Master Plan Realised – Tesla Model 3

Hedgehog 2
We did something

Secret

Master plan realised – Tesla Model 3, I am smiling like a Cheshire cat. 

The last couple of weeks I have had to keep a secret. In doing so it made the reality so much better. 

3- 4 weeks ago I was working from home and my wife walked in the house and said,

“ It cost me $93 to fill up the car today. The petrol price was $1.79. This is ridiculous I am seriously going to crunch the numbers to see if we can afford a Tesla.”

My wife

Well to say my jaw just about hit the ground was an understatement.

Jaw dropping
Photo by Shubham Dhage on Unsplash

You see we have talked about it for many years but ultimately the price of electric vehicles seemed so expensive. 

I have had a lot of the Tesla and EV community say, yes the upfront cost is more, but the running cost and the cars are something else.

I understood that, but it was hard to justify such a large amount for someone who is an average wage earner. 

So, it was massive surprise that my wife was adamant that the price of fuel was not going down and she went about working it out. 

Number crunching

After a lot of number crunching of the budget and looking at all the items you need for a new car.

It would cost no more than an extra 30 dollars more than what we were already paying for her Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicle. 

budgeting
Photo by Lukas Blazek on Unsplash

We were both surprised by the results.

It turns out that in the last 12 months there has been a shift in the interest in the electric vehicle industry. There has been more attention paid to electric vehicles as the global push towards renewables.

Trade-In

The key to the purchase was the trade-in of the existing vehicle.

ASX 2
Trade in vehicle

We tried to find a place that might purchase the vehicle out right, but most places offered way less than the expected amount we were both after. 

Due to this we paused for a moment as we needed to get the right price for the trade in.

After a few trade-in prices that were not close enough, I went back to the Tesla website to droll over the Model 3.

I noticed that Tesla does trade-in’s.

So, I, entered all the details of the vehicle and went about my day.

TRADE IN LINK
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

Out of the blue a couple of days later I had a phone call from the Sales rep at Tesla. He mentioned that they had sent an email with the trade in price and that they would be able to cover the value I entered. 

I was completely surprised and realised the Model 3 was back on the cards. Tesla had the best trade in price of any place we had visited before. 

Test Drive

Master plan realised – Tesla Model 3. So, we booked another test drive to just confirm that this was the direction we wanted to go. Seriously who were we kidding we wanted the Model 3 and we just wanted to test drive it again.

Test drive
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

Now I have test driven a Tesla Model 3 before and they continue to be an amazing car. Both my wife and I had no doubts that this was what we wanted to do. 

We signed on the dotted line that day and the Hedgehog was ours.

Hedgehog
The hedgehog

Whilst we were doing the order in the store with a fantastic salesperson, Jerry, he asked the question if we were health employees. It turned out that we received some extra benefit for being health employees which meant no delivery fee and 3 years of maintenance support.

health professionals
Photo by Luis Melendez on Unsplash

This was a benefit we hadn’t expected but appreciated that Tesla was acknowledging the hard work the health professionals are doing right now. Well, done Elon and Tesla.

So, over the next 3 weeks we worked out financing, provided through tesla, trade-in, also through Tesla, and delivery. 

Delivery Day

So, the day came, and I had taken the day off work as this was one thing I was not going to miss. 

Both my wife and I went to the delivery center, a non-descript warehouse that had been set up with a waiting area and all the vehicles being delivered. The warehouse was full.  

Tesla delivery centre
Brisbane Delivery centre

It seemed we were the first customers of the day. On our arrival, we were greeted by a lovely Tesla employee. They promptly had us sign the final documents. 

Once this was complete, they pointed out the new vehicle and said we could take as much time as we needed to look over the vehicle, ask questions and get advice. 

Model 3
The new car

We took photos and couldn’t wipe the smiles of our faces. We spent a good 20 minutes just looking over the car to make sure nothing obvious was wrong or missing. 

Collection day
Delivery day
Inside Tesla

The car was perfect. 

MOdel 3 Shell

No panel alignment issues, no blemishes on paint or interior. 

The car was glistening and perfect. 

