2021 Tesla Model 3 Long Range REVIEW - road trip first impressions of a first time EV buyer
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- I decided to take the plunge into electric vehicle ownership, well, technically rental but I'll explain that in the video!
I toyed with different cars that might fit the bill and found what seemed an absolute gem of a Model 3 2021 facelift in a rare paint colour and with some rare options for the UK market.
So in this video, I am going to vlog my whole experience of the day I collected it - the excitement of new car day, the dealer handover process, my first impressions out on the road, first charging, the deal I got and much more.
There is much more to come on owning this Tesla and if you enjoy this one, please do LIKE, SHARE and don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to help me get the word out!
Thanks to www.bensound.com for the royalty free music and www.artlist.io for more banging royalty free tunes.
Time chapters:
00:00 - Intro/ It's new car day!
01:18 - At the dealer/ first look
05:17 - First impressions on the road
10:02 - First supercharger experience
11:52 - First impressions continued
17:46 - Why this car and the deal I got
22:24 - Supercharger stop 2
23:32 - First impressions continued
27:17 - Home/ Summary - Auta a dopravní prostředky
I had a very similar experience in the US. I rented a car, drove 5 hrs. and purchased a used 2021 Model 3. It's the LR with the performance boost package. I was not ready for the power but when I hit the throttle I had the same grin you had in the video. I went to show my son and my grandson ran out to see my new Tesla. He was just as excited and had the same grin. Thanks for the video.
I've got a launch video with my kids in the back in coming...!
Such a great enthusiast review! Loved your new car journey and I'm very jealous. Looking forward to seeing your kids reaction in the next video 😀
Thanks Wayne!
Used our matrix headlights for the first time last night and they were unreal. Worked brilliantly both following cars and with cars coming head on.
Yeah can't wait for winter to get long nights! 😁
I've had a model 3 LR for 3.5 years now and drive it round from Norway to the UK every year. So i can give a few tips:
1. As mentioned elsewhere here, try to roll into chargers with around 5-10% and only charge to 60-70% if you are in a hurry. The charge curve slows a lot above 80%, so it is faster to do more short charges than few long ones to >90% . Personally, by the time i have taken a pee, walked the dog and eaten a sandwich, the car is usually near 90%.
2. The adaptive cruise control going mental and hitting the brakes is depressingly common. It's called "phantom breaking" in the tesla world. Don't get your hopes too high for full self driving - it's impressive but you can't trust it.
3. Our labrador travels very happily on the back seat. I got a seat cover that splits, so she can share with a passenger if needed.
4. I run in chill mode almost all the time. It's just easier to drive smoothly, and reduces car sickness a lot. And its plenty quick still.
5. EVs work best if you can change how you view refuelling. So plan to plug in whilst you are doing something else, and then you'll maximise their advantages. Plan to do explicit "refuelling" trips and you'll emphasise their limitations. Getting a home charger helps massively.
Thanks a lot, great feedback.
Great review matey! Congrats on the car!
Thanks a lot!
Gorgeous car - love your enthusiasm! Best of luck with it!!
Thanks Ross!
I did exactly the same thing about 6 months ago...2021 Model 3 long range in Red, for the same reason - it's a bit different. I need to get mine polished as yours is nice and shiny 😁
FYI, the charge speed always slows down when you get nearly full. Also, you get over the motion sickness 😂
Great minds! Yeah I'm needing to polish my all over again (and rid it of bird poop!)
Home charging on the right tariff, is dirt cheap in comparison.
Totally!
@@car_babble I should say, I'm not a Tesla, or in fact ANY ev driver. But I'd like to be.
Intelligent Octopus Go is one if best to go for. Bit of work to set it up, but after that home charging for less than 2p per mile
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing it with us. Looking forward to getting my own Tesla in the next few weeks.
Hope you like it as much as me!
Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it! So funny seeing the visible 'giddy-ness' which I remember experiencing when I picked up my Model Y for the first time (and yours is waaaay quicker!). It'll be interesting to hear your thoughts after a month or two of driving the car, I suspect the few, minor niggles you have just now will be long forgotten after some adjustment.
