

Lifestyle
Tesla Model 3 impressions from an existing Model S owner
After nearly two years of waiting after putting down my deposit on the day of Model 3 Mania, I finally took delivery of my Model 3 on February 12th, 2018.
I actually don’t need Tesla’s Long Range Model 3 for my short daily commute, but realizing that on a range per dollar basis the vehicle’s 310-mile range works out to be an amazing deal, I succumbed to the temptation and ordered Tesla’s “first production” Model 3 just so I can get the car sooner.
Tesla indicated a 4-week delivery window at the time I placed my Model 3 order, which admittedly I was skeptical of. Especially as 2 weeks after I configured, I still did not have a VIN assigned. I’m happy to report, however, that all the way out here on the East Coast, I did, in fact, take delivery 2 days shy of 4 weeks from configuration. The delivery team was top notch: from my inside sales adviser, to the local delivery specialist, to the two product specialists who introduced me to the car, the Tesla team is simply spectacular. This doesn’t come as a surprise to me, as everyone I’ve ever dealt with at Tesla since my very first Model S test drive nearly 4 years ago has been a pleasure to interact with.
What do I think of the Tesla Model 3?
Without further delay, let me jump right into the car. The most important thing to talk about is how the car drives and I’m pleased to say that it immediately met my very high expectations. I’ll be the first to tell you that the Model S is the best car money can buy but it is bigger and heavier than I prefer. Yes, an incredible fangirl will admit that she does not prefer a full sized sedan.
The Model 3 is lighter and smaller and by default feels agile. The Model S, as big as it is, was plenty agile when a deer ran out in front of me and my inexperienced, city-living-self swerved to avoid it. The steering wheel feels as thick and luxurious as the Model S, but is smaller and reminds me of a race car. I changed the steering setting to Sport mode before I even left the delivery bay and find it to be perfect for my preferences.
Tesla’s Model 3 also stops more easily due to its overall lighter weight than the Model S. I wouldn’t think much about that except for the fact that it is winter where I live and regenerative braking is limited much of the time due to weather conditions.
What about the interior? For one, I adore the instrument cluster in the Model S where I have an at-a-glance-view of my energy consumption and current trip stats. Being able to see a zoomed-in view of your navigation route directly in front of you is also something I’ve gotten used to that the instrument cluster-less Model 3 doesn’t have. Also, major indicators like speed and Autopilot information are front and center where it feels like it should be located.
While I knew I could most likely get used to Model 3’s single center-mounted touchscreen, I wasn’t sure how long that would take. I can say that after driving the Model 3 for a few days, viewing data on the left side of the landscape-oriented screen became second nature.
Even my mother, who drives a 2004 Chevy Trailblazer that she says, while crossing her fingers, will live forever, got used to Model 3’s display 5 minutes into her drive. She has never been behind the wheel of our Model S, or any car even close to being this technologically advanced, yet had no problem adjusting. She has, however, been behind the wheel of many older, performance-minded cars with both manual and automatic transmissions but immediately gushed over our Model 3’s zippiness.
And for the much talked about Model 3 headliner: I love it! Our Model S has the standard textile headliner in tan, which I find a little odd when matched with a black leather interior. The light gray headliner in the Model 3 looks great and knowing that the same durable textile material in our S is also in our 3, I’m confident that it’ll hold up after nearly 60,000 miles.
Model 3’s horizontal HVAC vent that has airflow that can be split in two via touchscreen is simply genius. It is stunning, clean and effective. Mark my words this will be copied by other automakers.
Tesla Model 3 can be improved
So what don’t I like about the Model 3? It turns out that there are plenty of things that can be changed, but I realize that nearly any other car you buy will be the best it can be the day you drive it off the lot. It will never get better and certainly not at your home, for free, over the air. A Tesla is the opposite.
If and when Tesla receives enough feedback from owners, they can make a change and beam it over to you. It’s a huge paradigm shift and one I’m happy to be a part of.
That being said, here is a list of my own observations of things I would like to see changed in the Tesla Model 3:
- The turn signal stalk is a bit funky. A light tap gives 3 blinks and a harder press engages it fully. It will disengage itself when you turn but the stalk itself does not change position, which means there is no physical sound of the stalk going back into place. That being said, you have to actually check to see if it turned off by listening for the blink sounds or looking at the screen if you’ve engaged the signal fully to do something that wouldn’t be forceful enough to disengage such as changing lanes or making a slight turn. My ideal solution would be to make the light tap 6 blinks so that it’s more appropriate for lane changes. Then you don’t have to worry about disengaging yourself, which is a stalk tap the opposite direction. I turned on my high beams inadvertently a couple of times in the first 3 days of driving the car. You only notice that error by looking at the screen.
- Climate controls require two touches to turn on and off. I’d prefer that if you tap the fan icon, that means on and off rather than a pop-up menu where you have to press on or off. That menu would ideally pop up with a touch and hold.
- The banner that tells you when regen is limited is too tall and poorly placed. The black banner is about 3 times as tall as the text itself and actually touches the image of the car in the main indicator area, blocking the color-coded arcs that tell you how near you are to obstructions in the rear of the car. This is a simple change that I hope comes quickly.
