Living with a Tesla Model 3 in the UK: Honest Thoughts from an EV Skeptic

From Petrolhead to EV Driver: My Journey

For over 20 years, I’ve been a petrol and diesel car enthusiast. My first car, a 15-year-old Volkswagen Lupo, was my dream car at the time, and it carried countless memories.

Over the years, I’ve owned several cars, from Skodas and Vauxhalls to a BMW. I’ve also had the chance to drive various high-spec cars for work, all powered by petrol or diesel. The sound of the engine, the feel of the gears, and the ease of refueling were things I loved.

Six months ago, I found myself facing a big decision: stick with what I knew or switch to an electric vehicle (EV) offered and maintained by my company. It wasn’t an easy choice, especially since I live in a flat without a home charger—a challenge for any EV owner.

The EV Dilemma: Scepticism Meets Reality

I’ve always been curious about EVs, but also skeptical. I’d read about limited range, especially in winter, and the hassle of charging. The thought of running out of battery during my nearly 200-mile daily commute was worrying. However, the convenience of a Tesla Supercharger just five miles from home gave me some confidence.

When choosing an EV, I focused on three things: the longest range, fast charging, and comfort.

After weeks of research, I narrowed it down to the Tesla Model 3 Long Range and the BMW i4 eDrive40—both known for their long driving ranges. In the end, I decided on the Tesla Model 3.

Six Months In: My Thoughts on the Tesla Model 3

After six months, I’ve found the Tesla Model 3 to be a good car, especially for city driving. It’s smooth, responsive, and packed with tech. What I appreciate most is the simplicity—everything feels well-designed and easy to use.

But how does it compare to a BMW? Honestly, the Tesla isn’t as luxurious as a BMW, but it’s more than enough for me. It’s comfortable, has great range, and is fun to drive.

Range was a big concern for me, especially since, again,I don’t have a home charger. But I’ve been pleasantly surprised. On an 80% charge, I can easily make my 90-mile trip to work and back, driving at 70 miles per hour, with about 30% battery left.

The nearby Supercharger has been a lifesaver, and range anxiety hasn’t been a massive issue so far.

The Reality Check: Challenges and Considerations

That said, there are challenges. I haven’t yet gone through a winter with the Tesla, and I know cold weather will affect battery life and charging speed. I’ll be keeping an eye on that and will share my thoughts next year.

Owning an EV also requires planning. To get the most out of the battery, you need to pre-condition it before charging, especially in colder months.

Charging from 20% to 80% takes about 25 minutes with a Supercharger, which is an inconvenience compared to a quick stop at a petrol station. So far, it’s been manageable, but it’s not for everyone.

Another concern is battery deterioration over time. My current Model 3 is new, so the battery is strong. But I previously had an older pre-owned Model 3 for about a month, and it struggled to make the same journey on one charge.

This is something to consider if you plan to keep the car for several years.

Looking Ahead: EV Charging at My Flat

I’m currently in the process of trying to get an EV charger installed at my flat. It’s been a long and complicated journey, and I plan to write a separate article about it once I have more details. Stay tuned for that story!

Is an EV Right for You?

My experience with the Tesla Model 3 has been mostly positive. It’s a great car for city driving, with lots of tech and a smooth ride. However, it requires planning, especially when it comes to charging. Living with an EV without a home charger might not be for everyone.

What are your thoughts and experiences with EVs? Have you made the switch, or are you still unsure? I’d love to hear from you!

Adrian@SelfElevateJourney