What You Need To Know Before Buying Your First Tesla

Not since Chrysler entered the market back in 1924 has an automotive start-up enjoyed such a level of success as Tesla.

The electric car maker has not only survived in an extremely tough marketplace and economic climate but also seems to be positively thriving.

Last year alone, it sold over 46,000 in Australia, and its model Y was the world’s best-selling vehicle in 2023. That’s pretty good going for a venture that Elon Musk himself once called «idiocy squared».

With more people than ever considering the switch from an internal combustion engine to an EV, the company’s success seems set to continue over the next few years.

But, for those unfamiliar with the vehicle, there are a few nuances to it that you should be aware of before you procure one. With that in mind, here are some key things to know before purchasing a Tesla.

1. Insurance costs can be cheaper (or more expensive) than regular cars

You’ve probably heard that electric vehicles are more expensive to insure than regular cars. While that might have been true a couple of years ago, insurance companies are now pricing their premiums more in line with that of internal combustion engine cars.

With respect to Tesla, some insurers have taken into account its Sentry mode, which gives it better security, to reduce their coverage costs – you can check out ROLLiN’s Tesla insurance page as an example.

However, if you are planning on purchasing a higher-spec performance-centric model, you could end up paying more for your premium from some other insurers simply because it will cost more to get it repaired by a specialist in case of an accident.

2. Driving

If you have not driven an electric vehicle before, it is worth noting that driving a Tesla pdetects the fob – which again might involve a leap of faith for some.

3. Charging

Depending on your Tesla’s range and your driving habits, you will need to charge it at least once a week.

The company provides you with a «granny» charger that accommodates a standard 10V plug point and a slightly quicker 15V version. You can charge it at home. However, it can take upwards of 20 hours to get your battery from 0% to 100%.

For this reason, it is worth investing in a fast wall charger, which can significantly speed up the process. Just make sure you get several quotes and choose a company with a good after-service offering.

You should also download the PlugShare app for your phone, which will enable you to find the nearest charging station to your current location.

It’s worth noting that Jolt and NRMA offer free fast charging, although often, you will have to wait a long time for individual stations to become available.

4. Battery Warranty

When you buy a Tesla, you are automatically given an eight-year or 160,000 km battery warranty, whichever comes first. During this time, the company guarantees a minimum of 70% battery capacity.

While the battery’s energy storage capabilities have been built to last that period, it is worth getting them checked before the warranty expires. Tesla will replace the battery for free if it falls below this level.

Effectively, it means you can enjoy a battery life that could last for upwards of 15 years, which should give you plenty of peace of mind.rovides a completely different experience than driving a petrol car.

For instance, Teslas tend to be relatively heavy, and while they can go from 0 to 100 kph at impressive speed, they are arguably not as good around corners or at higher speeds than other «fast cars».

Additionally, the suspension in the Model Y might be a bit firmer than you might be used to. That said, overall, a Tesla is a very smooth and responsive vehicle to drive, with its performance version, Model 3, even being compared favourably to the likes of BMW M3/4 and other sporty mid-sized cars.

5. Unfamiliar Technology

If you intend to buy a Tesla, you will need to get used to technologies you might not be familiar with – or at least take a bit of getting used to.

For example, every vehicle has three keys that you can use to get into the car and start it. They are a key card, a fob (which you usually have to pay more for), or the app. You won’t see the door handles on the Tesla, but as you approach it, they present themselves to you. On some models, the doors even automatically open for you.

Moreover, if you are looking for things like the ignition, «on» switch or handbrake, you won’t find them because they don’t exist. Instead, to get the car started, press the brake pedal with your foot to initiate movement.

Your Tesla won’t make any noise, which you might find a bit strange if you have never driven an EV before.

Additionally, to shut the car down, you will need to put it in park and press the button located on the turn signal stalk. The Tesla will automatically lock as soon as it no longer.

(Guest post)