Swapped My Ford F-150 for a 2022 Tesla Model 3, Now I'm Covering More Miles Than Before, Previous Road Excursions That Racked Up a $500 Fuel Bill Now Set Me Back Only $250 for Charging Expenses
Tesla Model 3 Offers Cost Savings and Reduced Anxiety for Long-Distance Travel
The Tesla Model 3, with its impressive EPA-rated ranges and robust Supercharger network, is revolutionizing long-distance travel for electric vehicle (EV) owners.
The battery sizes of a Tesla Model 3 are optimized for energy density, offering ranges from around 220 miles (Standard Range RWD) to an impressive 358 miles (Long Range AWD). This flexibility caters to various driving needs, making the Model 3 a viable option for those seeking to reduce their reliance on gasoline cars.
One such owner is Dillan Ellison, a member of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club on Facebook, who recently purchased a Tesla Model 3. Ellison has already embarked on road trips from New Jersey to West Virginia and from New Jersey to Georgia, incurring approximately $250 in charging costs. This is a significant reduction compared to the $500 gas budget he previously required for East Coast road trips.
The charging cost of a Tesla Model 3 at home is about $45 per month for an average driving distance of 1,200 miles, a stark contrast to the roughly $122 monthly fuel costs for a comparable gasoline car like the BMW 3 Series. This savings of about $77 per month is not the only advantage of owning a Tesla Model 3.
The Model 3's efficient energy consumption of around 4.61 miles per kWh, combined with its competitive cost per mile, results in total operational costs (charging + maintenance) that are generally lower than gasoline vehicles. Electric charging costs tend to be more stable and predictable than gas prices, which fluctuate and can spike unexpectedly.
Moreover, the Model 3 requires less routine maintenance than gas cars, which endure fluctuating fuel prices and higher maintenance costs (oil changes, spark plugs, etc.). Lower maintenance demands and regenerative braking that extends brake life add to a stress reduction compared to gas cars.
Tesla’s Supercharger network, with over 40,000 stalls globally, including V2 and V3 (~250 kW) capable stations, further reduces range anxiety. AC charging at home supports up to 11.5 kW, while DC fast charging via Supercharger peaks at 250 kW, adding roughly 180 miles in 15 minutes. The Supercharger network is integrated into navigation, with real-time stall availability shown to drivers.
The expansive Supercharger network substantially mitigates the issue of range anxiety, as convenient fast chargers are widely accessible on popular routes. This predictability of costs and charging infrastructure significantly reduces travel-related anxiety for Tesla Model 3 owners.
Not everyone shares the same sentiment about long-distance travel in EVs. Diana Jacobs, a homeowner, has kept her Ford F-150 due to range anxiety concerns when driving from Virginia to Illinois in a Tesla Model 3. However, many other Tesla Model 3 owners have found long-distance electric driving manageable and enjoyable, reducing the need for fuel station calculations and credit card limit considerations.
Noah Washington, an automotive journalist based in Atlanta, Georgia, covers the latest news in the automotive industry and conducts reviews on the latest cars. He echoes the sentiments of Tesla Model 3 owners, highlighting the cost savings and reduced anxiety associated with long-distance travel in an EV.
Tom Foil, another member of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club, traded in a 2014 F-150 with 188k miles for a 2022 M3LR and has not driven a gas vehicle since then. Samantha Crowe, another Tesla owner, shared that she no longer has anxiety about her car breaking down every time she drives it, as she previously had with a '21 Kia.
In summary, Tesla Model 3 owners typically experience lower long-distance travel costs and reduced anxiety compared to traditional gasoline car owners, thanks to greater cost predictability, fewer maintenance needs, and a robust charging infrastructure. However, effective trip planning remains important to avoid inconvenience during longer journeys. Dillan Ellison, one such owner, has stated that he has no regrets about purchasing the Tesla Model 3.
[1] Charging cost calculations based on an average electricity cost of $0.13/kWh and an average driving distance of 1,200 miles per month. [2] Fuel cost calculations based on an average gasoline price of $3.70 per gallon and an average fuel efficiency of 25 miles per gallon for the BMW 3 Series. [3] Real-world long-distance travel data based on multiple Tesla Model 3 owners' experiences. [4] Real-world road trip data based on 400-mile trips in the UK.
- Electric vehicles, like the Tesla Model 3, offer significant cost savings in both charging at home and long-distance travel, compared to gasoline cars, making it a popular choice for eco-conscious drivers.
- As part of the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club, members like Dillan Ellison attest to the reduced anxiety and expenses on long journeys, with charges as low as $250 for road trips that used to require $500 worth of gasoline.
- With fewer routine maintenance needs and more stable charging costs compared to fluctuating gas prices, owning a Tesla Model 3 proves to be not only budget-friendly but also less stressful than maintaining traditional gas cars.
- The expansive Supercharger network, featuring fast charging stations across the globe, offers substantial relief from 'range anxiety' and enhances the attractiveness of electric vehicles like the Tesla Model 3 for long-distance travel.
