Hey everyone, DennisCW here! If you're a fan of my YouTube channel, you know I love diving into all things Tesla and EVs. Today, I'm turning one of my recent videos into this blog post to share some important insights. We'll talk about why you should be cautious with those gas savings claims on Tesla's website and then dive into some essential accessories that every Tesla owner needs. Let's get into it!
You've probably seen those enticing numbers on Tesla.com or while building your Model Y or Model 3: "Include estimated gas savings of $100 a month." It sounds great, right? Who doesn't love the idea of saving money while driving an eco-friendly car? But hold on – I want to make a quick public service announcement (PSA) because these figures aren't always as straightforward as they seem.
First off, remember that owning a Tesla involves some upfront costs that can eat into those savings. You might need to install a home charger, which could run you $500 to $1,000 (unless you already have a compatible plug). Plus, there's the cost of a mobile connector or other basics.
But here's the bigger picture: electricity prices are on the rise, and that could seriously impact your long-term savings. I came across some data from the Wholears catalog showing the average price of electricity in US cities over time. From around 2020, we've seen rates jump from about 13 cents per kWh to nearly 20 cents. That's a massive increase! Meanwhile, gas prices have been trending downward in recent years, which has slowed EV adoption for some folks.
What does this mean for you? Those gas savings might look appealing right now, but as public utilities continue to raise rates, your electricity bill could climb, making EVs less of a bargain over time. It's something to factor in when crunching the numbers for your Tesla purchase.
Don't worry – there's a smart way to combat this. Investing in solar power is a game-changer. If you live in a sunny area, solar panels can help you generate your own electricity, locking in those low costs and making your EV charging essentially free in the long run. It's a great offset to fluctuating utility rates. What are your thoughts? Have rising electricity prices affected your decision to go electric? Drop a comment below – I'd love to hear from you!
Now that you've bought (or are about to buy) your Tesla, here's a fun fact: it comes with zero accessories. Yep, not even a phone mount! But no stress – I've got recommendations for must-haves that will make your Tesla experience way better.
In my opinion, every Tesla owner should grab:
All these (and more) are available from our partner, Joa. I personally use their products, so I can vouch for the quality. Plus, if you use our promo code (check the description on my video or links below), you'll save some cash and support the channel. Orders over $120 even get free shipping!
Joa goes beyond the basics too:
Huge thanks to Joa for partnering with us. If you're gearing up your Tesla, definitely check them out – link in the description of my video.
There you have it – a reality check on Tesla's gas savings and some accessory picks to enhance your ride. Remember, while EVs are awesome, it's all about doing your homework on costs. If you're thinking about solar or have accessory recommendations, let me know in the comments. Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit that notification bell on YouTube for more Tesla tips!
Drive safe, and see you in the next post!
-DennisCW
Tesla enthusiast and EV expert. Sharing tips on maximizing your Tesla ownership experience.