Owning a Tesla was a dream come true for me. It’s been a little over a year since I brought my Tesla home, and I have to say, I’ve learned a lot in that time. When I first got my car, I was excited but also a bit overwhelmed—there was so much to learn about electric vehicles, especially a Tesla.
Now, after a full year of driving, I feel like I have a good grasp on what it’s really like to own and drive one. There were surprises, a few challenges, and plenty of incredible experiences along the way.
In this article, I’ll share everything I’ve learned during my first year as a Tesla owner. From adapting my charging habits to exploring Tesla’s unique features, adjusting to an EV lifestyle, and managing maintenance, I’ll cover all the insights that new or potential Tesla owners might find useful. So if you’re curious about what it’s really like to own a Tesla, here’s my honest take after a year behind the wheel.
Charging Habits: Finding the Right Routine
One of the first adjustments I had to make was figuring out my charging routine. Unlike a gas car, where you fill up as needed, driving an electric car meant creating a new habit. Here’s what I learned about charging after a year:
- Home Charging is a Lifesaver: Installing a Level 2 Wall Connector in my garage was one of the best decisions I made. Charging overnight has been so convenient, allowing me to wake up to a full battery every morning. It’s saved me countless hours that would have otherwise been spent at public chargers.
- Using Off-Peak Hours: By charging during off-peak hours, I’ve been able to save a bit on my electricity bill. Most utility companies offer lower rates at night, so I set my car to start charging after 11 p.m. when the rates drop. This small change has saved me a surprising amount over the year.
- Planning for Longer Trips: For daily drives, home charging is perfect, but for road trips, I rely on Tesla’s Supercharger network. Tesla’s built-in Trip Planner maps out Supercharger stops along the way, making it easy to plan longer journeys. This feature has made road trips more seamless than I initially thought, eliminating my concerns about range.
Tips for New Tesla Owners
As a new Tesla owner, I picked up several practical tips that would have been helpful to know from the start. Here’s some advice that could make the transition to Tesla ownership smoother:
- Set Up the Tesla App Right Away: The Tesla app is incredibly useful, allowing me to control charging, check the car’s status, and even precondition the cabin before getting in. Setting it up early made a huge difference.
- Practice with Charging and Supercharging: Familiarizing myself with both home charging and Supercharging was helpful. I practiced using different types of chargers to understand how fast each one works and the costs associated with them.
- Explore Settings Like Chill Mode: Tesla’s driving modes allow you to adjust performance and regenerative braking. Chill Mode, for instance, offers smoother acceleration, which can be helpful when getting used to driving an EV. I also played around with different regenerative braking settings until I found what felt best for me.
Adapting to Tesla’s Autopilot and Other Driving Features
One of the most exciting aspects of owning a Tesla is its advanced driving technology, especially Autopilot. I didn’t know what to expect at first, but over time, I’ve come to rely on Tesla’s unique features.
- Getting Comfortable with Autopilot: At first, using Autopilot felt a bit strange, but I soon got used to it. Autopilot is ideal for highway driving, where it handles speed, lane changes, and distance from other vehicles with ease. While it’s not fully autonomous, it makes long drives far more relaxing.
- Knowing When Not to Use Autopilot: I quickly learned that Autopilot isn’t suited for every situation. In busy city traffic or areas with complex intersections, it’s best to take manual control. Understanding when and where Autopilot works best has helped me use it effectively.
- Useful Driving Features Beyond Autopilot: Tesla’s other driving features, like regenerative braking, took some time to get used to but are now second nature. Regenerative braking helps recharge the battery and slows the car when I lift my foot off the accelerator, which has reduced my brake usage significantly.
The Convenience and Cost Savings of an EV
One of the biggest reasons I chose a Tesla was for the savings and convenience of driving an electric car. After a year, I’m happy to say it’s been worth it.
- Fuel Savings: With my previous gas car, I was spending a lot on fuel every month. Now, with my Tesla, my “fuel” costs have dropped significantly. Charging at home is far cheaper than gas, and even Supercharging on road trips doesn’t come close to what I used to spend on gas.
- Low Maintenance: Another advantage of owning an EV is the reduced maintenance. Tesla cars have fewer moving parts than traditional cars, so there’s no need for oil changes, spark plugs, or exhaust repairs. After a year, I’ve only needed basic maintenance, like tire rotation and topping up washer fluid.
- Tax Incentives: When I bought my Tesla, I qualified for an EV tax credit, which made the purchase price more affordable. If you’re considering an EV, definitely look into available incentives—they can make a big difference.
Navigating Charging Stations and Public Chargers
While home charging covers most of my needs, I occasionally rely on public chargers, especially on longer trips.
