My new Tesla Model Y

Early in August 2023, I finally decided to place an order for a Model Y - from the App. No dealership, no haggling, no waiting, I just configured it and placed an order on the iPhone. A couple weeks later, I got the text - it's ready. I had decided to pick it up in Fremont - where the car is made. And I have to say this car is amazing. It's not only my first new car (my whole life I saved money by buying used cars, mostly Honda's) it is an amazing car. It's beautiful, it is quiet, it is luxurious, it is fast (really fast), it has amazing audio (love Spotify streaming!) and the interior is so sporty/comfortable/simple you just want to sit in there. But most important was that I can charge it almost everywhere (SuperCharger network) and that it has lots of cargo space for my work. Everyday, when I see it in my driveway I still cannot believe that this is my car now.

I have been waiting for this for almost 10 years (I will explain in a later post why I waited to buy a Tesla Model Y), my wife got her Model 3 five years ago (she needed it for work). Initially, she wasn't sure if she wanted a Tesla. But the moment she got it, she loved it, and she cared for it (still looks like new) and I was only sometimes allowed to drive it. I think that Teslas are designed with so much care and the goal in mind to make driving safer and more enjoyable - and I believe this results in a special relationship between the car and the owner/driver.

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Another Price Reduction for Model Y

Beginning of a new quarter and Tesla has reduced prices for Model 3 and Model Y (again). The Long Range Model Y is $2,000 cheaper and now costs $48,490 (before it was $50,490). Again, with a potential IRA federal tax credit of $7,500 this gets close to $40k for a medium sized luxury SUV. Tesla also introduced a new RWD (rear wheel drive) Model Y with 270 miles of range for $43,990. With the tax credit this moves towards $35k. Prices were also reduced for the Model 3. Well, just like many others, I bought my Model Y at a higher price a while back. But I consider this as something that was expected. For one, Tesla tries to make the cars cheaper so that more people can afford an EV, and second, new technology (remember iPhone) is first more expensive with prices coming down over time. Well, Apple seems to go the other way now, since more phones cost close to $1,000, but that is a different story. So, since I have bought my Model Y for the long-term (10 years) I don't worry too much a

Cargo Liner for Tesla Model Y trunk

Because I have to transport stuff for my work, I decided to get a cargo liner for the trunk of my Model Y. It is kind of funny and similar to a phone case - you have this beautiful iPhone (machined and polished metal and glass) and then you cover it with plastic case. But I have to say that the cargo liner is not just protecting the cargo area, but also it makes it so much easier to clean the trunk. You can just remove the cargo liner, fold it up, and then "empty it out". The dirt, sand and other debris just falls out when you shake it a bit. Then you just put it back. You can also vacuum on a flat surface if necessary. How did I decide on the cargo liner? Well, I looked a the Tesla accessory vendors (Tesmanian, Teslarati, EV Base, etc.) and also at Amazon. When comparing I was looking at size, material, 60/40 split and price. I was aiming for a price of less than $100. Amazon had low price offerings, but they seemed a bit flimsy. Other vendors were more expensive. By readi

Charging Options for my Tesla Model Y

Many people that are not familiar with EVs still consider "range anxiety" as something to worry about when owning an electric vehicle. Of course, there is a bit more planning involved in road-tripping with an EV, but that is not necessarily bad since you have to take breaks anyway. But, let's first discuss the various charing options and how I use them: Home charging: The advantage of an EV is that you can charge it at home (if you have a place to park within 20 feet of electricity) and no need to spend time at gas stations for daily driving. There are three options for charging a Tesla at home using Tesla equipment (there are other home chargers that I don't discuss here) Wall Connector: This connector has to be installed by an electrician, requires 240V/48Amp and delivers up to 44 miles per hour. It costs $475 plus installation. There is a new variant "Universal Wall Connector" that has a connector for non-Teslas. Great if you have different brand EVs. M

My Tesla Model Y Experience

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