My Tesla Model 3 Convinced Me to Ditch Gas Cars Forever, And I'm Not The Only One

Five years ago, electric cars were little more than a novelty act. They were lab coats on wheels, curiosities built for eco-conscious early adopters, and the odd tech enthusiast willing to suffer for the cause. They hummed, whirred, and promised a cleaner future, all while tethered to the anxiety of limited range and fledgling charging infrastructure.

Today, that narrative has flipped on its head. Tesla has grown from a boutique disruptor to a cultural touchstone, a brand uttered in the same breath as Apple and Google. Across the Pacific, China’s BYD has become a household name in its own right and is now preparing to expand aggressively beyond Asia, with the Australian market next in line. The electric revolution is no longer coming, it’s here, and it’s rewriting the rules of what a car is supposed to be.

The New Chapter in Electric Car Ownership

In this new chapter, first-time EV owners are discovering a sense of automotive joy many thought had died with the carburetor. Scroll through any Tesla forum and you'll find messages like this one: 

“Well after owning my 2023 model 3 I don’t think I’m buy any other car maker other than Tesla. These cars are amazing I don’t know why they get hate

Anyone in here didn’t like their Tesla and went back to gas?” 

This isn’t just fanboy noise. It’s a widespread feeling of rediscovery. With a Model Y or even a humble Nissan Leaf, drivers experience the thrill of silent speed and the freedom of skipping oil changes forever. Maintenance has become a footnote rather than a worry, and in the age of one-pedal driving and overnight software updates, the old rituals of car ownership feel prehistoric.

Hidden Caveats Behind EVs

But that sense of liberation comes with a few caveats. Tesla’s build quality has often lagged behind its technological promise. Misaligned panels, inconsistent paint, faulty door handles, and interior fitments that occasionally resemble a high school woodshop project are still part of the ownership experience. For every proud post about over-the-air updates or acceleration thrills, there’s another showing a Model 3 on a flatbed, reminding us that even the future can break down. The EV dream is real, but it sometimes rides on bolts that aren’t quite torqued to spec.

From Innovation to Ideological Impact

It would be naïve to ignore how Tesla has also become a cultural flashpoint. What was once a symbol of progress and innovation has morphed into something more complicated. Owning a Tesla today carries with it a subtext, whether intentional or not. You’re no longer just driving an electric car, you’re aligning yourself with or against a broader ideological narrative.

The brand has become political shorthand, an avatar in a larger conversation about wealth, power, and technology. That shift has nudged some owners toward quieter alternatives. Rivian, with its outdoorsman charm and soft-spoken branding, has attracted those seeking the EV experience without the baggage. Lucid, meanwhile, offers a more refined take, elegant, powerful, and notably absent of social media theatrics.

Tesla Model 3 vs. Model Y: In-Depth Comparison of Features, Performance, and Utility

• The Tesla Model Y is a compact crossover SUV, offering a taller and more spacious interior compared to the Model 3 sedan. This increased height translates to enhanced headroom for both front and rear passengers. Notably, the Model Y provides a substantial 34.3 cubic feet of cargo space with all seats in use, surpassing the Model 3's 22.9 cubic feet. Additionally, the Model Y offers an optional third row, accommodating up to seven passengers, a feature absent in the Model 3. ​
• Both vehicles deliver impressive electric performance, though there are distinctions. The Model 3 Performance variant accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds, slightly quicker than the Model Y Performance's 3.5 seconds. Regarding range, the Model 3 Long Range offers up to 333 miles on a single charge, whereas the Model Y Long Range provides approximately 315 miles, reflecting the Model Y's larger size and weight. ​
• Both models share a minimalist interior design, dominated by a central 15-inch touchscreen that controls most vehicle functions. However, the Model Y's elevated seating position offers drivers a more commanding view of the road, akin to traditional SUVs. Additionally, the Model Y's larger rear hatch facilitates easier loading and unloading of cargo compared to the Model 3's conventional trunk design.

Despite the friction, the draw of electric vehicles remains strong. The simplicity of ownership is still unmatched. Forget oil changes, timing belts, and spark plugs. Regenerative braking alone cuts wear in ways most drivers never notice until their first trip to the shop, only to realize they haven’t needed one. Charging at home feels like the future. Wake up, and your car is full. Add to that the software-driven ecosystem, where vehicles improve over time rather than degrade, and it’s no wonder so many first-time EV buyers end up wondering why they ever tolerated a combustion engine in the first place.

Tackling Range and Charging Challenges in a New Era

That doesn’t mean the EV world is without growing pains. Range estimates remain aspirational, particularly in cold climates or under spirited driving. Charging infrastructure, while better than it was, still has gaps and inconsistencies that can turn road trips into scavenger hunts. Tesla’s proprietary network is still the gold standard, but not everyone wants to buy into the full ecosystem. Meanwhile, traditional automakers are scrambling to catch up, and their early efforts often feel more like compliance than conviction.

Setting New Benchmarks with Tesla and BYD

Yet even those legacy players are starting to acknowledge the game has changed. When Toyota’s engineers called the Model Y a "work of art," it wasn't flattery, it was a quiet confession that the industry has a new benchmark. Sandy Munro, a teardown expert who once criticized Tesla’s quality, now praises its engineering and cost efficiency with the zeal of a born-again believer. And BYD’s expansion isn’t just about selling more EVs. It’s about challenging Tesla’s monopoly on the narrative and offering a different vision, one that’s less about disruptive personalities and more about affordable, mass-market electrification.

The EV Revolution and Its Philosophical Impact

The road ahead will be messy. The electric vehicle is not just a car, it is a philosophical wedge. Tesla made electrons aspirational, but the real battle now lies in defining what the next generation of transportation means. Will it be Rivian’s rugged individualism, Lucid’s smooth sophistication, or BYD’s utilitarian pragmatism that carries the torch? One thing is certain. The internal combustion engine may not vanish overnight, but its reign is ending. 

Image source: Tesla Media, and Johny Gunz's image, posted in TEsla MOdel 3 and Model Y Owners Club and used under Fair Usage close.

Noah Washington is an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia. He enjoys covering the latest news in the automotive industry and conducting reviews on the latest cars. He has been in the automotive industry since 15 years old and has been featured in prominent automotive news sites. You can reach him on X and LinkedIn for tips and to follow his automotive coverage.