Three years and a few months ago, I took delivery of a brand new Tesla Model S 85D. Today its odometer passed 50,000 miles! A few stats (as of the end of the day today):
Miles on odometer: 50,069
Lifetime average wH/mi: Somewhere between 312 and 317 (uncertainty due to Tesla technician resetting trip meters without my authorization...grrr)
Door handle replacements: 3
Half-shaft replacements: 1
Superchargers visited: 36
Battery degradation: 270 RM -> 264 RM (about 2%)
Software updates: 43 (from 6.2(2.4.160) to 8.1(2018.26))
Some thoughts:
o No way am I ever going back to an ICE car again. My previous car was a 2005 Toyota Prius, and I'm convinced hybrids are just the "gateway drug" for pure EVs. My Tesla isn't perfect but it's pretty damn awesome...clean, quiet and (of course) fast. Most importantly it's always been drivable and I've never gotten stranded.
o I've used Autopilot since the first day AP1 was available. It's really a game-changer for reducing the workload on long-distance driving, if one takes the time to understand how it works and to use it correctly. (I eat my oranges and drink the water in my water bottles.) It's hard to explain this to someone who hasn't experienced it. Owner training on Autopilot needs improvement, a lot. There might be a role for user groups to play in this area.
o OTA software updates are revolutionary. Since I took delivery, my car has (among other things) gotten quicker, gained autopilot capabilities (including auto-steer, summon, and auto-parking), and gotten a new navigation system. Sometimes there are some regressions though, and some basic software management best practices would really be useful here.
o Tesla has the only charging network that really makes long-distance EV travel practical. Another one of those things that's best understood through experience.
Owning a Tesla has truly been a transformative experience for me. I am not a car guy, but I was surprised to find myself:
o Spending time on a car forum...thanks to all on TMC and the Tesla community in general for all the information, tips, tricks, and experience.
o Talking about my car to, well, anyone.
o Attending a TMC Connect conference. What a great experience to meet people in person, highly recommend doing this if possible.
o Driving 200 miles to meet up with a bunch of other Tesla owners at a Supercharger in the middle of nowhere (Kettleman City, earlier this year).
It's been fun. Looking forward to the next 50,000 miles...
Bruce.
Miles on odometer: 50,069
Lifetime average wH/mi: Somewhere between 312 and 317 (uncertainty due to Tesla technician resetting trip meters without my authorization...grrr)
Door handle replacements: 3
Half-shaft replacements: 1
Superchargers visited: 36
Battery degradation: 270 RM -> 264 RM (about 2%)
Software updates: 43 (from 6.2(2.4.160) to 8.1(2018.26))
Some thoughts:
o No way am I ever going back to an ICE car again. My previous car was a 2005 Toyota Prius, and I'm convinced hybrids are just the "gateway drug" for pure EVs. My Tesla isn't perfect but it's pretty damn awesome...clean, quiet and (of course) fast. Most importantly it's always been drivable and I've never gotten stranded.
o I've used Autopilot since the first day AP1 was available. It's really a game-changer for reducing the workload on long-distance driving, if one takes the time to understand how it works and to use it correctly. (I eat my oranges and drink the water in my water bottles.) It's hard to explain this to someone who hasn't experienced it. Owner training on Autopilot needs improvement, a lot. There might be a role for user groups to play in this area.
o OTA software updates are revolutionary. Since I took delivery, my car has (among other things) gotten quicker, gained autopilot capabilities (including auto-steer, summon, and auto-parking), and gotten a new navigation system. Sometimes there are some regressions though, and some basic software management best practices would really be useful here.
o Tesla has the only charging network that really makes long-distance EV travel practical. Another one of those things that's best understood through experience.
Owning a Tesla has truly been a transformative experience for me. I am not a car guy, but I was surprised to find myself:
o Spending time on a car forum...thanks to all on TMC and the Tesla community in general for all the information, tips, tricks, and experience.
o Talking about my car to, well, anyone.
o Attending a TMC Connect conference. What a great experience to meet people in person, highly recommend doing this if possible.
o Driving 200 miles to meet up with a bunch of other Tesla owners at a Supercharger in the middle of nowhere (Kettleman City, earlier this year).
It's been fun. Looking forward to the next 50,000 miles...
Bruce.