As a digital technology expert, I‘ve been closely following the rise of Tesla and electric vehicles over the past decade. It‘s been fascinating to watch as EVs have gone from a niche novelty to a mainstream alternative to gas-powered cars. And there‘s no question that Tesla has been leading the charge (pun intended), thanks to their relentless innovation, high-tech approach, and strong brand.
While Tesla offers several compelling vehicles, the Model 3 stands out as their most popular and accessible offering. This sleek electric sedan has taken the automotive world by storm since its release in 2017, outselling many conventional luxury cars. And it‘s not hard to see why – the Model 3 offers an unmatched combination of performance, tech features, and green credibility.
As someone who‘s owned a Model 3 for several years now, I can confidently say it‘s been one of the best purchases I‘ve ever made. Here are 11 reasons why I think buying a Tesla Model 3 is a very smart move in 2022:
1. It‘s a true tech powerhouse
The Model 3‘s electric powertrain is a marvel of engineering. Depending on the model, the floor-mounted lithium-ion battery pack has a capacity between 50 and 82 kWh. The latest models use lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery chemistry, which is cheaper, longer-lasting and cobalt-free.
The battery powers one or two permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motors, enabling blistering acceleration. The Long Range AWD can put out 346 horsepower and 389 lb-ft of torque, launching it to 60 mph in just 4.2 seconds. The Performance model is even quicker, with a 0-60 time of 3.1 seconds thanks to 450 horsepower.
Having instant, effortless acceleration never gets old. Even in the base model, you have more than enough power to zip past traffic and merge onto highways with confidence. It‘s seriously quick.
2. You‘ll save a ton on operating costs
Owning an electric car can lead to big savings over time, especially if you‘re coming from a gas guzzler. A 2020 Consumer Reports study found that EV owners spend 60% less on fuel compared to gas car owners over the life of the vehicle. They estimated the Model 3 would cost just $3800 to charge over 5 years, compared to $8000-$12000 in gas costs for similarly priced luxury sedans.
Maintenance costs are also much lower, since EVs have far fewer moving parts and fluids that need regular service. There are no oil changes, spark plug replacements, air filter swaps, timing belt changes, or emissions checks to worry about. Tesla recommends rotating the tires every 10,000-12,000 miles and checking brake fluid every 2 years. That‘s pretty much it.
Perhaps most importantly, you‘ll avoid the unpredictable swings of gas prices, which can really strain your budget when they spike. Charging an EV costs the equivalent of about $1/gallon, and that cost is more stable and predictable over time. It‘s a weight off your mind to never have to think about gas prices.
3. Frequent software updates keep your car fresh
One of the coolest things about owning a Tesla is the over-the-air software update capability. Just like with smartphones, Tesla is constantly developing new features and improvements that get pushed to the car wirelessly. It‘s like getting a brand new car every few months.
Recent updates have included useful additions like Sentry Mode for security, Dog Mode for keeping your pets comfortable, and Dynamic Brake Lights for added safety. Tesla has even used OTA updates to extend driving range and improve performance on existing cars. It‘s pretty amazing to wake up and find your car has new capabilities.
legacy automakers are years behind Tesla in terms of software, and most of them still require owners to bring their car to a dealership for updates. With Tesla, everything happens seamlessly in your driveway. It‘s a huge advantage that has a real impact on the ownership experience.
4. Autopilot and self-driving features keep getting better
While we‘re not quite at the point of fully autonomous driving, Tesla‘s Autopilot system is the closest thing available to the public. In its current form, Autopilot can handle steering, acceleration and braking in certain situations, as well as automatically change lanes and navigate highway interchanges.
The optional Full Self-Driving package goes even further, enabling auto parking, summoning the car in parking lots, and stopping at traffic lights and stop signs. It can even drive on city streets with driver supervision. Tesla is constantly collecting data from customer cars to refine the FSD software, and CEO Elon Musk has said the technology will be "feature complete" by the end of 2022. Buying FSD now locks in the price and ensures you‘ll get all future updates.
5. Supercharging makes road trips a breeze
As the owner of an EV, the main lifestyle change is having to plan a bit more for longer trips. But Tesla‘s Supercharger network makes this a complete non-issue in my experience. There are now over 35,000 Superchargers worldwide, covering all major routes in North America, Europe and China.
These DC fast chargers can add up to 200 miles of range in just 15 minutes, turning charging stops into quick bathroom or coffee breaks. The Model 3 can charge at up to 250 kW, making it one of the quickest charging EVs on the market. And Tesla‘s trip planning software will automatically route you through Superchargers on the way to your destination.
I‘ve taken my Model 3 on several cross-country road trips now, and it‘s been a seamless experience every time. I actually find myself looking forward to Supercharger stops as a nice break to stretch my legs and catch up on emails. Range anxiety is simply a non-issue with the Model 3.
6. It has industry-leading safety features
Safety is paramount when picking a car, and the Model 3 is one of the safest vehicles you can buy. It has a perfect 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as well as the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS)‘s highest Top Safety Pick+ designation.
The car‘s all-electric architecture and fortified battery pack provide exceptional protection for occupants. The lack of a gas engine up front creates a large crumple zone to absorb impacts. The floor-mounted battery also gives the Model 3 an extremely low center of gravity, reducing rollover risk.
