<center> ![](https://i.imgur.com/sGLa1C9.jpg) </center>

## Preaching To The Choir ##

I was an easy mark from the jump. The Tesla sales staff had to use zero psychological tactics to convince me that their product was superior. 

I’ve been a fan of Elon Musk’s business (ad)ventures for years. I think they captivate me because each of them, in their own unique way, give me a spark of hope for humanity’s future. Of all of Elon’s companies the one that particularly captured my attention was Tesla Motors. 

It’s the classic David and Goliath story about a team of geniuses who’ve discovered a way to deliver technology to the masses that, in large part, has been successfully suppressed for nearly a century. 

I’ve watched dozens of videos and have read hundreds of articles about Tesla in the last decade. I’m certain my friends and family (not to mention my poor wife) have grown tired of my enthusiasm. I just can’t help but spout random factoids about the latest and greatest Tesla innovations. 

## The Test Drive ##
I’ve always dreamed what it would be like to be behind the wheel of one and yesterday I finally found out. My friend Juan (@luckyfellow) and I scheduled a test drive of the Model 3 at a local Tesla dealership in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Sales associate, Todd, had a rear-wheel-drive Model 3 ready and waiting. 

<center> ![](https://i.imgur.com/saqlx9M.jpg) </center> 

The car we drove fell towards the bottom (slower) of the Model 3 lineup with a top speed of 140 mph and a 0-60 time of 5.3 seconds and a range of 240 miles per charge. The top of the line all-wheel-drive Performance version of the 3 clocks in at 162 mph, 3.2 seconds to 60 mph and a range of 310 miles, respectively.  

<center> ![](https://i.imgur.com/crwQTkW.jpg) </center> 

## Initial Impressions ##
Of course, my first question was *”Is there any chance I can try out the Ludicrous Mode?”* Unfortunately the Model 3s don’t yet offer this option but as I soon found out it didn’t really matter. 

I drove first and was immediately impressed by how comfortable and solid the Model 3 felt. I also liked the elegant simplicity of having all of the controls on the center touchscreen and two controls on the steering wheel. The minimalist design of the cabin was a refreshing departure from the barrage of gauges, screens, and lights on most modern cars. 

The regenerative braking was a bit aggressive. When I took my foot off the accelerator the car slowed down fast, almost like the parking brake was left off. Todd assured me that you get used to this quickly and it almost eliminates the need to use the brake pedal in most cases. 

<center> ![](https://i.imgur.com/lqvtypV.jpg) </center> 

<center> ![](https://i.imgur.com/TT3jD0a.jpg) </center>

## Acceleration ##
As I entered a freeway onramp Todd told me to punch the accelerator and see what the car could do. I floored it. Our necks snapped back and our heads were plastered against the headrests. Juan let out a loud yelp in the backseat, there was an instant flood of adrenaline, and we were up to highway speed, or significantly more, (*wink*) in the blink of an eye. 

I've driven, or ridden in, a few really fast cars in my life and even this basic version of the Model 3 easily stacked up there with the quickest cars I've experienced. The power was delivered without the pause of shifts or the thunder of an internal combustion engine. 

## Autonomous Driving Mode ##
Next I tried the Autonomous Drive feature, which is activated by two clicks on the gear stalk.  I snapped the picture below shortly after I engaged it and briefly took my hands off the wheel. I have to say, this took a lot of faith in technology to let the car drive itself at highway speeds but it performed flawlessly. 

The sensation of Auto-Drive felt almost as though there was a ghost driving the car. The car stayed centered in the lane and the system showed all of the traffic around us on the monitor. The car can currently change lanes and navigate freeway on/off ramps and nearly drive itself in every situation. Todd told us that Tesla will be enhancing this feature before the end of this year to include full autonomous driving, allowing you set your destination and the car will take you there. 

<center> ![](https://i.imgur.com/GqAFARf.jpg) </center> 
<center> *The Auto-Drive feature showing the car to our left.* </center>

## Self Parking Feature ##
https://youtu.be/XbPu4fLcaGk
*The Model 3 Backing Itself Into A Parking Spot (with @luckyfellow behind the wheel)*

## Conclusion ##
In short, I'm hooked. After experiencing the test-drive I'm convinced that Tesla will be my next vehicle. I'll be ready to trade-in my Prius in about a year. Driving the Model 3 felt like an instant jump fifty years into the future. 

Although the initial price is higher than I like, the cost of ownership over the life of the Tesla should be significantly lower compared to a car with an internal combustion engine. When you combine this with zero C02 emissions it's a no-brainer. 

I'm just hoping the US government reinstates the EV tax credit which, thanks to our current President, expires in June. One thing is for sure, Tesla is proof that no one can hold back the future forever. 


Thank you for reading, 

Eric


---

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