While Tesla is the electric vehicle maker some people love to hate—often for petty or illogical reasons—anyone interested in EVs owes the company a debt of gratitude.
The company has consistently been at the forefront of a fast-growing industry and is still the number one EV seller in the U.S. by a long shot.
Tesla released its first car, the fully electric Roadster with a 245-mile range, in 2008. Fast-forward to the present, and Tesla’s Model Y is the world’s best-selling vehicle. According to Cox Automotive, Tesla is the leader in EV sales in the U.S., with a market share of 55% in 2023. As impressive as that is, the figure is down from 65% a year prior.
Buying an EV? There Are Many Options
For many, “Tesla” is synonymous with “electric car.” Exploding Topics reported that a year ago, there were 2,442,270 registered EVs in the U.S. Not all are Teslas, but many are.
While Tesla may be the overwhelming favorite among EV buyers, that doesn’t mean the company doesn’t have some stiff competition. Multiple EV makers manufacture different models that are well-received.
Why Buy a Tesla?
If you’re in the market for a new EV, which EV maker should you choose? While there are plenty of options, here are 14 reasons you’re better off with a Tesla over other brands.
Supercharger Network
As the old saying goes, Tesla is ahead by a country mile when it comes to EV charging infrastructure. Its proprietary Supercharger network is fairly extensive, though some regions are better served than others. If you want to slay range and charging station anxiety, buying a Tesla and benefiting from the Supercharger network is a good idea.
Range
While different EVs offer different ranges, Teslas are an excellent choice if you want an EV offering a respectable range. That’s not to say there aren’t EVs from other carmakers that can go bumper-to-bumper with Tesla. However, Tesla’s ranges and the proprietary Supercharger network make Tesla a good bet.
Over-the-Air Updates
Another benefit of buying a Tesla is that the company regularly adds new features and capabilities via over-the-air software updates. Your EV will continue to improve as the days, weeks, months, and years roll by.
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving
Tesla is making progress with its Autopilot and Full Self-Driving features. The company regularly updates these features. That’s not to say its cars are fully autonomous, but Tesla is a leader in this space and continues to innovate and develop.
Minimalist Design
Some people don’t appreciate Teslas because of the minimalist design—especially regarding the interior of their vehicles. But a Tesla is a good choice if you prefer a sleek, minimalist design free from clutter. If you want something flashy, maybe a Tesla’s not for you.
Impressive Acceleration
Teslas are also pretty fast. One example is the Tesla Model S Plaid, which has a sub-two-second 0-60 mph time. The Tesla Model S Performance can go from 0 to 60 mph in 2.3 seconds, while the Tesla Model Y Performance can do it in 3.5 seconds. While not all Teslas are that fast, the brand as a whole offers solid acceleration.
Resale Value
One thing that prevents EV sales from taking off is their overall poor resale value. A CNBC report shows that the average cost of a one to five-year-old used EV dropped 31.8% in the past year versus a mere 3.6% for gas or diesel cars. Meanwhile, Auto Revolution includes several Teslas on its list of used EVs with the best resale value.
According to MotorTrend, Tesla says Model S and Model X batteries retain around 90% of their initial capacity after 200,000 miles. It cites Tesla CEO Elon Musk in a tweet saying Model 3 and Model Y battery packs are manufactured to last around 300,000 miles for standard-range EVs and approximately 500,000 miles for long-range models.
Strong Brand Reputation
Don’t overlook the importance of a strong brand. Tesla EVs aren’t the flashiest, but there’s a reason they have such a stranglehold on the EV market in the U.S. One reason is brand awareness. Remember that to many, the word “Tesla” is synonymous with “EV.”
Fast Charging Speeds
Another reason to go with Tesla is the super-fast charging times available at some of its charging stations. A Tesla is a good bet if you like going on road trips and prefer not to wait forever to charge your EV battery.
Energy Ecosystem
When you buy a Tesla EV, you’re buying into an entire ecosystem. According to Electrek, “Tesla now sells an entire ecosystem of energy products, including solar panels, solar roofs, solar inverters, Powerwalls, and home charging stations.” Whether you’re an eco-warrior or want a complete renewable energy system at home, Tesla’s energy ecosystem can help.
Extensive Service Network
Another reason people like Tesla is the company’s extensive service network. Service centers and mobile service teams are on standby, available to help customers with their EVs.
Sentry Mode and Dashcam
A popular Tesla feature is Sentry Mode. It offers security by recording possible threats. For example, Sentry Mode can capture footage of an incident should someone back into your Tesla. Meanwhile, a built-in dashcam continuously records footage while the car is on the road.
Strong Community and Online Support
Owning a vehicle made by the most popular EV maker in the country has its benefits. For instance, there is a large community of Tesla owners you can interact with, learn from, and share with.
Tesla Insurance
Tesla offers car insurance. Depending on your area, you might qualify for a policy for your Tesla. Rates are based on driving data captured in real time. You could be in for substantial savings if you’re a good driver.
Owning a Tesla Makes Sense
For these and other reasons, it makes sense to consider a Tesla if you want an EV. Again, that’s not to say there aren’t some great EVs from other makers. But Tesla has so many things going for it. So, if you want a hassle-free EV ownership experience, a Tesla is a good idea.
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