I really like the Tesla regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is simple - it uses the electric motor to slow down the car, while generating electricity and recharging the battery. It is almost magic. The other day I was driving along stretch of downhill highway. At the top of the hill, the car displayed 220 miles of range. When I reached the end of the downhill stretch, it showed 224 miles. I drove the car, did not have to use the brakes (no wear, no dust of brake pads - good for the environment) and also "recharged" my battery. You can see when and how much it generates by the length of the green bar on the display. Again, simple concept, but still amazing!

I also noticed that using regenerative braking leads to a smoother, forward planning and more efficient driving style overall. When I approach a STOP sign, I slowly ease acceleration and try to stop at the sign without using the brake. Just after a few weeks it's all automatic, and frankly, I really try to not use the brakes at all. It makes driving even more quieter, flowing and calm. I think it takes out some of the stress of driving, because everything feels smooth. And if you need a little kick, there is always the Tesla acceleration!

Also, sometimes the reg braking is limited, and there is a green icon on the display. This happens for various reasons, either the battery is fully charged (100%) or the outside temperature are too hot or cold for charging the battery. Usually, after a few minutes of driving it recovers. One more reason not to charge to 100% when you live on a hill. You charge to 95% and then go down the hill, ending up with 100% - at least in theory.

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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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