Most of the Harries Watkins Jones blogs are technical or news articles relating to the world of business, accountancy and tax. This blog from Neil Harries, is a little different and more personal.
For a number of years I have been advising my clients of the tax benefits of owning a purely electric car, some of which have been written about in a previous blog; “Should your company car be electric?” What I haven’t done until now is posted about my own experience with electric cars.
My Tesla
Largely for tax reasons I took delivery of a Tesla Model 3 company car on a business lease in September 2020. I had carefully chosen the mid range model, a long range AWD in white, as being an accountant I considered it to be the best value for money!
We were in the middle of the Covid 19 pandemic so it really come as a great distraction, although at the time there were restrictions on how far I could drive!
Since a child I have been a car fan, regularly buying TopGear magazine and carefully studying it from cover to cover. I have owned lots of great sounding petrol engine cars, like most petrol heads it was a very difficult decision to switch to electric!
It didn’t take me long to fall in love with my new Tesla! Normally, within a few months I am itching to buy a new car. This is the only car I have ever had that I did not want to change. To the extent that when my lease was coming to and end I replaced it with a Model Y!
Here are the 10 reasons why I am a massive Tesla fan!
1. Cutting-Edge Technology and Features
One of the top reasons why Tesla owners love their cars is the cutting-edge technology and features that come with them. From the sleek touchscreen dashboard to the advanced autopilot system, Teslas are packed with innovative technology that makes driving safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable.
Features like regenerative braking, which captures energy from braking and uses it to recharge the battery, and over-the-air software updates, which allow for continuous improvements and new features, set Teslas apart from traditional cars.
It even transforms your phone into a key! Plus, with the ability to control your car from your phone and access real-time data about your vehicle’s performance, owning a Tesla feels like being part of a sci-fi movie!
2. The Tesla phone App
Expanding on the above, the Tesla phone app is a game-changer for anyone who owns a Tesla. It allows you to control your car from anywhere, whether you’re at home or on the go. For example, if you’re leaving work and want to cool down your car before you get in, you can use the app to turn on the air conditioning.
Or, if you’re out of town and want to check on your car’s battery level, you can do that too. The app also makes it easy to schedule service appointments and receive notifications about software updates. Overall, the phone app is a must-have for any Tesla owner who wants to stay connected to their car at all times.
3. The Supercharger network
Tesla has an extensive network of Superchargers throughout the UK and Europe, making it easy for Tesla owners to travel long distances without worrying about running out of battery. The Superchargers are strategically located along major roads and in popular destinations, allowing for quick and convenient charging stops.
With the navigation system, you can easily plan your route and find the nearest Supercharger along the way. The Supercharger network is constantly expanding, with new locations being added regularly to make owning a Tesla even more convenient.
4. Minimalistic cabin
One of the standout features of the Tesla Models 3 and Y is its minimalistic cabin design. The dashboard is dominated by a large touchscreen display that controls everything from the air conditioning to the radio. The lack of physical buttons and knobs gives the cabin a sleek and modern look.Â
The seats are comfortable and supportive, with plenty of legroom and headroom for both front and rear passengers. The overall design of the cabin is both functional modern, airy and aesthetically pleasing, making for a truly enjoyable driving experience.
5. Minimal Maintenance and Longevity
Another reason why I love my Tesla is its minimal maintenance requirements and longevity. Unlike traditional petrol-powered cars, Teslas have fewer moving parts and require less maintenance. There’s no need for oil changes, spark plug replacements, or other routine maintenance tasks.
Plus, Tesla’s electric motors are designed to last for hundreds of thousands of miles, meaning you can enjoy your car for years to come without worrying about costly repairs. This not only saves you time and money, but it also reduces your environmental impact by reducing the amount of waste generated by traditional car maintenance.
6. Autopilot and Self-Driving Capabilities
One of the most exciting features of a Tesla is its autopilot and self-driving capabilities. With autopilot, the car can automatically steer, accelerate, and brake on motorways and in some other situations. This not only makes driving more convenient, but it also enhances safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by human error.
Additionally, Tesla is constantly working on improving its self-driving technology, with the goal of eventually achieving full autonomy. As a Tesla owner, I love the peace of mind that comes with knowing my car is equipped with the latest and greatest in autonomous driving technology.
7. Incredible Performance and Acceleration
A further reason why I love my Tesla is its incredible performance and acceleration. The electric motor provides instant torque, which means that the car can go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in just a few seconds.
The two cars that I have had are the long range models and not the performance models. Yet they both hit 60mph in under 5 seconds. It’s a thrilling experience to feel the power of the car as it accelerates smoothly and quickly.
Plus, the handling and responsiveness of the car are top-notch, making it a joy to drive on winding roads or in city traffic. This is aided by the batteries being placed in the floor resulting in a low centre of gravity.
8. Electric range
The Tesla Model 3 and Model Y long range option boasts an impressive theoretical range in excess of 330 miles on a single charge. However, it’s important to note that this range can vary depending on driving habits, weather conditions, and other factors.
In real-world driving scenarios, the range may be closer to 250-300 miles. Still, this is impressive compared to other electric vehicles on the market and makes the Model 3 and Model Y viable options for longer road trips.
9. Zero Emissions and Environmental Impact
I am by no means an environmental activist but I still love that my Tesla has zero emissions and minimal environmental impact. As someone who cares about the environment, it’s important to me to reduce my carbon footprint as much as possible.
With a Tesla, I can drive without emitting any harmful pollutants into the air. Plus, the company is committed to sustainability and uses renewable energy sources to power its vehicles and factories. It feels good to know that I’m driving a car that’s not only stylish and high-performing, but also eco-friendly.
10. Tesla and its mission
Tesla is a company that was founded in 2003 with the mission to accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. They are known for their electric vehicles, energy storage systems, and solar products.
Tesla’s goal is to create a cleaner, more sustainable future by reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. It feels good to take a small part in this.
If you are looking for a new car I would strongly recommend a Tesla and not just for tax reasons!
I am a also a fan of Carwow, if you are considering a Tesla you may find this video below useful.