Also, dont worry about the slower charging rate you noticed at the supercharger - you only really get the top charging speed when the battery is near empty and external conditions are optimum. The 'fuller' the battery is, the gradually slower the charging rate becomes. Elon has a good analogy somewhere about electrons rushing about to find space in a car park - the fuller the car park, the slower it take for them to 'park'.
A good tip someone told me is always try and use a completely empty stall, a car charging side by side to you will definitely slow the rate down.
I doubt anyone could contest that in terms of tech and infrastructure, Tesla are head and shoulders the market leader just now and most likely will be for sometime. Having previously owned an Jaguar IPACE I can vouch for them being a big step-up in nearly every way. I can see me being a Tesla driver for a long time to come!
Keep enjoying the car!
Thanks a lot for the detailed comment Chris! Useful intel on the charging front too!! I am definitely happy with my purchase and will never tire of embarrassing considerably more expensive cars off the line 😊
Totally agree with all this, I’ve owned Model 3 and now a Model Y. My work car is a Volvo EX30 as wasn’t allowed a Model 3. Tesla are so far ahead in nearly everything
Hope you like your new model3. I took delivery of my black 2021 model 3 long range two weeks ago. Last week I went on my first long trip with it and found it to be an incredibly easy car to live with. Superchargers make a big difference to the driving experience. The tech takes a bit of getting used to but is really worth it and the power of these cars is unbelievable.
Thanks Peter! Range anxiety just isn't really a thing, is it? 😁
I worked at Tesla for 8 years since 2014 and owned one since 2019. I still wave at every other Tesla lol
Haha awesome!
Great video mate, pleased you love it. it’s a fantastic car !
Thanks buddy! So far its nonstop smiles!
@@car_babble I bet pal. I refuse to drive one as I know getting back in my Polestar will never be the same 😂😂😂
Great real world test. Apparently you can trust the the range displayed on the current trip when using the sat nav, and many owners report going down to 5% or less with no issues.
Brilliant video again CB, for its content but also further enhanced by your obvious excitement!
Regarding the supercharging cost being potentially on a par with diesel on the few occasions when you have to use it, my two points are that you'd generally have a 250-300 mile 'home rate headstart' to offset the cost, and also the Tesla superchargers are still significantly cheaper than just about any other brand's network. On a recent 1200 mile trip I did in my wife's non-tesla EV I was paying 35-45p at the few Tesla sites I could use but 68-82p at all the others. If Tesla can make it work why can't all the (greedy) others?
Looking forward to the next CB Tesla update already...
Cheers Hoppo!!! Appreciate the comments greatly and you make very good points there. I'm very happy with it so far I just say. Thanks for watching 😎
Lovely car! Best of luck with it. Would love one myself, teasing the idea at the moment 😊
Do it! 😎😁
I feel the same. You feel like you're a club member. :-)
I got a Model Y. Still working on depending on the display for backing up and changing lanes.
Wish? Wish I could hear less road noise. Great on smooth roads, but can hear every bump on an old road.
Love it though! Best car I've ever owned so far!
That's interesting about the road noise considering it's the MY as well. A slightly more comfortable ride as well would be welcome!
Don't know you from adam obviously, but lovely to see someone so excited with their new toy! Safe travels that man
Thanks mate!!!
I've had my 2021LR for 6 months and it still brings a smile to my face every time I drive it. After a month's ownership I trialed the acceleration boost. Well worth trying it out. It's personal taste, but the wood veneer went straight away. Plenty of cheap covers out there.
I can't stop giggling when I'm in it!
Tesla has used inventory that includes the boost. Needless to say but I bought mine with it and it is amazing. 3.7 0-60 is just bonkers for a non super car.
The charging curve slows massivley when nearly charged. Its best to do multiple 15min or so charges so its faster overall. Taking mine to Germany in a couple of months!
Thanks!
It makes so much sense when you do the maths. I was the same situation. An A5 or new 3 series was the same payments but I'd have to worry about oil changes and rocker cover gaskets and breaks and all that crap.... And fuel costs like 4 times as much as charging at home and road tax and all that and then this car is more modern, faster, safer... Thank you depreciation gods!
The saving on maintenance was a key factor for me. Hopefully a very low hassle ownership experience.
@@car_babble yeah that's the hope haha... Will see when they are 5 years old!
