A New Addition, First Adventure

April 1, 2016 Reservation Day

This was the day we made the down payment to reserve the opportunity to buy a Model 3 Tesla.  In early June, 2018 we were given the opportunity to design our Model 3. We really didn't start the design process in earnest until late June.  As part of the decision, we also needed to confirm that it would fit in Bay 2 of our garage (Bay 1 houses the Model S). Tesla kindly offered to drive out to our house with a rear wheel drive Model 3, which allowed us to both test drive the 3 and to "test fit the Model 3 in our garage". After more than two years of anticipation, and finally much soul searching for the right options, we finally locked in the choice. We took possession of our Model 3 Tesla in late August. Since this was our complete commitment to electric, we decided to make certain that our order was top notch. A performance version, all-wheel-drive, red exterior with white interior actually arrived earlier than expected.

August 30, 2018 - Delivery Day Delivery day convinced us that we made the right decision - clean lines, great visuals, and more speed and acceleration than expected, even though we knew the rated statistics. Christened Erik the Red, brother of our Model S, Nikola, This is clearly a fun car to drive!

White seats!

20" performance wheels and brakes

September 9, 2018 - Picnic Drive

Yesterday was our first real test for the new Tesla P3D (Performance/Model 3/Dual Motor) addition to the family. A family (Czechia side of the family) picnic was scheduled in Brookfield, Wisconsin. It was not a long drive (only 85 miles), but one that included plenty of highway driving. The maximum charge gave us 309 miles of range. The navigation system said we could make the round trip with 28% of range remaining.

Many happy picnickers!

Grand-daughter found the swings!

Grand-son found the leaves!

There are two Super Chargers on the route to Brookfield, but we did not need to use either of them. Even though we had an early start, traffic was heavy. I had to try out the quick start acceleration at least once during the drive. The 0 to 60 mph acceleration is rated at 3.5 seconds, and I’d guess we hit it. A true roller coaster feeling.

The Autopilot performed flawlessly. The ride to Brookfield was smooth. The picnic was very pleasant. Our return drive was equally smooth and comfortable. Great to have the long distance battery and performance options.

More adventures await!