I Won’t Ever Buy A Tesla Again, We Moved to An Apartment, It Takes Too Long To Charge, and Now Our New Model 3 Sits Most Of the Time

“Don’t buy a Tesla vehicle.”

That is what Priscilla (@priii.priii/) says in her TikTok clip overlay after she and her husband were transferred in a military move. She rants about how it wasn't a good decision to buy a Tesla Model 3 because they now have to let the new car sit 80% of the time.

She says, "Let this be your reason never to buy a Tesla. You'll spend so much time at the public charger, literally eating your dinner in the car while the car charges." 

Imagine a young family with a new baby moving from California to the East Coast because they are in the military. This is not an ordinary family. They are only 21 years old, own a home, and have a BMW M235i and a Tesla Model 3. Priscilla has dealt with Cancer and is now Cancer-free. 

However, it's just the beginning of the story. 

Priscilla says, "We moved because we're in the military. We still own our home, use it as an investment, and we are about to buy our second home, and we did all that by the age of 21."

Impressive for such a young family.  

Pricilla's husband, whom she met in college, is in the military and has been transferred to a new base because he's in a special military training school. They own a home they now have to move out of, so they are renting it out. 

However, they bought a Tesla Model 3 before discovering he'd been transferred. They installed a home charging unit that cost nearly $700 because they knew it was the best option. 

If they remove the charger and take it with them, removing and rewiring their garage will be too expensive. So they have to leave it behind. Let's pick up Pricilla's story.

She says, 

"We spent hundreds of dollars installing a charger at the house we own, and then we had to move. My husband is in the military and had to go to a different base because he's in a military school for a few months." 

"Now that we've moved, we have to leave the charger. We must rent for the next four months until we go to our next house in the new area he'll be transferred to." 

"Now, the people renting our house get a free Tesla charger. We left it because the electrician said it would be cheaper to buy a new one, then it will cost to remove it and put everything back the way it was." 

"Because we have to live in an apartment temporarily, now we have to charge the car at a public charger, and I had to leave it for two days parked at the apartment, and I couldn't even drive the car. So, don't buy a Tesla." 

Priscilla emphasizes, "It sits 80% of the time, but we use it." 

Priscilla clarifies, "We bought it before Elon dropped the prices too. I'm not blaming Tesla. I'm saying don't buy a Tesla electric vehicle." 

Note: With Tesla prices dropping now, it could be good time to buy. 

"Thank goodness I have my BMW. That's the only thing saving us from spending all our time charging the Tesla right now."

Pricilla Brings Up a Great Point 

She would be happy with the Tesla Model 3 if they had not had to move. They were wise and purchased a level 2 charger to charge their Model 3 to 80% in four to 10 hours. It's the best set-up for EV owners. 

However, when they moved to the apartment, they now had to use public charging all the time, which was very inconvenient. 

Should You Buy a Tesla or Another Electric Vehicle?

If you find yourself relying on public charging 100% of the time, you might encounter some inconveniences with your Tesla vehicle. It's important to consider this aspect before making your purchase. 

What about buying a home charger? How much do they cost?

A report from Capital One Auto Navigator says a level 2 charger will charge your electric vehicle to 80% in four to 10 hours. This is what Pricilla mentions. 

• Level 2 charging equipment ordinarily runs about $500 to $700, although some can be more expensive.
• However, typically, you need an electrician to install it because they require a 240-volt circuit.

How much does it cost for installation? 

EV Charging Summit says, "The national average EV home charging station installation cost is between $1,000 and $2,500. Still, this cost varies based on your region, the type of station you buy, and whether it is portable or hardwired into your home." 

How to Evaluate if an Electric Vehicle is Right For Yo

Electric vehicles are not for everyone. Before you make the leap to an electric vehicle, it's crucial to do your homework. Here are some key points for potential buyers to consider. 

A report from Canary Media says, "Unreliable public charging infrastructure and unreliable information on EV-charger uptime have become two of the biggest barriers to the EV transition in the U.S. That's a problem, as the country needs to shift to EVs fast in order to slash carbon emissions from transportation. But it's a problem with clear, if complicated, solutions to implement."

1. Driving range:

When considering an electric vehicle, it's important to compare the EV's range to your typical daily commute. This will ensure it meets your needs without requiring frequent charging. 

2. Charging access:

Assess whether you have reliable access to a home charger and the availability of public charging stations along your regular routes. 

3. Cost analysis:

Factor in the initial purchase price, including potential government incentives like tax credits and estimated fuel cost savings compared to gasoline cars. 

4. Test drive experience:

Take a thorough test drive to evaluate the driving dynamics, acceleration, handling, and overall comfort of the EV. 

5. Battery health and degradation:

Research the battery lifespan and potential degradation over time, which can impact the driving range. 

6. Vehicle features and technology:

Consider the available safety features, infotainment systems, and driver assistance technologies. 

Essential Questions to Ask Yourself:

• Do you primarily drive short distances or long trips? 
• Can you easily charge an EV at home? 
• Are there enough charging stations readily accessible in your area? 
• What is your budget for a new vehicle, including the cost of a home charger? 
• Do you value performance and acceleration in a car? 

Here's a Tip If You Don't Have a Home Charger

Tesla says, Turn off your Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection to preserve battery life.

"Turning off Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection can significantly save battery life in a Tesla vehicle, as both features consume considerable power when active." 

Final Thoughts and Questions for Tesla and EV Owners

The average electric vehicle buyer will have different challenges and questions to see if an electric vehicle is the best for you. Do your homework before you make the leap to an electric vehicle like Tesla.  

What About You?

Do you own a Tesla model? Which one, and what is your advice for potential EV buyers? Share your experiences in the red Add New Comment link below.

Check out my Tesla Model 3 story: I Sold a 2022 Tesla Model 3 With a Clean Title, Now Tesla Says It’s Salvage and It’ll Easily Go Over $12,000 For My Customer to Fix It

I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news and providing expert analysis on Subaru, which you'll find here, ensuring that you, as a reader, are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on my X SubaruReport, All Subaru, WRXSTI, @DenisFlierl, Facebook, and Instagram.

Photo credit: Denis Flierl