Zero to 100 km/h in 3.3 seconds, 461 horsepower, peak torque of 640 Newton meters, and all-wheel drive, what car is this?
A few years ago, this would definitely have been a million-dollar supercar. But today, the answer is probably guessed by everyone–the Tesla Model 3 Performance. What’s even scarier is that its price is only 339,000 yuan.
Today, we invited a Tesla Model 3P owner to talk about his “speed and passion.”
Why did you choose an electric car?
There are two reasons. First, to get a Shanghai license plate, and second, to experience new technology products.
What were your alternative car options at the time?
Model 3 Standard Range Plus and XPeng P7, just these two. Because the other car in the family has enough space, so we did not consider the space of the EV, just focused on the driving experience and fun, and enough range.
What is the most important factor in choosing a car? What were the troublesome points in choosing between the two models?
The most important factor is fun.
The Model 3 has a better driving experience and more exhilarating acceleration, while the XPeng P7 is more intelligent and convenient to use. The main dilemma was whether to choose driving experience or intelligence. Of course, my wife likes the appearance of the Model 3 better, but there are too many Model 3 on the roads in Shanghai. I remember one time, we were surrounded by 4 black Model 3s in front, behind, left and right while driving on the elevated road. We were so overwhelmed that we decided to pay a deposit of 20,000 yuan to XPeng, and then we struggled for a long time.
Until the Model 3P was reduced in price and had a 3-second level of acceleration, which was unimaginable a few years ago，we just went ahead and got the Model 3P with the long-range package, then we were notified to pick it up in January. I think I am one of the first batches of domestic Model 3P owners.
How long did it take from planning to placing the order?
In November 2020, the day after we decided to buy the car, we went to Tesla and paid a deposit of 1,000 yuan. Tesla has a clever way of setting their deposit, which makes you not feel like you are paying a lot of money at first. However, when you have to decide whether or not to buy, or choose between two options, the deposit becomes a weight that can sway your choice.
About a month later, Tesla notified us that we could pick up the car, but we kept dragging our feet because we were still undecided between XPeng and Tesla. We kept putting it off until the Model 3P was reduced in price.
Did you have a full understanding of the car’s experience when test driving?
No.When test driving the Model 3, the salesperson’s vigorous acceleration didn’t give me a particularly strong feeling, since my own gasoline car is also capable of similar acceleration. Rather, it was during my test drive with the top-of-the-line four-wheel-drive version of the XPeng when I experienced the cabin’s enhanced intelligence that it left me in a quandary.
What is your experience like after receiving the car? Were there any gaps between your expectations and the actual experience? Did you have any hesitation or second thoughts?
The current experience with the Model 3 Performance version is very good, and I can barely accept the much-criticized in-car navigation, perhaps because my requirements are too low haha.
My expectation was that it would be a fun-to-drive performance car, and it fully satisfies my need for speed and driving enjoyment. The more I drive it, the more I like it.
I understand what you mean about the hesitant mindset, where when choosing between two options, we may wonder if the option we didn’t choose is actually better. However, I did not experience this when making my car purchase; I really like this Model 3 Performance.
What is your favorite aspect of this car?
The power and handling, if there is an opportunity, I would definitely go to the race track to experience it.
What is your least favorite aspect of this car?
The steering lever’s feel is extremely poor, it’s either too light or too heavy, causing me to forget to signal while switching lanes and resulted in a fine of 1 hundred RMB.
How much time do you dedicate to charging every week, and if possible, could you talk about your charging experience?
I rarely make a special trip just to charge the vehicle, which has two reasons:
First, the charging conditions in Shanghai are very good, and you can find mainstream charging stations near almost any location.
Second, after using an electric car for a period of time, you will have a rough idea of where you can charge around your regular trajectory of life. As long as you plan ahead adequately, you can always charge the vehicle quite easily.
For example, there’s a charging station in the parking lot of a nearby farmer’s market. I used to go to different markets for vegetables, but nowadays, I usually go to that one and charge while shopping for groceries.
However, there may be occasions that require a special trip to charge the vehicle, such as when I’ve been driving around all day and have depleted the battery. But it doesn’t take much time, about half an hour is enough.
Overall, although it may be inconvenient at times, the positives outweigh the negatives.
Do you experience range anxiety?
Not in the city, but possibly when travelling further out. However, it’s not too serious, at least the charging conditions in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai are quite good. Although it’s definitely not as convenient as gasoline cars, electric cars are more cost-effective haha; you win some, you lose some.
When traveling a longer distance, such as a one-way trip over 300 km, I would still choose a gasoline car.
Is there anything to discuss about the assisted driving aspect? Do you use it frequently? How do you evaluate it?
In my opinion, assisted driving only has 0 points and 100 points; the current assisted driving can only be used cautiously on well-maintained, closed roads, but I am not a heavy user of this feature, nor would I recommend it to others.The assistance system is not unique to new energy vehicles. Many traditional manufacturers have similar levels of technology and experience, but for various reasons, the commercialization of the technology is not as aggressive as that of new energy vehicle manufacturers.
As a conservative and driving enthusiast, for the time being, I still want to leave driving to the machines.
Will you choose a new energy vehicle for your next car?
This depends on the configuration of the current car at home. If I cannot sell my current gasoline car, I probably will not buy another car because there’s no place to park it.
I will probably maintain a configuration of one gasoline car and one electric car, and will also consider range-extenders. After all, it can also serve to send a license plate in Shanghai and take advantage of the benefits of both power forms.
Summarize your attitude towards new energy vehicles and any additional points you would like to make:
Electric cars and gasoline cars only satisfy different demands and there is no better or worse choice.
Cars have both “toy” and “tool” attributes, with a need for fun and also durability. From that perspective at least, the Model 3P meets my needs, especially in Shanghai.
Changing roles, if I don’t usually drive or play with cars, and only need a car to expand my living radius during weekends or holidays and travel on a whim, then the “Golf” might be a better choice.
Also, I am particularly opposed to the view that buying an electric car is to support environmental protection, embrace technological innovation, and be at the forefront of the times. You didn’t invent it; why get overly excited?
In summary, buying a car should be based on needs. There is no best choice, only the most suitable one.
This article is a translation by ChatGPT of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.