- The tall and misplaced “Regenerative Braking Limited” banner
- Trip information card
- 38 miles per hour of rated range being added
- The lack of energy information on the main screen is a bit of a letdown if you’re used to seeing it. I understand that regen is limited (as that banner shouts) but how limited? On the Model S, you can see a rounded graphic that looks like a gauge and the regen limited tick marks give an idea of how much or how little you have. In the Model 3, there is just a single horizontal line that signifies energy usage (to the right of center) and regen (to the left.) It’s elegant and simple but I thirst for more info.
- The small box that Tesla calls “cards” can be swiped to show several types of information. The trip meter (trip A, B, current and since the last charge) is the one I like to have visible at all times. Specifically, current drive/since the last charge. Every time I get into the car I have to swipe to see it and I’d prefer the car remember which screen I viewed last time and keep it until changed.
- The Autopilot info display can also use some improvement. (Bonus points for the steering wheel nag being substantial enough to get your attention without requiring subverted eyes.) On the main display when in AP mode, you can change the speed but not following distance. The speed is in the center with a plus or minus on either side. There is enough room, in my opinion, for there to be a vertically stacked plus and minus on either side of center where one is for speed and one is for the following distance. I like to be able to change following distance as conditions change. Going into the screen menus is not very practical in my opinion, so I’m stuck with whatever I had set before, if I even remember what that is. While we’re at it, I’d like them to give the ability to change your speed via the stalk or scroll wheel. I’m fairly certain they’ll either do that or implement voice control ability, as I think this will be a common request.
- Traffic conditions on the navigation screen did not update twice in 2 days. I found it odd that my route to work looked yellow instead of dark red but after hearing the traffic report, I decided to toggle off traffic and back on. There it was – dark red all the way. Traffic conditions need to update themselves without being turned off and back on.
- Unlock upon walk up with an enabled phone in hand/pocket/bag did not work every time. I had an unfortunate situation in a public parking lot where I had to pull out my wallet to open the door (not a problem) and place it near the cup holders to turn the car on (again, not a problem) – but then I had to do the second step all over again when I got out of the car to reach a horribly-positioned ticket machine. It was a little unnerving to worry that the car would not turn on quickly enough to escape before the exit gate came back down onto my brand new car.
- A bigger problem than the car not unlocking right away is the nagging fear that the car was not locked at all. Somehow my husband got into the passenger’s side of the car while I was waiting for the mirror to unfold, which is my visual cue to get in. The car wouldn’t start until I placed the card by the cup holders so how did he get in? Was it not locked? He did have his phone (also enabled) on him but I can’t see only one side of the car unlocking. Similarly, he went back into my car to grab something, walked back into the house and saw from the app it was unlocked. He locked it via the app and saw the lights flash and mirrors fold from inside the house. In the absence of electronic door handles that are visibly locked (flush) or unlocked (popped out) like the Model S, I need some reassurance or feedback that my car is locked. I’m used to just assuming it is but am fairly certain that last night, it wasn’t until it was manually locked with the app.
- My first morning with the car I was able to connect via app and pre-heat the cabin as expected. One day 2, no such luck. Several failed attempts over 10 minutes and it was time to walk out and (gasp!) drive a car with a slight chill inside. I’ve had this problem with the Model S as well so I think both can stand to improve.
Other observations:
After being parked outside overnight with temps in the mid-20s, I did not get back full regen during my 46 minute, low speed drive. It didn’t feel completely gone so I suspect it was only slightly limited, but as noted earlier, I just can’t tell because that information is not displayed. I’m not knocking the limited regen, as this is a known behavior of an electric car, but worth reminding those of you for whom the Model 3 will be your first. Especially true if you get your car in the warmer weather and your first cold snap shocks you.
https://twitter.com/ElectricJen/status/965217614942408706
The car charges more quickly on the same NEMA 14-50 outlet with the same universal mobile connector as my Model S. I routinely see 29 miles of rated range being added per hour of charge on the S, but saw up to 38 miles of rated range being added per hour on the Long Range Model 3.
In closing, let me just say that the one day of the week I used to drive our Model S was always my favorite. Today I drove the Model S so my husband could take a turn with our new 3 and, well, I miss it.
Lifestyle
Tesla brings perhaps the coolest interior feature to cars in latest update
Tesla adds on to the “fun” aspect of its vehicles.

Tesla has brought perhaps the coolest interior feature to its cars in a new update that is rolling out to vehicles now.
The feature will require a newer vehicle that has interior ambient lighting, which is present on the new Model S, Model X, Model 3 “Highland,” and Model Y “Juniper.” The Cybertruck also has ambient lighting strips throughout.
Tesla Model Y’s ambient lighting design changes revealed in leaked video
With the Version 2025.26+ Software Update, Tesla is rolling out a new “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music” feature, which is available on the Tesla Toybox:
Turn your Tesla into a rave cave with the new Light Sync feature 🎶
Rolling out now in software update 2025.26+ pic.twitter.com/IIsQxZ9jDP
— Tesla (@Tesla) July 29, 2025
To enable the feature, you’ll access the Toybox, choose “Light Sync,” and then choose “Sync Accent Lights w/ Music.”