Welcome to the Scottish Tesla club. I’m based in Perth but work in kintore through the week so may see your car around. Not many red ones on the A90
Cheers David! That's quite a commute but I do go over the bypass a day or two a week to my company's office so you may spot me 😁
Told you you’d like it! 🙂
I’ve had my used -22 for a month now and very satisfied so far.
In Sweden with a hourly rate, I have paid under 20 pence per 10 km (6,2 miles) or 32p per mile.
For a car with 440 hp!! 😅
It almost seems too good to be true, doesn't it? 😊
Picked up a 21 plate M3LR from Spalding motors myself a week or so ago. That’s a hell of a drive home. I only had to get back to Birmingham and I’d had enough by the time I got there.
Oh wow you're the second person to say they bought one from these guys too. Happy with it?
Very happy with it and tamzin and Phil at spalding cars were great. Agree with your thoughts on the car, including the rubbish left/right on the scroll wheel
Congrats on the new car 🎉 great video. These cars have took such a hit on depreciation that they are actually a great buy! How much is your insurance? & What APR did they do on the PCP?
Thanks a lot Blake!! Keep thing is to go PCP and not need to worry that the depreciation gets even worse! My insurance went up 277 quid for the year on top of my BMW which was 530. APR was 7.9% or 8.9%. Need to dig up my paperwork to confirm!
Nice new car Euan. I have an i3 as a second car which I love but considering changing the BMW Touring to Polestar / Tesla maybe as well.
@@car_babblenice deal! Well worth it for that money. Can you do a video on the warranty side please? 4yr/50k battery warranty as standard so what happens if it pops in 12 months? Is there additional cover or is it just a risk you take? They do appear very reliable though, seen some mega miles on them!
Thanks Greig, the Polestar 2 is great as well.
Hi Blake, I will do a video on the warranty but the battery is 8 years so no worries for me!
Lithium batteries don't like being empty or full. Keep the car between 20-80% and go into the extremes for hours not days. The battery should last for decades. Ie. Only charge to 90%+ if you're going for a drive immediately. Get octopus for 7.5p/kwh electric
Thanks, on top of that and have the octopus off peak set up 😎
Or Ecotricity
Congratulations on new car always a great car 🚗 content channel 5 star reviews
Glad you enjoyed it 😊
Only supercharge enough to get home and a bit more. Home charging on Octopus is sooo much cheaper
I've got that set up now 🙂
Or Ecotricity
If road noise is something that bothers you, then i suggest to get an EV specific tire with sound dampening properties, it helps alot. They are abit expensive but for me it was worth it. I bought the Maxxis Victra Sport EV since they won an award at Sema and i am very happy with them.
Thanks for the info mate!
I want that new Tesla 3 performance I’m still debating it 🤣👌
That performance would be a luxury for sure. I definitely think I've enough in mine LR
I am planning to buy tesla model 3 LR from the same company, and today Ive spotted you channel and that video.
That's amazing! I need to share my video with them. Good service!
Are you happy with the car so far ? Anything what you are not happy with? Apr 8.9 seems to be good.
Yes really happy. I'll be doing content on likes and dislikes but barring the rain sensors on the wipers which are hilariously crap, no major gripes!
When you come to see the car, did the car meet your expectations? Tyres, paint?
@TomaszPikulski yes paintwork was very good and interior like new. As per the video, there was an issue with one tyre but they repaired it. New tyres on the back too.
Trick with the screen is to use your fingers at the back of the screen to stabilise your hand and touch with your thumb.
Larkhall is new, bit surprised the charge speed dropped there.
Hope you registered at the hotels with superchargers because lot of them have parking eye.
Phantom braking is a thing. It's less issue than it used to be.
Back in the day supercharging was 20p/kWh.
Want to get on a cheap overnight plan for electricity. Fill your car for less than a gallon of petrol.
Thanks Graham. Didn't know what about the hotels!
@@car_babble Yeah, you really have to watch the hotels in the UK. Be especially careful if you go to heathrow - the "heathrow supercharger" is in a hotel car park and you have to pay for parking now. I have never had this problem outside the UK.
@@car_babble you'll know if you get a "fine" or two in the post. Usually hotels are pretty good at clearing them if you phone to explain but I've always registered. Got to the point I don't even look for signs but ask at reception at any hotel.
Dundee you get 2 hours without having to register, but it could change.