The quality of these vehicles is just incredible. 

One thing that you never get used to is the quietness of the vehicle. 

It is sneaky quiet. 

As we drove out of the delivery center my smile grew wider and wider.

This is the car I had been dreaming of owning for over 5 years. It was a pipe dream that now was a reality. 

We slowly worked our way out of the delivery center and onto the freeway where I put my foot down and felt the sheer excitement of the vehicle as it hurtled down the road. This vehicle is something else. 

We have driven the car over the last week and have been amazed at its drivability and features. 

It is a generational step forward and has just reinforced the need for everyone to take this leap. 

I am sure there are positives and negatives to this decision, and we will discover these as we move into the future. 

But I have dreamed of this moment for over 5 years and now that it is here it is has exceeded my expectations. 

Looking forward

Master plan realised – Tesla Model 3, I look forward to bringing you with me as we discover the ins and outs of this new reality I find myself experiencing. 

My family and I have achieved a goal we set many years ago as the last step to completing my original master plan. 

Time to reset the plan and start again and see what comes next. 

Hope you will come along with me on this journey and we can discover things together. 

Dave 

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Master Plan Realised – Tesla PowerWall 2

Powerwall 2
Powerwall 2

Master plan realised

Master Plan Realised – Tesla PowerWall 2, Self-sufficiency is key to a sustainable future. This last week has seen a massive step forward for my household, and reduction of our environmental footprint with the realisation of our master plan.

I finally have a Tesla………………………………………. Powerwall 2

Over the last number of years, just like Elon Musk, I have been working towards a master plan. 

That plan was conceived many years ago when I became aware of Tesla and their amazing vehicles. 

I had always loved driving and enjoyed certain vehicles over my lifetime, most notably the original Mini that I owned as my first car. 

When I first took a test drive in a tesla all those years ago, I understood I knew that this was the vehicle I wanted to own. 

Now I will be honest back then it was all about the cars, but since that time I have come to realise that the vehicles are a means to help reduce my environmental impact on the planet. 

So, I created my master plan. 

Master Plan

The plan was simple

  1. Install solar panels. 
  2. Install home battery to capture solar power and use power for home.
  3. Buy an Electric vehicle

Sometimes the best plans are the simplest. Focused and clean.

I have stayed true to the plan over the years and finally, the benefits are now being realised. 

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Step 1 – Install Solar panel 

Originally, we installed solar panels many years ago and at the time they worked well but they just were not enough to help with the current needs of our house. Especially if you consider the needs by the time, we were able to afford an Electric vehicle.

So, we replaced our panels about 4 years ago and installed 5.5 kw solar system with Solohart. They provided a premium service, fantastic quality, and price. The solar panels have done extremely well over that time frame producing more than enough power for our home. I regularly maintain them and keep them clean of debris and dust.

Solar panels
My Rooftop Solar Panels

As with any solar system they operate only in daylight or when the sun is shining. We have had several blackouts over the years, and it has been frustrating not to have any back up of power during these times. 

Step 2 – Install home battery 

The introduction of the Tesla Powerwall 2 has always been something we had planned when the price became more reasonable. It turns out that in the years since I made the plan the price had gone up, so the battery was not viable. 

The price jump occurred as Model 3 production was hitting its ramp and having challenges. So, the delay of the battery was to be expected. 

In more recent years several power companies in Australia have been making it easier to afford home battery storage. 

Thanks to the community

Whilst listening to the Phantom Lane Four podcast at the end of 2020 (a fantastic group of passionate Tesla /EV fans) (@Teslagong, @TeslaTom, @DrSallyL, @SydEv)I noted they mentioned AGL and their current deals with Tesla Powerwall 2 for the home. 

Phantom lane four
Image courtesy of Phantom Lane four Twitter

So, I investigated and found that it is much easier to have a Battery installed than it was just a short number of years before. 

I proceeded with the Powerwall 2, and it is with such satisfaction that I am now a proud self-sufficient PowerStation. Of course when the sun doesn’t shine we have to pull from the grid but otherwise happy customer.

Installation

Master Plan Realised – Tesla PowerWall 2, The installation took 1 full day to accommodate not only the battery but also the integration to the current solar and house power board.

