Benjamin's high mileage with electric vehicles

Benjamin, a 37-year-old from Calais, drives up to 50,000 km per year in a Tesla Model Y and his spouse drives 25,000 km per year in a Tesla Model 3. They previously owned Renault Mégane E-Tech electric cars, which they purchased in 2022.

Transition from traditional to electric vehicles

Benjamin had previously driven cars with large engines, including an Audi RS3, Golf GTI, and Seat Leon Cupra with 300 horsepower. He received a professional promotion that required extensive driving, around 35,000 km per year for work-related travel, prompting him to consider switching to an electric vehicle due to the high fuel consumption of his previous car, which used an average of 15 l/100 km on ethanol.

Initial testing and selection of electric models

Benjamin initially tested a Tesla Model 3 SR+ but found it too expensive, as its price had risen to 50,000 euros, excluding it from a 7,000 euro bonus. He then considered other models, including the Hyundai Ioniq 5, Kia e-Niro, Volkswagen ID. 3, and Renault Mégane E-Tech. He eventually chose the Renault Mégane E-Tech, which he found to have a good interior design.

Lease terms and features of the Mégane E-Tech

He and his spouse opted for a lease with four years and 120,000 km total, as shorter durations were too expensive. However, the Mégane E-Tech models they received did not have battery pre-conditioning, a feature they were promised. This was a problem for Benjamin, who frequently needed to recharge at fast charging stations.

Successful trip and public attention

Despite this issue, they had a successful long trip to Düsseldorf, Germany, using the Mégane E-Tech. They encountered no problems with recharging, and they even recharged for free at an AC 22 kW station in an underground parking lot. The Renault Mégane E-Tech attracted attention in Germany and in Calais, where electric cars were less common.

Issues with the Mégane E-Tech

The cars experienced multiple visits to the workshop during the first year, with issues including problems with shock absorbers, bumpers, charging flaps, and software bugs. Despite these issues, they decided to terminate the lease a year early after the cars had exceeded 100,000 km.

Selling the Mégane E-Tech

They sold the cars for 18,000 euros and 18,500 euros respectively, which was better than the 15,000 euros offered by Renault dealerships. Benjamin then looked into other electric models, including Xpeng, BYD, Skoda, and Volkswagen, but decided to return to Tesla.

Switching back to Tesla

He purchased a used Tesla Model Y Propulsion from 2024 with 30,070 km on the odometer and a Tesla Model 3 Standard from 2022 with 110,000 km. He is confident in the battery health of the Tesla models, given the good state of health of the Renault Mégane E-Tech batteries after over 100,000 km.

Efficiency and features of the Tesla models

He appreciates the efficiency of the Tesla Model Y, which he finds more economical than the Renault Mégane E-Tech, with energy consumption of 18-19 kWh/100 km on highways and 16 kWh for daily trips. He also values the regular software updates and the Tesla's user interface.

Long-term plans for the Tesla models

Benjamin plans to keep the Tesla models for as long as possible, hoping to reach 300,000 to 350,000 km. He does not see an immediate need to replace them, expecting to keep them until 2031 or 2032. He is considering installing solar panels and a Tesla Powerwall for home energy storage.