

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 Cybertruck takes a bump from epic failing Dodge Charger
The Cybertruck seemed unharmed by the charging Charger.

There comes a time in a driver’s life when one is faced with one’s limitations. For the driver of a Dodge Charger, this time came when he lost control and crashed into a Tesla Cybertruck–an absolute epic fail.
A video of the rather unfortunate incident was shared on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit.
Charging Charger Fails
As could be seen in the video, which was posted on the subreddit by Model Y owner u/Hammer_of_something, a group of teens in a Dodge Charger decided to do some burnouts at a Tesla Supercharger. Unfortunately, the driver of the Charger failed in his burnout or donut attempt, resulting in the mopar sedan going over a curb and bumping a charging Cybertruck.
Ironically, the Dodge Charger seemed to have been parked at a Supercharger stall before its driver decided to perform the failed stunt. This suggests that the vehicle was likely ICE-ing a charging stall before it had its epic fail moment. Amusingly enough, the subreddit member noted that the Cybertruck did not seem like it took any damage at all despite its bump. The Charger, however, seemed like it ran into some trouble after crashing into the truck.
Alleged Aftermath
As per the the r/TeslaLounge subreddit member, the Cybertruck owner came rushing out to his vehicle after the Dodge Charger crashed into it. The Model Y owner then sent over the full video of the incident, which clearly showed the Charger attempting a burnout, failing, and bumping into the Cybertruck. The Cybertruck owner likely appreciated the video, in part because it showed the driver of the Dodge Charger absolutely freaking out after the incident.
The Cybertruck is not an impregnable vehicle, but it can take bumps pretty well thanks to its thick stainless steel body. Based on this video, it appears that the Cybertruck can even take bumps from a charging Charger, all while chilling and charging at a Supercharger. As for the teens in the Dodge, they likely had to provide a long explanation to authorities after the incident, since the cops were called to the location.
Lifestyle
Anti-Elon Musk group crushes Tesla Model 3 with Sherman tank–with unexpected results
Ironically enough, the group’s video ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.

Anti-Elon Musk protesters and critics tend to show their disdain for the CEO in various ways, but a recent video from political action group Led By Donkeys definitely takes the cake when it comes to creativity.
Ironially enough, the group’s video also ended up highlighting something very positive for Tesla.
Tank vs. Tesla
In its video, Led By Donkeys featured Ken Turner, a 98-year-old veteran who served in the British army during World War II. The veteran stated that Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is “using his immense power to support the far-right in Europe, and his money comes from Tesla cars.”
He also noted that he had a message for the Tesla CEO: “We’ve crushed fascism before and we’ll crush it again.” To emphasize his point, the veteran proceeded to drive a Sherman tank over a blue Tesla Model 3 sedan, which, of course, had a plate that read “Fascism.”
The heavy tank crushed the Model 3’s glass roof and windows, much to the delight of Led By Donkeys’ commenters on its official YouTube channel. But at the end of it all, the aftermath of the anti-Elon Musk demonstration ended up showcasing something positive for the electric vehicle maker.
Tesla Model 3 Tanks the Tank?
As could be seen from the wreckage of the Tesla Model 3 after its Sherman encounter, only the glass roof and windows of the all-electric sedan were crushed. Looking at the wreckage of the Model 3, it seemed like its doors could still be opened, and everything on its lower section looked intact.
Considering that a standard M4 Sherman weighs about 66,800 to 84,000 pounds, the Model 3 actually weathered the tank’s assault really well. Granted, the vehicle’s suspension height before the political action group’s demonstration suggests that the Model 3’s high voltage battery had been removed beforehand. But even if it hadn’t been taken off, it seemed like the vehicle’s battery would have survived the heavy ordeal without much incident.
This was highlighted in comments from users on social media platform X, many of whom noted that a person in the Model 3 could very well have survived the ordeal with the Sherman. And that, ultimately, just speaks to the safety of Tesla’s vehicles. There is a reason why Teslas consistently rank among the safest cars on the road, after all.
Lifestyle
Tesla Model 3 driver is using FSD to travel to Mt. Everest Base Camp
The ambitious, nearly 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) Tesla FSD journey is being livestreamed on Chinese social media.

Count on Tesla drivers in China to push Full Self Driving (FSD) as far as it could go. As could be seen in videos posted on Chinese social media, a brave Model 3 owner is currently going on an epic journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest on FSD.
Recent posts from the Model 3 driver suggest that the ambitious destination may be within reach.
Epic FSD Journey
As noted by Tesla owner-enthusiast Aaron Li, the journey from Henan Province to the base camp of Mt. Everest spans almost 4,000 kilometers (2,485 miles). The journey itself is epic, with stunning vistas and roads that require some drivers to bring oxygen canisters with them. The fact that it is being done using FSD makes it extra impressive.
Based on the videos that have been recently shared, the Model 3 running FSD seems to be nearing the Everest Base Camp. There seems to be a good chance that the Tesla Model 3 may reach its destination this Friday.
Previous Everest Trips
This is not the first time that a Tesla has driven to Mt. Everest’s base camp. That would be a Model 3 that was driven in September 2020. That vehicle, which went on a long 5,500 km (3,400-mile) journey, was manually driven to its destination.
In April 2021, Tesla China announced that it has completed the buildout of 11 Supercharger stations in the picturesque route from Chengdu to Tingri. This route would allow drivers to reach the base camp of Mt. Everest. Sure enough, in July 2022, Tesla China shared a video of two Teslas—a Model X and Model Y—reaching the Everest base camp without any issues. Numerous other Tesla drivers have since taken on the long, picturesque journey.
Check out this Tesla Model Y’s journey to the Mt. Everest base camp in the video below.
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