But it‘s the active safety features that really set the Model 3 apart. Automatic emergency braking, blind spot monitoring, and lane keep assist all come standard. The optional Autopilot system adds adaptive cruise control, lane centering and auto lane changes. Features like these can help avoid accidents before they happen.
7. No more trips to the gas station
Have to say, one of the best perks of EV ownership is never having to visit a gas station again. You can "refuel" your Model 3 at home by simply plugging it in overnight, just like a cell phone. Imagine starting every day with a full battery and plenty of range – it‘s a game changer.
Home charging is also very cost effective. The average price of electricity in the US is about 13 cents per kWh. So charging a Model 3‘s 82 kWh battery from empty costs around $11. To go the same 300 mile distance in a 25 mpg gas car at $4/gallon, you‘d spend $48.
For most people, overnight charging covers daily driving needs. And for longer trips, the Supercharger network has you covered. But there‘s something incredibly convenient (and affordable) about doing 90% of your charging at home. It‘s a level of freedom you just don‘t get with gas cars.
8. You‘re investing in a sustainable future
Transportation is the single largest contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the US. And personal cars and trucks make up over half of those emissions. So one of the most impactful things we can do as individuals to fight climate change is to switch to an electric vehicle.
The Model 3 produces zero direct emissions from driving. And while there are emissions associated with generating the electricity used to charge it, EVs still have a much lower carbon footprint than gas cars over their lifetime. Exactly how much lower depends on the energy mix in your region. But even in coal-heavy grids, EVs come out ahead in terms of GHG emissions.
Tesla is also heavily investing in renewable energy to power its Supercharger network and Gigafactories. They deployed over 2.1 GWh of energy storage in 2021, accelerating the world‘s transition to sustainable energy. When you buy a Tesla, your helping to fund that important mission. It‘s a way to have an outsized positive impact on the planet.
9. It‘s simply a joy to drive
At the end of the day, the Model 3 is just a really great car. The instant acceleration never gets old, and it handles like a dream thanks to the low center of gravity. The regenerative braking system takes some getting used to, but you quickly learn to love the feeling of one pedal driving.
With no gas engine, the Model 3 is also near silent, making for a very peaceful cabin. Road trips become much more pleasant without the constant drone of an engine. You can hold conversations easily or enjoy the premium audio system. And with the glass roof, the interior feels incredibly open and airy.
The Model 3 is packed with fun Easter eggs like a virtual whoopee cushion, romance mode, and hidden video games. The accompanying smartphone app also provides a cutting edge ownership experience, allowing you to precondition the cabin, remotely start the car, or check charging status from anywhere.
It all adds up to a car that just feels like the future. And every time I walk up to my Model 3 and see it boot up, it still puts a smile on my face. Tesla has completely redefined what it means to love your car.
10. It holds its value incredibly well
From a financial perspective, Teslas are not a normal car purchase. They actually hold their value remarkably well compared to gas vehicles, more like an asset. A study by iSeeCars found that the Model 3 retains over 90% of its value after 3 years, the highest of any vehicle. Gas cars typically lose around half their value over the same period.
The reasons for this are multifold. The huge demand and years-long waitlist for new Teslas keeps used prices high. The over-the-air update capability means even older models feel up to date with the latest features. And the lower maintenance and fuel costs make them very attractive on the used market.
You can reasonably expect to sell your Model 3 after 3-5 years for not much less than you paid for it. From a total cost of ownership perspective, that makes the upfront cost much easier to swallow. And if you choose to keep driving it, the battery and motors can easily last over 500,000 miles with minimal maintenance. It‘s a car you can keep a very long time.
11. Tesla is still in a league of its own
Finally, it‘s worth stepping back and acknowledging just how remarkable the Model 3 and Tesla are as a whole. What this young company has accomplished in just over a decade is unprecedented in the automotive industry. They‘ve almost single-handedly dragged the sector into the 21st century and the electric future, despite constant skepticism and pushback.
Make no mistake, the Model 3 would not exist without the singular vision of Elon Musk and the brilliant engineers at Tesla. No other automaker was brave enough to put such an affordable long-range EV into production at scale. And even today, Tesla is still years ahead of the competition when it comes to battery tech, software, and charging infrastructure.
The likes of Ford, GM, and Volkswagen are all heavily investing in EVs now, but they‘re playing catch up. The Model 3 outsold the BMW 3 Series 5 to 1 globally last year, and Tesla as a whole delivered an incredible 936,172 EVs in 2021. They‘re aiming to grow deliveries by 50% per year going forward and reach 20 million annual production by 2030.
When you buy a Model 3, you‘re not just getting a great car. You‘re becoming part of a movement and voting with your dollars for a better future. You‘re directly supporting the mission of accelerating the world‘s transition to sustainable energy and funding further development of clean technologies.
So those are the 11 biggest reasons to consider a Model 3 in 2022. To me it‘s a complete no-brainer – the Model 3 is a phenomenal car today and an investment in a brighter tomorrow. The driving experience, technology integration, and environmental benefits are simply unparalleled. And with recent price drops, a generous federal tax credit, and sky-high gas prices, there‘s never been a better time to make the switch to electric.
If you‘ve been eyeing a Model 3, I wholeheartedly recommend taking the plunge. It will transform your relationship with your car and with driving as a whole. Welcome to the future – I think you‘re going to love it here.