- Tesla’s Supercharger Network: Tesla’s Superchargers have been incredibly convenient, especially for road trips. With the Tesla Trip Planner, I know exactly where to stop, how long I need to charge, and when I’ll reach my destination. Superchargers are fast, and they make long-distance travel easy and worry-free.
- Using Third-Party Charging Stations: Sometimes, I’ve used third-party chargers, especially at hotels or places without Superchargers. Apps like PlugShare and ChargePoint help me find stations nearby. Tesla’s network is still my preferred option, but it’s good to have alternatives when needed.
- Charging Etiquette: One lesson I’ve learned is the importance of charging etiquette. Since more people are switching to EVs, public chargers can get busy. I make it a point to unplug as soon as I’m done and avoid using Superchargers for daily charging, as they’re intended for travelers.
Exploring Tesla’s Entertainment and Convenience Features
Tesla’s interior is designed with entertainment and convenience in mind, making it one of the most enjoyable cars I’ve ever owned.
- Entertainment on Demand: I didn’t expect my car to offer so much entertainment, but Tesla’s built-in streaming services, games, and web browsing have been great during charging stops. Watching Netflix or playing games at Superchargers has turned charging time into relaxing time.
- Over-the-Air Updates: Tesla regularly releases software updates that add new features, improve Autopilot, and even make the car more efficient. It’s like getting a new car without leaving my driveway, and it keeps my Tesla feeling up-to-date.
- The Tesla App: The app has become an essential tool, allowing me to control charging, set the climate before getting in, and even track my car’s location. It’s convenient and adds to the overall Tesla experience.
Learning About Tesla’s Safety Features
Safety was a major reason I chose Tesla, and after a year, I feel reassured by its design and safety features.
- Built for Safety: Tesla’s design prioritizes safety. The battery placement creates a low center of gravity, reducing the risk of rollovers, and advanced safety features like emergency braking and collision warnings have been useful.
- Sentry Mode and Security: Sentry Mode uses the car’s cameras to monitor its surroundings when parked, giving me peace of mind. I get notifications of any unusual activity, which has made me feel secure parking in public areas.
Managing Range Anxiety and Driving Efficiency
Range anxiety—worrying about running out of battery—was one of my initial concerns. Here’s how I managed it over the year:
- Planning Ahead: I quickly learned that range anxiety is manageable with a bit of planning. Tesla’s navigation system includes charging stops, and by following its recommendations, I rarely worry about running out of power.
- Driving Habits: I also noticed that certain driving habits, like speeding or heavy A/C use, can drain the battery faster. Learning to drive more efficiently has helped extend my range, making me feel more confident on the road.
Tesla Service and Warranty: My Experience
Over the past year, I’ve had a few interactions with Tesla’s service and found it to be convenient and responsive.
- Tesla Service: Most of my interactions with Tesla’s service have been through mobile service, which allows a technician to come to my home. This has been extremely convenient for minor repairs and routine maintenance.
- Warranty Coverage: My car is still under warranty, which covers major components like the battery and drivetrain. Knowing that I have coverage for significant issues has given me peace of mind.
Hidden Tesla Features I Discovered
Tesla has plenty of “hidden” features that I didn’t know about initially. Here are a few fun and useful ones:
- Dog Mode: Keeps the cabin comfortable for pets while displaying a message that they’re safe.
- Sentry Mode: Monitors surroundings while parked, capturing footage of any unusual activity.
- Camp Mode: Allows me to sleep in the car with climate control and ventilation on.
- Boombox: Lets me play custom sounds through the car’s external speakers—a fun touch for gatherings.
Reflecting on the Community and Support
Tesla has a unique and passionate community, and connecting with other Tesla owners has been an unexpected bonus.
- Tesla Owner Communities: Online forums, social media groups, and local meetups have allowed me to connect with other Tesla enthusiasts. The community is welcoming and always willing to share tips and advice.
- Customer Support: Tesla’s customer support has been helpful in my experience. They’ve answered my questions promptly, and the mobile service has made routine maintenance stress-free.
Final Thoughts on My Tesla Journey So Far
After a year of driving my Tesla, I can confidently say it’s been one of the best decisions I’ve made. From learning the ins and outs of charging to exploring advanced features, adjusting to a new way of driving, and joining an inspiring community, Tesla ownership has been rewarding in ways I didn’t expect.
Tesla has transformed my driving experience, offering both convenience and excitement in a way that a traditional car never could. I look forward to many more years with my Tesla and to seeing what new features and updates the future holds.
If you’re considering a Tesla, I hope these insights help you make a more informed decision. Owning a Tesla is a unique experience, and for me, it’s been absolutely worth it.