14 Reasons Tesla Ownership Might Not Be Right for You
There's no denying Tesla disrupted the auto world with its sleek and futuristic models. And that's not all; Teslas also come with zero emissions, long-range travel capabilities, and exciting performance specs.
If you want to switch from gas-guzzlers to EVs, Tesla models will inevitably pop up on your list. However, despite its many features, there's more to Tesla than meets the eye.
While smooth acceleration and silent rides might be tempting, here are 14 reasons Tesla ownership might not be your cup of tea.
Prohibitive Insurance Costs
Insurance costs play a significant part in determining what cars most people own. In this regard, there are plenty of red flags with Teslas.
For starters, Tesla models generally have a higher premium than the average car. According to Business Insider, on average, the Tesla Model X and Model S cost $4,254 and $4,780 to insure annually. The Cybertruck is closer to the $5,000 mark, while the Model Y gulps $2,800 in insurance costs every year.
For context, the average price of minimum car insurance coverage is $627 annually. Of course, Tesla owners can sign up for the manufacturer's insurance package, but it isn't available everywhere.
Poor Service Centers
If you prioritize timely repairs, convenience, and reliable customer support, owning a Tesla may not be your best choice. Unlike other established manufacturers, Tesla's dealership network is only available in certain areas, meaning owners have to travel longer distances to get their cars fixed.
Tesla owners also report long waiting times and poor service quality. Even with its Mobile Service option, customers must book a technician in advance to get their vehicles fixed. If you regularly go on long trips or need a daily drive, a Tesla may disappoint you!
Technology Overload
If, like me, you like the old-fashioned buttons and knobs in your car, you might want to put off owning a Tesla for now. On the whole, Tesla's tech features are impressive and innovative. A large central touchscreen controls almost every function, from navigation and climate control to media volume and customization options.
Frequent over-the-air software updates and autopilot add to the feeling Tesla has too much going on. While many tech enthusiasts will adapt like ducks to water, others struggle to make sense of the EV's many tech features.
Frequent Software Glitches
In January 2024, Tesla recalled 200,000 cars due to a software glitch that affected rearview cameras across different models. This came barely a month after the EV manufacturer recalled over 2 million vehicles with defective autopilot systems.
Since then, there have been more recalls in February and July, with over 3 million vehicles affected cumulatively. Some common issues include phantom braking, frozen infotainment systems, and inaccurate range estimates.
While recalls are common in the auto industry, the frequent software glitches experienced by Tesla owners pose serious safety concerns.
Complex User Manuals
We've all been there before; you buy a new item and toss the user manual to the side. However, a Tesla is not just any electronic or mobile device; it is a complex combination of machine and high-end technology.
As such, one would expect a comprehensive manual to help users figure out this feature-packed puzzle. Instead, Tesla user manuals are remarkably lengthy and contain plenty of technical jargon that may be challenging for the average non-technical driver. In fairness, Tesla recently released digital versions of its manual that owners can access via the car's dashboard.
Range Anxiety
From home charging solutions to its extensive Supercharger network, Tesla has consistently worked to alleviate range anxiety for its customers. Even the Model 3 – with the least range in Tesla's lineup – can travel up to an EPA-estimated 272 miles on a single charge.
Notwithstanding, drivers new to electric vehicles or frequent long-distance commuters have valid range anxiety concerns. Drivers in cold regions or areas with limited charging infrastructure can also be wary of Teslas and all-electric vehicle brands.
Software Update Challenges
Tesla's over-the-air updates are a mixed bag; you never quite know what you're getting. Sometimes, it could be cool features and fixed bugs, but at other times, your car forgets how to park or brakes in the middle of the street.
Frequent software updates also mean drivers must constantly play catch-up; just as they master one version, another is already on the horizon.
Privacy Violations
With all their bells and whistles, Teslas aren't just electric vehicles – they're also data-harvesting machines. Every move can be documented and analyzed, from location and camera footage to driving habits and karaoke sessions.
Even when Tesla says this is only to improve safety and the overall driving experience, you can't help but feel uncomfortable about the sheer volume of data collected. There have been reports of Tesla employees sharing sensitive and private videos and images captured by customers' cameras. The regular OTA updates enable Tesla to access your car remotely, raising further privacy concerns for owners.
Tesla Cars are Super Expensive
Electric cars promise savings on maintenance and fuel over the long term, but no one talks about the hefty upfront price tags. Even the most affordable Tesla models will leave a hole in your pocket. The cheapest car — the Tesla Model 3 — starts at $40,380, with the Performance trim costing up to $55,380.
Teslas are a bit pricey, with prices ranging from $40,380 to $94,380. And this doesn't even include the bank-breaking insurance costs already mentioned.
If you're in the market for budget-friendly EVs, the Hyundai Ioniq 6 has a $38,650 starting price, while the Nissan Leaf, Chevrolet Bolt, and Mazda MX-30 are more affordable alternatives.
Limited Model Options
Tesla's lineup pales in comparison to many traditional automakers. With two sedans, two SUVs, and the Cybertruck, Tesla lacks the variety to appeal to a wide range of road users. Drivers in the market for a minivan, pickup truck, convertible, or entry-level car will have to look elsewhere.
Moreover, Tesla has nothing to offer for the more conservative drivers, as all its cars come with minimalist and futuristic styling.
Talking about styling, customization options on a Tesla are almost non-existent, and people who want a personal touch would find better luck with other brands.
Resale Value and Depreciation
It is no secret electric vehicles do not hold as much value as their fuel-powered counterparts. According to a study by iSeeCars, EVs depreciate faster than any car type.
Among electric vehicles tracked over 5 years, Tesla does not fare well, occupying three of five spots in the fastest-depreciating EVs list. With frequent price adjustments and intensifying competition in the EV market, prospective buyers might opt for a new EV over a used one.
Environmental and Ethical Concerns
Tesla may be a leader in the green energy sector, but it is not without its share of environmental and ethical scrutiny.
Since its first car came off the assembly line, eyebrows have been raised about how Tesla obtains raw materials for its batteries. Concerns include human rights abuses and unethical working conditions. The Verge also reports Tesla accounted for 50 million metric tons of C02 emissions in 2023.
Battery disposal and recycling are also hot topics in environmental impact circles. Although Tesla states it recycles 100% of its batteries, the long-term effects of large-scale lithium-ion batteries cannot be ignored.
To top it off, Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, isn't exactly known for good ethical business practices. His controversial comments and actions have put Tesla in the spotlight, with fear his leadership style may impact the company culture.
Repair and Maintenance Challenges
Although Teslas do not require frequent repairs and maintenance, owning one poses some unique challenges. Due to the specialized knowledge required, few independent repair shops can work on a Tesla. As a result, owners have to deal with longer wait times at Tesla service centers.
To avoid this, Tesla uses over-the-air updates, but glitches can also occur during these updates, which may necessitate service center visits. Aside from that, Tesla's parts and labor costs are relatively high compared to other alternatives on the market.
All Controls On a Touchscreen
Tesla cabins can feel a bit soulless with the lack of physical buttons and the satisfaction from flicking a switch and turning a knob now and then. Instead, an imposing touchscreen takes center stage, managing even the most mundane tasks, such as adjusting the media volume and opening the glovebox.
Although this is all part of Tesla's minimalist design language, the over-reliance on a touchscreen can only lead to distractions while driving. Mastering the different menus and submenus on the touchscreen can also feel like a new language for less tech-savvy drivers.
