Bought a Tesla, delivered in September 2022. We did extensive test drives and research before we ordered it (which was Feb 2022). Is it the bestest car ever made? No. But is it the best EV? So far, yes. It's also an amazing demonstration (sometimes both for better and worse) of why software everything is great.
Do I think Elon is a douche nozzle? Hell yes. I wish he'd finish killing twitter and shut up.
Do I hate how some of the controls are done? Yes. Do I think some of their choices like removing USS are dumb? Heck yes.
But on the flip side they have the only fully integrated EV experience and it makes a HUGE difference. If you think it doesn't today, just watch Out of Spec Review's "Unwrapping The Christmas Week From Hell For EV Drivers Using CCS" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4e8GfBzqSk
I may not love everything about a Tesla, but I know that when I drive it I'll be able to charge it. We're still in the chicken/egg stage of charging in the USA. Tesla's the only company to have it really figured out and that makes all the difference.
Yeah, the Supercharger network is an under-appreciated and under-advertised feature of driving a Tesla.
If I want to drive south out of Portland to California, along I-5, there are 6 CCS charging locatinos with 4 chargers each that are at least 70 kW, totaling 24 chargers along the I-5 corridor in Oregon outside of Portland.
Meanwhile, there are 7 Tesla Supercharging locations with a total of 70 stalls.
Also, Superchargers tend to be a bit less expensive than 3rd party CCS chargers.
I'd be nervous driving a car that only charges via CCS.
Haven't done a lot of long distance in the Tesla yet, frankly because we don't drive a huge amount to begin with. However we were driving from the SF Bay Area to beyond Sacramento and back just before Christmas. There were no less than 7 super chargers on our direct route. When one was full due to holiday traffic, the car automatically redirected us to a different supercharger. Even tells you which superchargers are faster than others.
We still opted for that "full" supercharger because it was more convenient for when we wanted to stop. But we knew what we were in for in advance because the car told us. The wait time was almost nothing. Also every charger was functioning at full capacity without issue.
If you want the "I don't need to think about fueling up" feeling like ICE vehicles have, the only option today is Tesla. I hope that in a few years that will be a totally different story. That others will be out there will their own extensive (functioning) charging networks, and other manufacturers will have kick ass vehicles.
Do I think Elon is a douche nozzle? Hell yes. I wish he'd finish killing twitter and shut up.
Do I hate how some of the controls are done? Yes. Do I think some of their choices like removing USS are dumb? Heck yes.
But on the flip side they have the only fully integrated EV experience and it makes a HUGE difference. If you think it doesn't today, just watch Out of Spec Review's "Unwrapping The Christmas Week From Hell For EV Drivers Using CCS" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4e8GfBzqSk
I may not love everything about a Tesla, but I know that when I drive it I'll be able to charge it. We're still in the chicken/egg stage of charging in the USA. Tesla's the only company to have it really figured out and that makes all the difference.