As the US emerges from lockdown measures, many consumers will still likely avoid public transit. Those who have managed to survive the lockdown with enough savings and stable income may consider buying a new car for better mobility. But the question is: will they go for a gas or electric car?
Traditional carmakers will likely offer plenty of sweet deals to sell more as they reopen their business. But what about the dramatic improvement in air quality experienced by cities during the lockdown? Though it has taken thousands of lives, the coronavirus pandemic somehow offers an opportunity for the society to reset—to change the way we live, buy, and even drive.
There are many electric vehicles in the market today. Understandably, Tesla will be the first thing you’ll think of when you hear about sustainable driving. But, of course, the brand comes with pros and cons.
The Best Things About Owning a Tesla
No more gas-pumping
With a Tesla, you don’t only lower your carbon footprint but also your gas expenses. With 100 miles using 34kWh and electricity prices at around 12 cents per kWh, the cost of driving a Tesla for 15,000 miles in a year will only be $612. Compare that to driving a gas-powered vehicle that runs on 30 miles per gallon, and the average gas cost is $2.40 per gallon. At 15,000 miles, a gas car will cost you around $1,200. You could save almost half when you switch to electric.
Innovative technology
Tesla features impressive battery and powertrain systems, but this carmaker also gets the small things right, like its smartphone app and software updates. You won’t have to do anything to get those updates as they will be wirelessly beamed to your car. You can wake up one day, decide to go to the grocery to purchase fruit purees, and find yourself sitting in an improved car.
Elegant design
Tesla cars are the best-looking electric vehicles on the market today. For instance, Model 3 is sleek, elegant, and minimalist. Its notable features include a continuous glass roof and a “mouthless” front fascia. You won’t get tired of looking at your car.
The Downsides of Driving a Tesla
High initial cost
Tesla is not extremely expensive, but the mass-market car, the Model 3, still has a price tag more than double the cost of the least expensive gas-powered sedan on the market today. But you can recoup that initial cost over the years through gas savings and low maintenance costs as you don’t need to worry about oil change, fluid leaks, or worn belts.
Going on a road trip may not be ideal
Tesla has a Supercharger network that makes long road trips possible. But even with fast chargers, each recharge of a Tesla car may last an hour and affect your road trip schedule.
Opportunities to change the norm don’t come along very often. Even if just one or two in 10 new car buyers shifted to electric, it would have a huge impact on the environment and society.
