After years of obsessing and strategizing, I finally, finally, took the plunge and bought a Tesla Model 3 sedan. I’ve been studying this company since 2012 when a pal at work told me about the new Model S sedan. I read the press and followed the developing product lines. I bought stock. When the time came that I needed a new vehicle, the voice of financial reason in my mind just would not allow me go all in on an expensive new Model S. “Vehicles are terrible investments,” the voice said. “They depreciate immediately upon driving off the lot.” “The same dollar amount yielding compound interest is a far more sensible strategy.” Yeah, yeah, yeah. But we can’t be 100% sensible ALL the time, now, can we? Fortunately for me, the much less expensive Model 3 became available sooner than I anticipated. Similar in price to other vehicles I have owned, free of typical fuel-associated costs, and available in all-wheel drive, this sedan provides enough practicality to be the perfect option for me. Friends and family not familiar with Tesla or their products have asked me many questions about how the car works. This post is meant to address these basic curiosities.

What is Tesla?

Tesla is a company that makes electric vehicles and solar energy-related products, and is well known for producing stylish, highly functional all-electric cars. Factories are located in the United States, specifically California and Nevada, and now also in China and Germany where vehicles are produced for sale on the respective continents. Tesla vehicles are not only outstanding electric vehicles, but are Award winning across the board for safety, design, and performance as compared to all other same-class luxury vehicles. Lithium ion batteries, Solar roofs (solar shingles), Solar panels, and an associated home energy storage system (Powerwall) are manufactured by Tesla as well.

Is the car fueled by gasoline AND electricity?

No. The car is powered entirely by lithium ion battery. There is no gasoline engine involved. There is no oil to change, no gas tank, no mechanism of combustion whatsoever. On a full battery charge, my Model 3 can travel nearly 310 miles.

What do you do if the battery dies?

Well, what do you do if your car runs out of gas? The key is to not let that happen, and it works the same way with a Tesla. Most people use their car daily for relatively short trips to work or school, to run errands, etc. They visit a fuel station occasionally when their tanks get “low”. The same pattern, i.e. wait for the battery level to diminish and then charge in one setting, can be used to manage a Tesla. Electric vehicles have an additional, uniquely convenient option, however, which is to charge the battery nightly, the way many of us manage our cell phones. With this practice, each day starts with plenty of charge. Longer trips will require stopping to recharge (ideally at a Supercharger because the service is blazing fast,) much like a gasoline car requires stopping to fill the gas tank.

At a SuperWhat?

SuperCHARGER. Supercharger facilities are located around the country as part of a strategically developed infrastructure. This collection of individual charging stations will accommodate several vehicles at once, and will charge a battery with astonishing speed. They are often found in metro areas, and are spaced such that Cross country travel is possible powered entirely by supercharger.

Does Tesla make more than one type of car?

Yes! First came the Roadster. Next was the Model S, a sedan, then the Model X, an SUV. All of these options were very expensive. The Model 3 is intended to improve upon the cost factor, and will eventually become available for around $35,000. Additionally, the Model Y, CyberTruck, and Semi tractor are in the works. Imagine the positive impact on the environment if semi trucks become powered by clean electric energy!

Where is the closest Tesla dealership?

There are no “dealerships”. Tesla has Service Centers, and showrooms where people can view display vehicles, experience a test drive, and ask questions. When a driver is ready to purchase a Tesla, vehicle speculations are chosen and the order is placed online. Some used inventory is available, also online.

Can a Tesla drive itself?

All Teslas are equipped with technology to facilitate Full Self Driving (FSD) capacity, and currently Enhanced Autopilot is available, activated for a fee. Eventually, FSD will be able to navigate from one geographical point to any other without human interaction, and will do so more safely than if operated by a human driver. While accidents involving Autopilot have been featured in the media, the fact remains that drivers utilizing autopilot are Statistically much safer than human drivers. It is stressed that drivers are to remain alert and in control at all times, even when Autopilot is in use.

Why have I never heard of this company?

Tesla does not actively market their products or utilize hired spokespersons. Enthusiasm has been generated simply by word of mouth from delighted customers. Thus far, demand has exceeded production, although huge strides have been made over the last year in factory capacity. As time goes by, you will definitely hear much more about Tesla.