning curve even for seasoned drivers.
One-Pedal Driving: A Matter of Personal Preference
My prior experiences with electric vehicles involved either disabling or minimizing regenerative braking systems, as I found the abrupt deceleration upon releasing the accelerator pedal unsettling. In the Model 3, I couldn’t readily locate settings to modify the one-pedal driving behavior, prompting me to fully immerse myself in the experience.
While I acclimated to modulating the accelerator pedal to simulate the coasting sensation of a traditional car, I remain unconvinced about the universal appeal of one-pedal driving. On highways, the inability to coast naturally resulted in a less fluid driving experience, potentially inducing motion sickness in sensitive passengers.
However, for navigating city streets and stop-and-go traffic, one-pedal driving does offer a degree of convenience once mastered. I suspect it contributed to energy conservation during my holiday errand runs. Ultimately, one-pedal driving appears to be a feature that caters to individual driving preferences and may be more advantageous in specific driving scenarios.
The Unconventional Power Off Method
Perhaps the most unexpected aspect of my Model 3 experience was the initial confusion surrounding a seemingly basic function: turning off the car. Accustomed to push-button start/stop systems or ignition keys, I instinctively searched for a similar mechanism upon parking the Model 3 for the first time.
Navigating through the touchscreen settings menu, where I had previously adjusted the mirrors, yielded no obvious power-off command. Resorting to a quick online search for “how to turn off Model 3” revealed a remarkably simple – and almost anticlimactic – solution, emblematic of Tesla’s minimalist design approach. To power down the Model 3, one simply exits the vehicle with the key fob (or phone with the Tesla app), and the car automatically locks and shuts down.
Stepping out of the car, I cautiously observed, anticipating visual or auditory confirmation of the shutdown. While a traditional car beep was absent, the headlights gradually dimmed and extinguished, signaling the car’s powered-down state. This initially unfamiliar process quickly became second nature, so much so that upon returning to my Subaru after the rental period, I instinctively exited the vehicle while it was still running – a testament to Tesla’s subtly transformative user experience.