Hi mate, how much did you pay for your car and what was the mileage for it?
The car was just under £25k but I went PCP for 3 years 8k per annum mileage and £358 a month. I put down a £2500 deposit too. The car had 42k miles on it.
22:50 Welcome to road tripping a Tesla (or most EV's). The strategy is to arrive with a low state of charge (~5%, once you are comfortable) and leave at about 60-70%. You were at a V4 charger, which don't share a cabinet with the neighbouring stall. Neither do the V3's, for that matter. I drove to Glasgow from the Netherlands last December in my Y. I charged at the tunnel, at Cambridge, then Ferrybridge near Leeds and Greta Green. I managed to charge at most hotels, but I wouldn't say it's a necessity, just a convenience... which sometimes might cost a bit much. 😮 My 3 day lap of Scotland was Glasgow->Portree->Charlestown->Edinburgh. It was a nice drive. As speeds in Scotland are mostly lower than in the UK, the drivers are pretty efficient.
Thanks for the info! Sounds like you've been getting about!
You chose wisely. Test drove a Polestar 2 and hatchback aside, EVERYTHING about my red Model 3 LR was better.
I've driven both and the Tesla just edges it in a few key areas for me.
Looks great! Tesla seem to last so well in terms of interiors. Don’t show their age at all!
My local supercharger is 22p per kWh off peak😁
Wow!!
Enjoy your new car i see why people like tesla especially if your a techey but i like my tech but also im also sceptical equally about too much of it, i prefer to be in control. But Nop im still not sold on Ev’s ill stick with trust worthy ice. 25£ to ad around 60 miles that’s expensive, i can put £90 and ill have a range off over 700mils and have had 900+m. I openly admit my next car may not be as good but still cheaper per mile as I travel. And insane acceleration isn’t good it is one of the reasons with the wait why Ev’s burn through tyres. But depending on lifestyle and use Ev’s sute and work for some but not all. My other concern is it seems like most ev owners have some sort of finance like lease or pcp and so on, which is wild on something with insane depreciation. I prefer to own my vehicles personally and for my business which means 0 interest to worry about and no restrictions in terms or tie ins. And I also like to get my hands dirty and work on my own vehicles as well and be able to drop them to my local mechanic as well. But as said if you mostly live around a bubble and don’t do many long trips and key able to charge at home they can be good for some. The nearest ill go is hybrid and one of the cars im looking at is a hybrid and i do get it especially when im home i can pop out around to are small town on pur ev and on long trips im not restricted on options especially due I have little time to spare when travelling and living in a remote area.
£24 was 60 kWh, not 60 miles. Depending on how you drive it that's 180 miles (stole it) or 300 miles (Miss Daisy is in the back).
Thanks for the detailed comment. I always used to like owning my own cars and see the emotional appeal. A key thing imo is to ask yourself whether you consider your car a utility cost or an asset. EVs are not going to work for everyone but they make sense for me.
Hopefully still in warranty, get that steering wheel changed!
What's wrong with the steering wheel? What could I replace it with? Yeah it's still under warranty for a year.
@@car_babble from what I can see it looks like the vegan leather is warping. Common enough problem. Looks not as bad as others with the issue. But best to replace before warranty ends
Welcome to the EV world. Soon, you will never consider purchasing another ICE vehicle ever again.
Another fun observation for you to be aware of: If you're ever stuck in a massive traffic jam with 20% or less, don't panic. You can go 100 miles at 20 mph.
We recently had a region wide gridlock event after the moon got between the sun and earth and I spent 5.5 hours to go 200 miles down all the back roads (because my Model Y directed me away from the slowest traffic...on the highways) and I only consumed 215Wh/mi. It's one of the few times where my car would have been able to surpass the rated maximum range of 315 miles on a charge.
If you want to keep track of stats and know your car better, I recommend Tessie or TeslaFi.
Thanks very much for the info. I've a lot to learn about the car but that could come in handy!
Dont run it in Standard mode, run it in Chill mode. And don't set it to show range, have it show percentage, much better. Like your phone! Enjoy!
Thanks for the tips!
Thats 90's office desk wood trim 🤢
There’s replacement trims for the easily offended.
Yeah easy changed
That paint color is pure sex.
It is. I've never come closer to making love to a car 🤣
@@car_babble🤣👌