We just passed another milestone with Scarlett: the 20,000 mile mark. I wasn’t able to get the photo right at 20,000 (we were on our way home from lunch at the Creswell Bakery), but this is as close as I could get.
I also never did the “start the Trip meter” from day one, so it shows the 18,000 from when I thought to start it. Regardless, it’s pretty close.
IMPRESSIONS
We still love driving all-electric. To be able to plug in at home and be ready to go most any time is more convenient than stopping at a gas station. And it’s still just as fun to drive as it was on day one.
In fact, as Brenda and I were returning home from Creswell yesterday, along Hamm Road, not I-5, I commented on how driving was fun again. I actually haven’t enjoyed driving this much since I sold my 1975 Porsche 914.
COSTS
And, of course, there’s the cost. There have been many online comparisons that show over the longer term, a Tesla Model 3 is actually less money overall to own than a Toyota Camry or Honda Accord. I believe that.
In our first 20,000 miles, we have had one screw removed from our tires (free at Les Schwab) and had the tires rotated ($62.50 from mobile service). We have had zero trips to the Service Center and only a couple of mobile service visits for some minor warranty issues.
Compared to our previous car (VW Passat), we have spent way less on fuel and normal service. The Passat got about 22 mpg ave and needed premium fuel which is currently at $3.65/gallon. Over the course of 20,000 miles, that’s about $3,300 just for gas. Add an oil change every 5,000 at $60 and you add $240. Tire rotation maybe $60. Total: $3,600.
As you can see, we have averaged about 252 Wh/mile with Scarlett. At full cost at home, we pay $0.091 per KWh. Not counting our solar generation, which cuts that dramatically, and the occasional long trip with Supercharging, where we pay more, if we use that base number, we’ve spent $455 over our first 20,000 miles for fuel. Add in that tire rotation and our total cost has been $517.50.
You can see how quickly the initial cost gap between a Camry or Accord and a Model 3 closes. We have had Scarlett exactly 21 months and are saving almost $150 per month in fuel and service. Over the course of four years (the length of most car warranties), that’s over $7,000.
CONCLUSION
Aside from the cost savings, our Model 3 is just a joy to drive and own. Fast, no regular service, quiet, did I say fast? And, as I mentioned at the 10,000 mile mark, fun to drive and no gas smell/exhaust fumes in our garage or at fill up.
Doing our part for the environment and enjoying it along the way.