New Tesla owner buys a Model 3 Performance, then sees what non-owners get wrongThe Cool DownDaniel JohnTue, September 22, 2026 at 9:47 AM UTCAdd us on GooglePhoto Credit: iStockAfter purchasing a 2024 Tesla Model 3 Performance, one Tesla owner said the experience convinced them that many of the loudest opinions about EVs come from people who have never actually driven one.Here's what to knowSharing their thoughts on the r/TeslaLounge subreddit, the original poster explained that, before getting their Model 3, most of their impressions about Tesla came from enthusiast communities and "die hard car fanatics."However, after researching the company for themselves and buying the vehicle, they soon discovered that, in their opinion, "nearly every non-Tesla owner knows nothing about them."AdvertisementAdvertisementThey then provided a bullet-point list of beliefs that people frequently voice about Tesla that the OP now views as overstated or outdated. These include everything from warnings that hard acceleration immediately kills the battery to claims that the vehicles' interiors still "fall apart."Other commonly held opinions included the false claims that supercharger sessions take hours and that Teslas cannot corner well.Many commenters agreed, with some pointing out that the problem was not limited to Teslas."There's a weird culture of self-perpetuating ignorance out there among 'car guys' when it comes to EVs," said one.AdvertisementAdvertisementOne of the most frequently rebuffed claims concerned the notion that charging an EV is far more inconvenient than refueling an internal-combustion vehicle."I'd rather plug in at home each night, wake up to a full 'tank' and have it cost me 1/6th as much and never need to go to a gas station again," said one EV owner.More backgroundWhen it comes to switching from a gasoline-powered vehicle to an EV, one of the biggest obstacles is not necessarily price or performance, but the uncertainty people feel when moving to an entirely new vehicle platform.Concerns about charging and vehicle range can keep people from considering a switch that could significantly lower everyday transportation costs and even prove more convenient. EV drivers who charge at home can often skip regular gas station trips, and many also save on maintenance because battery-electric vehicles do not require oil changes and generally have fewer moving engine parts.AdvertisementAdvertisementSeveral Redditors described firsthand experiences that changed their minds about EVs.One commenter said a rental in a newer Model 3 led to buying a Model Y, while another said road-tripping in a friend's Tesla "put my charging worries to rest."Other common EV misunderstandingsSeveral commenters noted that many misunderstandings about EV ownership stem from false assumptions that EV drivers behave like gas-car drivers.For example, some Redditors pointed out that although gas-car drivers frequently fuel their vehicles to 100% at gas stations, EV drivers often charge only enough to reach the charger at their next destination.As one commenter noted, getting "20-30% battery at a supercharger is very fast" when the battery is low. And if 20-30% of battery is enough to get the vehicle back to its home charger, why waste time and money charging it more?Where can I learn more?For more on EV myths, Tesla charging, Model 3 ownership costs, and home charging savings, check out these articles.AdvertisementAdvertisement• Across the US, auto experts are dismantling myths holding Americans back from buying EVs.• Tesla drivers say a crucial charging adapter can open up more public fast-charging options.• Ownership data suggests the Tesla Model 3 costs less over time than rivals.• One Tesla owner said major savings with EV driving made the switch easy to recommend.• After upgrading at home, one driver found their Tesla charger's monthly costs lower than expected.Get TCD's free newsletters for easy tips, smart advice, and a chance to earn $5,000 toward home upgrades. To see more stories like this one, change your Google preferences here.