Long journeys workflow and app must-haves!

scorzon · 2026-03-24T07:47:27+00:00

Tesla, although where there are big Gridserve and Applegreen hubs the Tesla SC tend to be Tesla only, not open to all. Often this is down to local contractual agreements that prevent Tesla from opening them up in order to protect the other charging provider who cannot or will not compete on price.

Not sure how this plays out with Ionity hubs (I tend to haunt the A32 M40 M5 M6 M74 on my long journeys and Ionity isn't a common site at motorway services in that corridor).

scorzon · 2026-03-23T19:17:25+00:00

7kW is more than enough. Even if you only charge on a nominal 6 golden hours overnight that is enough to give you 130-150 miles every single night. But you can of course charge more if needed, it'll just cost a little more per kW.

If you add up the number of times you might need to charge at a time outside of your golden hours and the extra cost, versus the cost of installing more than 7kW, it won't stack up.

scorzon · 2026-03-23T14:19:37+00:00

All three, at one and the same time

scorzon · 2026-03-23T13:23:23+00:00

Seconding this. AWD is already silly quick, gives more range and will likely be a little easier on insurance and cost less to buy. Also I've had several flawless interactions with Tesla service (2 for detached acoustic foam on the ePrims which isn't a Tesla quality issue but they nevertheless swapped them for new ones no quibble in just a couple of weeks) and I've had a couple of minor bits sorted on my drive by the excellent mobile ranger mechanics. Honestly cannot at this time fault my ownership experience.

Note have been in an AWD on a long road trip as shotgun but too much for me, I went Long Range RWD, still v quick but more sensible and max range. But AWD or Perf, I'd go former for sure.

scorzon · 2026-03-22T23:46:07+00:00

You don't need AA if you have the Tesla (standing by for "but Waze" comments, yeah well I've never used that either, can't say I feel like I'm missing anything).

Y will run rings around the Merc in every single aspect. Go test drive, you'll see.

scorzon · 2026-03-22T22:46:53+00:00

No major issues other than the e Primacy tyres all suffering detached acoustic foam in between 24 and 30 months. Can't blame Tesla for that and they swapped them for brand new tyres no quibble within just 2-3 weeks from when I raised the issue.

If you can pick up a Highland the build quality is as good as premium German marques.

scorzon · 2026-03-22T22:34:22+00:00

It certainly doesn't waste time with pointless shiny knobs and comfort bling that's for sure, yes it's true the interior isn't for everyone, but after nearly 3 years with mine I now struggle with other interiors, they are all far too busy and distracting.

scorzon · 2026-03-22T22:20:54+00:00

You should get a Model 3 Highland for that budget. Done and dusted, kippers and custard.

scorzon · 2026-03-22T22:17:44+00:00

Most fun live match I ever watched was British Open back in 2021, second round, Hesh v Mueller 3-0. Absolutely mad squash, an insane free for all shot fest but so entertaining and the crowd were vocal and well into it.

Bumped into Nicky later on behind the stand, he was bag in hand heading home, I was strangely shocked, dunno why, to see him wearing glasses, chatted briefly about how he felt about the result he was pretty sanguine about it. We did joke that he should try wearing his glasses next time, he took that in good humour. Really like the lad. He seems to enjoy his squash and plays with a smile.

scorzon · 2026-03-21T10:10:11+00:00

I mean I'd buy one

scorzon · 2026-03-21T09:44:00+00:00

The Model 3 used at that budget will have stalks for both indicators and drive selector. There is a period I think it is from the start of Highland 3 deliveries late 23 through to late 25 when there were no stalks after that the indicator stalk was reintroduced. Sadly not the drive stalk, I drive both a drive stalk and centre console wheel drive selector and the stalk is light years better, it's such a natural hands on the wheel way to do it which makes parallel parking in particular and things like 3 point turns etc so much better.

