Tesla 3 — It operates like an i-pad…goes quick and provides a glimpse of our future transport…
I had a work buddy come over with his recently purchased Tesla 3 Saloon yesterday. I walked out to find the sleek, black, electric beast sitting silently in my driveway.
I must admit, looking at it, I almost expected Marty Mc Fly to jump out in a silver suit and hover boots and ask me if I’d seen the Doc?…
Instead it was my unassuming mate from work smiling like a Cheshire cat, also without the silver suit or hover boots…
“Would you and your son like to come for a spin?
No worries, you can drive…”
Seems my work buddy gets a real kick out of showing people Elon’s flagship vehicle and giving those he considers worthy, the opportunity to get behind the wheel of the latest concept in electric people moving.
He’s the first in my circle of friends to own one, and I’m certain before too long he won’t be the last, in fact, after my experiences yesterday, I’m left pondering how long it will take before combustion engine driven beasts will be an all but forgotten relic, as we’re inevitably hurtled into ‘EVvehicle world’ globally and also as a nation.
My mate opened the seal lock style drivers door to a plain, stylish interior. The very first thing I noticed sliding into the driver’s seat is: No dials!
No speedo, no tachometer, no fuel gauge… just an iPad sized screen in the middle of the minimalistic dashboard that takes you to Tesla world, and tells you everything you need to know about the vehicle and your surroundings in real time, as it happens around you, with micro camera technology placed strategically around the car.
I couldn’t help but think it already felt a little too much like a video game, somewhat removed from reality, and we hadn’t even left the driveway…
The next obvious thing as I selected ‘reverse mode’ (as there is no gears to speak of) was the distinct lack of sound… no idle noise, no rumble of the engine…. Just silent, stealthy movement, provided by the bank of Tesla lithium ion batteries stacked across the undercarriage of the car.
On the road, it moves and drives just as a conventional car would and if you’re wondering what the power of the vehicle is like… well let’s just say it’s G-force will push you back into your seat as the saloon 3’s capabilities are similar to the feel and handling of a V8 engine without the noise, smog and fuel bills.
Tesla stats place the saloon three at 0–100 kph in roughly 5 secs and the performance version X Tesla at around the 3 second mark which is more than powerful enough for the average McFly and rumour has it, will give a motor bike a run for it’s money from standing start…
So, The Verdict:
Do I want one? Absolutely!
As a city commuter, a cross country transporter, a family car and as a mobile office to work out of, if you’re constantly on the road for work, the Tesla 3 Saloon stacks up in my books.
Given the ease of use, ever-evolving growth of charging stations across the country and especially the running costs of the car and I’d suggest there’ll be plenty of consumer choice available here in Australia as other competitor brands join the booming EV market with their various offerings.
As there’s rumours Elon and team are currently working on a Semi-Trailer that will have the capacity to travel 500 kilometres from charging station to station fully loaded, I’m also sure we won’t have to wait too long.
Stephen McNamara is a conversion content creator, media specialist, voice talent, kitchen table counsellor, father and husband to the best family in the world. Oh, and two Dogs and a magnificent British Blue Cat.
If you’d like to know more about Steve’s content services get in touch via Medium.com, my website: www.stevemcmedia.com or email steve@stevemcmedia.com
