As part of my Phillips Lane Promise to live more mindfully and sustainably, I’ve taken my biggest step yet…a brand-new Tesla Model Y! Are you shocked?! Keep reading for all the details of my going green with a white Tesla Model Y…

(P.S. Double Surprise! You might have noticed the site looks a bit different (okay, totally different). I’m in the final stages of re-branding Style Inherited to “Life on Phillips Lane” and you’re one of the first to find out! Stay tuned for my formal launch on June 1st!)

#newcarwhodis

While my search for an electric vehicle (EV) ended with a Tesla, the journey to my eventual purchase involved some deep dives into various other EV options.  In a series of posts, I will share with you everything from the research phase to the test drive to the nitty gritty of the purchase and pick-up process.  And once I take you through this, I’m going to share all the little details that make owning a Tesla so much fun: the technology, charging, and of course incredible driving experience. I am so excited to partner with several brands in the coming months to highlight some amazing Tesla accessories that make the experience even better! 

My Journey to Choosing an Electric Vehicle

So, let’s start at the beginning.  About a year ago, I knew it was time to make the move from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) to EV. While my 2010 Range Rover has only 70,000 miles and is still very much part of the family (I have always believed in driving my cars until they cannot be driven anymore), I am so excited to now have an EV just in time for all of my Summer 2021 travels. With road trips all around New England, I’ll be putting in some serious mileage and the timing is just right!

When I started my research in early 2020, Tesla was one of only a few viable options. I wasn’t interested in a hybrid since they still require “dino juice” (ha!) and the usual inconveniences of oil changes and other maintenance. But to be completely honest, I really didn’t think Tesla was the right choice for me for a large majority of the process. As cool as a Tesla looks, it wasn’t 100% my vibe and took a bit of warming up to.  Obviously, Teslas are about the exact opposite of Range Rovers in terms of body shape. That’s the main reason why I wanted to consider other options. 

Other Electric Vehicles I Considered…

Among the other EV options that I considered over the past year, the Kia Niro, Hyundai Kona, Volvo XC 40 Recharge, and Volkswagen ID.4 were at the top of my list.  All were affordable (particularly with the $7,500 federal tax credit that accompanies all EVs prior to the sale of 200,000 vehicles by a given manufacturer). I really liked the look of the XC40 the most, followed closely by the ID.4 and Niro. But they all lacked in a few areas: the technology seemed to be a few steps behind that of Tesla and their range, while not awful, fell short (they all offered approximately 250 miles of range, except for the Volvo which lagged behind at 208 miles). While I know the Ford Mach-e is an increasingly popular option, I was turned off by the Mustang logo and look and really didn’t give it much consideration.

By watching dozens of hours of YouTube videos comparing the various EV options, I came to a few important realizations: range truly matters, technology is always evolving, and your girl likes that luxury feel! Once I figured these things out, I knew that my search was really about Tesla vs. everyone else. Tesla seemed to come out on top in just about every category: superior range, more sophisticated autonomous driving features, and a sleek, minimalist interior featuring Vegan leather seats were game changers for me.

Why the Tesla Model Y?

So why the Model Y, specifically? I’ve always loved having big cars, and for that reason I ruled out Tesla’s two sedan options: the Model S ($80k starting price tag and maybe more of a business person’s car feel than I really wanted?) and Model 3 (the most affordable Tesla if you opt for the lower-range, rear-wheel drive option). And while the Model X is the largest of the Tesla fleet (this family-friendly SUV is probably most recognized for its iconic Falcon doors and 7-person seating), the starting price of $90k and appearance weren’t compatible with my budget or aesthetic. 

So that left me with the Model Y.  Built off the same platform as the Model 3, but with an extra inch and a half of clearance and six inches of driving height, the Model Y seemed to check all my boxes.  My long-range version boasts 326 miles of range and its 68 cubic feet of storage is perfect for road trips.

I can’t wait to try “camping” in the Model Y, which is apparently really popular since you can fit a nice sized mattress in the car when you fold the backseats down. And using “camp mode,” it’s entirely possible to spend the night comfy and cozy in the car with a regulated temperature and panoramic views of the stars. Equipped with adaptive cruise control and autosteer, my Model Y gives me a healthy dose of autonomous driving without venturing into the Full Self Driving territory that is available for an extra $10k.

Stay Tuned For More Tesla Content!

I’ve only cracked the surface of what I love about my new car.  Part II of this series will be a “Guide to Purchasing a Tesla,” in which I walk you through all the steps of testing, purchasing, and accepting delivery of your brand-new Tesla. In subsequent posts, I’ll bring you along with me for some adventures in my new Tesla–including a girls’ trip to Huttopia in the rugged White Mountains of New Hampshire!  

Whether you are just starting the process, already in the market for an EV, or maybe even waiting on a Tesla you’ve already ordered, here is my link for you (and me!) to receive 1,000 FREE supercharger miles! If you’re wondering what I mean by “supercharger,” then you’ll have to check back as I take you through all those details in a future post! 

Looking for more mindful living content? Check out my recent post, “How To Be More Sustainable With Flexible Packaging” to learn about a super simple switch you can make today to start living a more sustainable life!