The battery is the standard Powerwall 2 configuration with a 13.5kw size battery, a small footprint, and the usual isolation switches for safety. It has been mounted on an external wall of my Garage and looks incredible. 

Powerwall2
My Powerwall 2 installed

The profile of the power wall is smaller than expected and the glowing green light adds to the awesome ness and design.

The Powerwall 2 was not the only thing installed. Tesla also provides a Power box to manage the flow of Electricity from the Powerwall 2 to the main grid and house.

In true Tesla Style the powerboat is just as gorgeous as all their other products.

Powerbox
Tesla Powerbox

To know that it is helping bring about better power consumption for my family and we are reducing our climate footprint brings a massive smile to my face.

Since the Powerwall 2 installation last week, we have seen incredible power management. Not only is it filling up to full capacity daily, but it is helping to keep our power from the grid to almost nothing overnight.

powerwall breakdown
1st week with Powerwall2

There is no doubt in my mind that this is the way forward for all new builds, old builds, and anything in-between. 

It will be a game-changer for the future and will give the choice for those to help do their part to assist with the reduction of emissions into the environment. 

Personally, I have not been able to wipe the smile off my face. Step 2 o the master plan is finally complete. Now on to step 3.

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Step 3 – Buy an electric car

Well, this last step of owning an electric vehicle has been the main driver for me to achieve the first two steps.

Of course, I am passionate about helping the environment, but no one said it couldn’t be fun doing it. 

This step is the one that will truly feel like we are moving into the future. 

I have made no secret of the fact that a Tesla is the car for me.

A vehicle that can do long distance and be family orientated whilst scratching the techno nerd itch I have had for many years. 

It has been a challenge to run the EV-HQ.com website, and Blog, and not own an electric vehicle.  

Well, that ends now

I have been keeping a secret from my followers, my family, and friends. 

We are now the proud owners of a Tesla Model 3 Standard Range plus

Model 3
Model 3 Standard Range Plus

Check out my blog about the Tesla and how it came to be ours – Live now

6 Years in the making

Master Plan Realised – Tesla PowerWall 2, Tesla Model 3 and it started with the Solar panels and an idea.

I cannot wipe the smile of my face. 

To achieve the master plan after 6 years just demonstrates, the drive, passion and determination that I and anyone can achieve.

It has not been easy, and we have had to make some big choices. But we planned, budgeted, and had a bit of luck and timing that assisted us to be able to complete the Master plan set out all those years ago. 

I cannot say how proud I am of achieving the this goal and I hope you enjoy reading my blogs about the Powerwall 2 and the Tesla into the future.

It does not mean that I will forget the great other vehicles starting to hit the market. There is so much great activity from the EV market place starting to ramp up globally this is just the beginning. 

Thanks for being here for the journey and I hope we have greater adventures to share ahead.

Dave 

DAVE’S Blog posts

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Australian Tesla Prices Drop

Model 3 Tesla
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

Australian Tesla Prices Drop, however there is still a long way to go. 

This week has been a busy week for Tesla. It has also been a fun time for those in the EV community who follow Tesla closely. 

A couple of weeks ago I posted a blog talking about “Out of Balance”, in this blog I talked about how I had caught up with a  friend who had limited knowledge of the benefits and differences between Internal Combustion Engine(ICE) and Electric Vehicles(EV).  We spoke about the vehicles and I gave a balanced view of the EV’s including Tesla’s.

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Planted a seed

What I hadn’t realized is that I had planted a seed that had grown over the last couple of weeks. This week I received a surprise that has made me smile. I received a call from my friend Andrew the Optometrist, he said to me “I did something a little crazy this week. “I bought a Model 3.”

To say I was super excited for him and his family is an understatement. I am passionate about Tesla and the EV community and another person to join the fold is just great news. To have someone who you know and have helped to see the electric vehicle in a different light just makes me warm to the soul. 

He was very excited about the purchase. He and his family had, since we spoke, looked around at both ICE Vehicles and Electric Vehicles. The decided to take the Model 3 for a Test drive. He said that was the clincher. His wife and kids were sold, and they all fell in love with the Model 3. 

