There is no doubt that Tesla has brought a commotion to the motor industry. Some people are praising it, while others are bashing it. Although Tesla offers many great things, there are a few downsides too. So, what are the disadvantages of owning a Tesla?
One of the bad things about this popular electric vehicle brand is that it’s quite expensive compared to similar cars on the market. Other downsides include long charging hours, hidden costs, and an unreliable autopilot system. It is also not ideal for snowy or cold climates, nor is it suitable for long distances.
Tesla has only been around for less than two decades, but it has truly changed the face of the electric vehicle industry. Many automakers that had brushed off the idea of the EV taking over the motor industry any time soon are now handling the issue with the seriousness it deserves.
Tesla may be known for its comfortable, eco-friendly, high-performance, and efficient vehicles, but it’s also good to know the downsides of the car so that you can know what to expect in the long run. That’s why we’ve highlighted some of the bad things about Tesla in this post.
Here are some Tesla’s disadvantages:
Quite expensive
Tesla is more expensive than its competitors. Most people see Tesla as a high end or luxury vehicle. To some extent, this is correct as the starting Tesla base model goes for around $35,000.
The CEO of Tesla, Elon Musk has said that this will change soon though, as they intend to create affordable cars for all. However, this is still far from reality unless they improve their technology and battery prices fall drastically.
Charging takes a long time
This depends on whether you’re in a hurry or not. Most EVs take at least 1 to 2 hours to fully charge at home. So, if you want to rush somewhere and your car’s battery is empty, this will be a problem. However, Tesla superchargers take less than 40 minutes to fully charge.
Lack of service centers
A huge problem for Tesla owners is accessing service centers. If you live far from a Tesla service center, then it’s worthless to own a Tesla. This is because it can take weeks or months for your car to be repaired in the event of an accident or issue.
This is because most of the Tesla parts have to be transported to the service center. And in some cases, the car may have to be sent to Tesla for calibration in case an accident messes with sensors. This is very tough for many people, as they may have to wait for months to get their car back.
The car is very quiet
While quietness may seem like a good thing, Tesla’s quiet operation can actually be quite dangerous. Unlike conventional cars with engines, Tesla’s don’t announce when they’re cruising. Because of their quietness, it’s easier for a Tesla to cause an accident than a conventional car.
Therefore, you need to be extra careful when driving your Tesla. Other drivers and pedestrians won’t hear you coming, so you need to be completely aware of your surroundings, whether you’re backing up or driving in a school zone.
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Doubtful autopilot system
When you hear about the Tesla Autopilot feature, you might think this car sounds out of this world. The Tesla Autopilot is a suite of sophisticated driver-assistance systems that come with features such as adaptive cruise control, lane centering, and self-parking.
Even though the autopilot system seems interesting, many people have had complaints about it. Several people have reported this system failing, which is a great cause of concern when it comes to safety.
Not ideal for long commutes and towing
If you intend to travel long distances or tow your RV, then you may have to change the car that you plan to use. This is because the charge does not last for long.
Most Tesla’s can cover at least 300 miles on a full charge. SO, if you are venturing far from home, make sure you research your charging options. If the route you intend to use has superchargers, then you can proceed to cruise with your Tesla EV.
Not suitable in cold climates
Another main setback about owning a Tesla is that it’s not suitable for cold climates. This applies to all-electric vehicles and not just Teslas. EVs are not efficient in cold climates. One of the reasons is because of the energy lost from heating the battery.
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Why did you sell your Tesla?
One of the main reasons why people sell their Teslas is because they are upgrading to a superior Tesla model. They love the brand and are ready for an upgrade.
Another reason is that the service department has let them down. This is one of the major headaches of owning a Tesla: the lack of enough service centers.
If your Tesla car is involved in an accident or someone accidentally scratches your side mirror, you may regret the day you bought your Tesla. This is because the service centers are limited and it can take days before you have your car repaired.
Are Tesla cars really cheaper to own?
Yes, they are. Tesla may have its downsides, including an expensive initial cost. But don’t get it wrong, as they are easier to maintain over the years. This is because the car has fewer parts, which means less wear and tear. Tesla’s supercharger price is also only $0.28 per kWh, which is cheaper than buying gas.
What’s the ugly truth about Tesla?
The bitter truth about Tesla is that you’re at the mercy of Tesla’s software updates. Yes, the updates may be good for your car, but the hardware is still the same. With time, the new software updates won’t be compatible with your hardware and issues will start to emerge. So, you will be forced to upgrade the hardware as well. This is the same thing people often see happening with their smartphones.
A Tesla is still worth it
Tesla may have several downsides, but the good outweighs the bad. It’s true, Tesla is not a good car for long-distance, towing, or cold climates. And its super quiet to run, which can easily cause an accident. However, Tesla has several benefits such as excellent efficiency, safety, performance, low maintenance, and federal tax rebates.
If you live in a cold climate or really far from service stations, you should consider getting another car brand. But if you want to experience the most modern electric vehicle on the market, nothing beats Tesla. You will forget all about visiting gas stations, since you won’t need any fuel.
