Tesla. Mere mention of the word evokes thoughts of innovation and progress.  Having owned and driven our Tesla Model 3 as part of our home energy audit fleet of vehicles for a year now, we’re here to tell you: It’s a sweet ride with an even sweeter impact on the planet. 

The Benefits of Going Electric

Electric cars have come a long way, baby. And while the technology is always advancing, we've reached a point where the environmental benefits of driving an electric car far outweigh any potential downsides. 

The primary reason to switch to an electric car is its impact on the environment. Because they don’t use exhaust systems, electric cars have no emissions. This means that unlike gas engines, they don’t pump fumes into the air. This facilitates fewer greenhouse gasses and cleaner air.

Additionally, electricity is a renewable resource when powered with solar, wind and water, whereas gasoline is not renewable because it’s created using oil. 

And while you may pay a bit more upfront for an electric car, you can also look forward to savings over the course of its lifetime -- both in terms of running cost and maintenance. According to Car and Driver, electric cars cost about a third as much to run as gas-powered cars. Plus, oil changes are a thing of the past with electric cars, as are other typical maintenance and repairs you’d find with traditional gas engines. You can even look forward to fewer brake replacements with an electric car.

New Jersey’s recent introduction of a $5,000 rebate toward the purchase or lease of an electric vehicle helps to further lower the cost of ownership for New Jersey households.

Sharing the Tesla Love

Talking about the benefits of owning and driving a Tesla are one thing. Actually experiencing them for yourself is another. As a Tesla owner, we can happily attest to the fact that the Model 3 is everything we hoped it would be and more. 

One major difference we’ve noticed is that the Model 3 is significantly quieter than its gas counterparts. In fact, some electric car models actually add engine sounds to give the driver the feel of a traditional engine! For us, however,  the silence is bliss -- especially in our “white noise” world. 

The Tesla Model 3 also accelerates like a charm, and is remarkably spacious. we also love its sleek contemporary feel. And then there’s the fact that it continually gains new and enhanced features thanks to regular over-the-air software updates. we just open the “Software” tab on the touchscreen, and are notified of any new updates with the option to install immediately or schedule for later.

Buying a new car is a big decision and a major investment. When you decide to purchase an electric car, you’re not just investing in your own financial wellness and quality of life, but also in the wellbeing of the planet -- and we can't think of a better investment than that. 

If you’re still on the fence about whether a Tesla Model 3 or other electric car is right for you, a rebate or tax credit may be just what you need to make the leap. Go here to check out state-specific incentives aimed at getting more drivers behind the wheel of eco-friendly electric vehicles.