Of course, as anybody in the EV community knows, the Test drive cannot be explained it has to be experienced. 

Model 3 standard range old
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

If you are buying a Tesla Use a referral code, Andrew the optometrist referral link – https://ts.la/andrew53106

They ordered the Black Standard Range Model 3 not long after the Test drive. He explained they liked the black because they have had black cars for years and liked the look. His kids were super excited and they love the idea of putting their bags in the frunk. 

It was an incredible feeling to know before this he had not considered an electric vehicle as being an option and after our conversation, he seriously considered it. 

Of course, that is not where the week ended. 

Rumours

Rumours had started to float around over the last couple of weeks that a refresh of the Model 3 was upon us. Images of the cars missing chrome trim and a new console had started to surface thanks to Whole Mars Blog, however there had been no official word from Tesla. 

Well on Friday afternoon Australian time we understood why they had not said anything. Unannounced, the Tesla website changed. 

What a dramatic change it was, not only did it introduce the new console, but it also changed prices in some impressive ways. 

Surprise

Elon announced earlier in the week that the cost of the Model S would be reduced to USD $69420. These numbers seem random but trust me if you have been a tesla fanboy for a while, they make perfect sense. 

Any way it was in response to Lucid air releasing their price for the latest vehicle. 

This again was a surprise and many people jumped onto this price as it was a good many thousands of dollars savings. 

But Elon and tesla were not done there. On Friday afternoon, Australian time, we understood why they had not said anything about the Model 3 changes, Australian Tesla prices drop. Unannounced, the Tesla website changed. 

What a dramatic change it was, not only did it introduce the new console that had been rumored it also changed prices in some impressive ways. 

On entering the Website, you are presented with the new look Tesla Model 3 Performance with the Uber Turbine Wheels. 

Model 3 Tesla .com
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

Once you then go to the Order page for the Model 3 there are differences across the whole product line. 

Standard Range 

The Standard Range Aero wheels have been updated which gives the Model 3 a new and sportier look. Included with this refresh is the power trunk, increased range and of course the decrease in price of almost $8000 dollars depending on which state you order from in Australia. With the change to the price the standard range no longer incurs the Luxury Car Tax (LCT) that Australia imposes on imported luxury Vehicles.

Model 3 Tesla .com standard range
Courtesy of Tesla.com

Long Range 

The long-range again has a new set of Wheels with an update to the 19” sport wheels. They are very similar to the original Wheels however they have a subtle change that whether functional or not may be polarizing. The changes again included the Power trunk, Increased range, and the price difference of $6000, again depending on the state in Australia.  LCT will be incurred. 

Insert Image – highlighting changes 

Model 3 long range tesla.com
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

Performance Model 3

The performance Model 3 introduced the Uber turbine wheels when the model 3 was first introduced to the world it is wonderful to see them back again and introduced to customers. As with the standard range and Long-range Model 3 the performance also includes the power trunk, increased range and a spectacular drop in price of almost $20000 depending again which state you are buying from in Australia. 

Insert Image with changes. 

Model 3 Performance tesla .com
Image courtesy of Tesla.com

Once again Tesla has not disappointed. The new changes to the Model 3 line up were not just restricted to Australia. The range increase is particularly interesting and possibly indicates that the introduction of a heat pump may have occurred for the Model 3 as it did for the Model Y. 

It has been and continues to be a wonderful and exciting experience following Tesla as they continue to lead the EV market with innovation, passion, and a mission that inspires many. 

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Andrew the Optometrist

When I heard the news of the price drop I instantly messaged Andrew the optometrist. His response made me smile” Woooooooooo Hooooooooo”

It turns out he had ordered at the right time. He and his family saved over $8000 dollars in one night thanks to Tesla. The Model 3 they are to get will be better than it was when they ordered.

Australian Tesla Prices Drop and I am glad to help bring electric vehicle knowledge into more people’s lives. It is truly special when that information is used to make informed decisions. I hope Andrew and his family find great joy in the purchase.

Dave

DAVE’S Blog posts

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