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It’s not uncommon to hear people declare their allegiance to ICE vehicles, vowing to never switch to an EV. If you find yourself among these skeptics, you’re not alone.
Imagine a die-hard ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) fan, the type who would scoff at the mention of electric vehicles. His mantra was ‘ICE for life!’ Yet, on a routine car shopping trip with his wife, he found himself persuaded to test drive a Tesla Model Y. Little did he know, this experience would shatter his preconceived notions.
The acceleration was mind-blowing, the silence was otherworldly, and the instant torque was like a drug. It was a complete paradigm shift for him.
His attention turns to Tesla even though he’s always been adamant about never buying an EV.
So, he ventured out and test-drove a Tesla Model 3 he found online at a dealer. He was captivated and never looked back.
However, he still gives the Cybertruck a hard time. “That thing is just plain ugly,” he says. But for the rest of the Tesla lineup, he’s now a total convert.
Check out Andy Carswell’s story and see if you can relate.
He says this on the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook page,
“I’ve been curious about Teslas for a couple of years now. I went car shopping with my wife, and they had a Model Y that I test drove, and I instantly fell in love with it. How smooth it drove, the instant torque.”
“So, a few days later, I bought my first Tesla, this 2018 Model 3 Long Range RWD.”
“I admittedly used to bash EVs, ICE for life, but after test-driving these two Tesla models, all that went out the window.”
However, he still dislikes the Tesla Cybertruck.
“I mean, I’ll continue to bash the Cybertruck because. The thing is fugly, but so far I’m loving my Tesla Model 3.”
Andy Has Some Questions
“Besides a J1772 adapter, are there any other items I should keep in the vehicle at all times? I’m kinda lost because with my old ICE vehicles, I kept jumper cables and a tool kit with basic tools to fix things on the engine, etc. Maybe a tire repair kit since they don’t have a spare, I’m just not sure.”
These are questions any new EV owner would be wondering, so let’s answer them and then see what advice Tesla owners have for Andy.
Welcome to the world of EVs!
He’s right to think differently about what to keep in his Tesla Model 3 EV. While the days of jumper cables and engine repair kits are over, there are a few essential items for a Tesla owner.
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Tire Repair Kit: Since the Model 3 doesn’t have a spare, a good tire repair kit is a must-have. You’ll want one that includes a portable air compressor and tire plugs to fix a minor puncture and get you to a service center. Many kits are available that combine both of these tools.
Jack Pads: Teslas have specific lift points to avoid damaging the battery. If you ever need to get a tire serviced or have a mechanic lift your car, you’ll want to have a set of jack pads in your trunk. They fit into the designated jack points and prevent damage.
J1772 Adapter: Andy mentioned this one, and he’s right.
This adapter allows you to use a wide variety of public Level 2 charging stations that aren’t part of the Tesla Supercharger network. A J1772 adapter is typically included with the vehicle, but it’s good to know where it is and keep it handy.
Portable Charger: The vehicle comes with a Mobile Connector, which allows you to charge from a standard wall outlet. Keeping it in your car is an excellent backup for charging in a pinch, especially if you’re visiting a friend or family member who doesn’t have a dedicated EV charger.
First Aid Kit and Safety Triangle: Like any car, it’s wise to have a basic first aid kit and a warning triangle for roadside emergencies. You never know when these items might come in handy.
What Advice Do Tesla Owners Have For Andy?
Mark Brocious – A tire kit is a good thing to carry. Also, for Sentry Mode, a good-quality USB memory stick is recommended. Congratulations on your new ride.
Andy replies, “Memory stick is in the mail, with all the vandalism that was going around the past several months with Elon working with DOGE, figured it would be a good idea, that and I prefer having a dash cam just because people can’t drive for (Expletive) these days. I already had to avoid a handful of potential wrecks in the few days I’ve had this thing. Seems to be invisible to people.”
James Frink – Jees, I don’t carry anything, but I should at least have the charger and a compressor. Save up for tires! I bought a set for my 202 M3P in February, and they are down to the wear bars now. I do drive 60 to 90 miles a day, Monday through Friday, though.
Scott DeLuca – I was the same! We are not alone; many people share our EV skepticism. While I still love my project cars, there’s definitely something to be said for having a Tesla in the fleet. I drive it way more than I ever thought I would, and I’m amazed every day about how well it seems to do just about everything without any noticeable effort at all! It’s a commuter cheat code!
Cindy Field – I remember when I said I would never buy an EV. Then I test-drove one, and that’s all it took! My friend and I test-drove it together. She bought one the next day, and I bought one the day after that. And we absolutely love them.
Conclusion and Questions for Tesla Owners
This Tesla owner’s journey from being a die-hard ICE fan to a happy Model 3 owner is a common one. Many people who were initially skeptical find themselves converted after experiencing the smooth, quiet ride and instant torque of an EV. And then there’s the gas savings.
We want to hear from you:
Did you have a similar experience, or were you always on board with EVs? What advice would you give to a new Tesla owner like Andy? Click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know.
Check out my Tesla Model 3 story: I Sold A Tesla Model 3, and Now My Customer Has Buyer’s Remorse and Wants To Return It After Owning It One Day Because of Charging Issues
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, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Andy Carswell
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Source: torquenews.com