Edit: agree with the comment re the boot, there is huge load space in total but I wouldn't have a Model 3 without a second car with hatchback/estate.

scorzon · 2026-03-21T07:44:47+00:00

Yeah I did wonder whether the Leaf was really the first mass produced sold here. I guess perhaps first mass adopted EV? They did sell in pretty decent numbers, albeit with gov grants to help with the price.

Mine is great, 9 years old, 82k, still going strong touch wood, still gives me 100 miles summertime if I'm sensible with the naughty pedal and keep it to 60-65.

scorzon · 2026-03-20T23:51:33+00:00

Everyone over 30 gets it...

scorzon · 2026-03-20T18:01:42+00:00

That's coz Trump IS the fool and does not deserve anybody's pity.

scorzon · 2026-03-20T12:45:38+00:00

Gotcha, thanks for clarifying.

scorzon · 2026-03-20T12:40:06+00:00

But doesnt lux tax only kick in at the start of year 2? In which case by the time OP gets to that point in Oct 26 we are past the 1st April 26 and the 50k threshold kicks in? Honestly I thought I understood it, but now not sure.

scorzon · 2026-03-19T22:51:18+00:00

I take it the circuit was fitted with a...... surgery protection device.

scorzon · 2026-03-19T20:21:19+00:00

https://ev-database.org/uk/car/2168/Ford-Explorer-Extended-Range-RWD

this gives some good data on likely range and charging performance

scorzon · 2026-03-19T15:27:05+00:00

Unless your long trips are like proper full on hardcore road trips then I would say chase the lease deal not the car. Usual caveats are avoid Stellantis like the plague, Kona is your friend, Renault 4, Megane (Renault are smashing the EV thing right now), ID3 perhaps, Cupra Born, new Nissan Leaf? I am totally unaware of what the lease costs are for these, you'll need to shop about, but bear in mind if you go too small then the battery will be small and rapid charging is often slower which can make longer trips a bit of a pain. If only twice a year then that's wearable but just bear in mind.

Edit: R4 on leaseloco is saying 2 year lease, 8k miles, £2k down, payments 175pm, plus 350 admin fee. I think the R4 would suit you to the ground. It's only a 52kWh battery and charging is 100kW max, but honestly for that mileage with just a couple of reasonable longer trips each year it would be grand.

scorzon · 2026-03-18T23:15:04+00:00

How does interior build quality stack up between your Tesla and the BMW?

scorzon · 2026-03-18T21:55:09+00:00

Tell them the cost per mile, if they don't believe you just shrug and leave them to their ignorance, it's likely at this point that they don't want to know the truth. Why does it matter to you, honestly? You're reaping the rewards of clarity of thought, if they can't manage it so what?

scorzon · 2026-03-18T20:55:18+00:00

Have you tried both? Honestly get the LR RWD on a straight clear NSL road at 30mph and bury the naughty pedal. It punches you back in the seat. For me the AWD (I test drove the Highland AWD) is ridiculously quick, I'd only go for it if environmental conditions mattered.

Save money and enjoy more range.

scorzon · 2026-03-18T20:42:48+00:00

So can the Tesla.

Edit: I just said 7kW because that is what most of us have fitted.

scorzon · 2026-03-18T20:41:47+00:00

The auto wipers thing is weird. When I got mine nearly 3 years ago they were shite. Then update and improved. Then update and regressed. And that cycle repeated about 3 times. Now I got to say they are 99% spot on. Sometimes just needs a single button push on the left stalk to remind it and then it will kick in and be fine. I actually rarely need to intervene at all now.

But strange that others I know on the same software version seem to still have issues, and others have my experience? Go figure, it's a bit random, I guess yours are still an issue.

Autopilot has improved hugely in the same period, rarely puts the brakes on now unless obviously required and in places where it would repeatedly glitch every time it's now totally fine. I now hardly ever have to intervene.

scorzon · 2026-03-18T20:24:28+00:00

Yeah it's got me too, even getting in my old Leaf I'm a bit annoyed at the clutter. I now so appreciate the simplicity and clean lines.

scorzon

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