Although it does not improve the performance of the vehicle, it is yet another example of Tesla making one of the coolest cars out there. This is truly a cool add-on that can be used to impress your friends and family.
Elon Musk
xAI, Musk Foundation helps schools near Memphis supercomputer site
Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.

Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence startup xAI and the Musk Foundation have been supporting Memphis-Shelby County Schools with HVAC repairs and facility upgrades, while also funding youth programs for students in the area.
Reports of xAI and the Musk Foundation’s work were recently posted by local news media.
xAI’s school visits lead to facility repairs
Representatives from xAI visited John P. Freeman Optional School, Fairley High School, and Westwood High School, all of which are located near its Colossus supercomputer site, to assess HVAC systems, plumbing, gym facilities, and athletic fields. The visits resulted in a list of priority repairs, some of which were completed in April and May.
In addition to the repairs, xAI also shared a number of initiatives that are planned for students in the area, as stated in a Commercial Appeal report.
“xAI is working on providing STEM workshops for local students, donating equipment to technical training programs, and supporting job fairs to boost employment opportunities. These initiatives reflect xAl’s commitment to fostering education and economic growth in Memphis,” xAI noted in a statement.
Musk Foundation donation
Apart from xAI, the Musk Foundation also donated $350,000 to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis, enabling the reopening of two club sites located at Booker T. Washington High School and Westwood High School. Both locations had closed earlier this year due to lapses in funding. As per xAI, the Musk Foundation’s donation allows clubs to reopen for almost 1,000 students.
The donation will fund staffing, supplies, and transportation, among others. “Kids are the future of humanity,” Elon Musk said in a statement, adding that students need “every chance to shoot for the stars.”
“We’re honored to support the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Memphis in reopening these sites, giving kids in underserved communities the tools to build brighter futures,” Musk said.
The gift was praised by local officials, including Boys & Girls Clubs board chair Michael Garriga, who stated that the “commitment will ensure the youth of our community have the opportunities they need to develop their skills and talents to become successful students and future citizens.”
Lifestyle
EV fans urge Tesla to acquire Unplugged Performance for edge in fleet and security industry
Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles.

A growing number of Tesla enthusiasts and longtime community voices are calling on the electric vehicle maker to acquire Unplugged Performance, a California-based aftermarket company best known for tuning Tesla vehicles and developing specialized government fleet solutions under its UP.FIT division.
The idea was once considered a niche proposal among EV fans, but it is now gaining serious attention not just as a performance play but as a strategic move to deepen Tesla’s roots in the fleet and security industry.
A strategic fit
Unplugged Performance has built a name for itself by producing performance upgrades for Tesla vehicles, from track-optimized components to visual and aerodynamic upgrades. But in recent years, its UP.FIT division has pivoted toward a more functional future by outfitting Tesla vehicles like Model Ys for police, military, and government use.
That work has sparked growing calls for closer collaboration with Tesla, especially as the EV maker increasingly leans into autonomy, AI, and fleet services as core components of its next chapter.
“I posted this four years ago, but I think it’s more true now than ever,” wrote Whole Mars Catalog, a well-known Tesla investor and FSD Beta tester, on X. “Tesla should buy Unplugged. But not just as a Performance division. What they are doing with UP.FIT unlocks large government and commercial fleet purchases that can improve utilization.”
Tesla fans such as shareholder Sawyer Merritt echoed the sentiment, calling Unplugged a “great fit within Tesla.” adding, “They are literally located directly next to Tesla’s design studio in Hawthorne.”
Enabling the next wave
Supporters of the idea noted that integrating Unplugged into Tesla’s corporate structure could help accelerate the adoption of autonomous technologies in government sectors. With UP.FIT patrol cars already in use across some U.S. police departments, Tesla fans envisioned a future where self-driving Teslas could potentially revolutionize law enforcement, search-and-rescue, and public service logistics.
“Just imagine how autonomous patrol cars could transform policing and bring us into a safer future,” the veteran FSD tester wrote.
The benefits could also extend to Tesla’s existing consumer base. “They also have some incredible products in the works that I think will appeal to many ordinary Tesla drivers — not just those looking for performance or mods. Stuff that’s so good it should have come straight from the design studio next door,” Whole Mars Catalog noted.
Unplugged Performance, founded in 2013, shares not just a product vision with Tesla, but also geography. Its Hawthorne headquarters sits directly adjacent to Tesla’s design studio, and the two companies have maintained a close working relationship over the years. The aftermarket firm has long positioned itself as a “mission-aligned” partner to Tesla.
In response to the recent calls for acquisition, Unplugged Performance acknowledged the support from the community. “Our very existence is to support the Tesla mission with @UpfitTesla and @UnpluggedTesla,” Unplugged CEO Ben Schaffer posted on X. “We love working with Tesla and are grateful for the community’s support since 2013!”
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