Michael thought switching to a Tesla would cut costs. Instead, it left him questioning his entire decision.
Michael and his wife made a big move: trading in their gas-guzzling Honda Pilot for a shiny 2023 Tesla Model 3. With gas prices draining $200 monthly and a $640 car payment, they saw the Tesla as a smart, money-saving upgrade.
But shortly after the purchase, reality hit hard.
The Costs They Didn’t See Coming
Michael told EV dealer @evautoalex, who sold him the car,
“We thought switching to a Tesla would save us money. But I didn’t realize the insurance would be way higher… or that a home charger would cost us $5,000.”
The shock? Their house only has a 100-amp electrical panel, and upgrading it to 200 amps would cost $3,000 alone. Add the charger and installation — the total bill came to $5,000.
Alex Offers a Solution, But There’s a Catch
Alex, the EV dealer, tried to help:
“You could use a 220 dryer plug — it’ll charge your car overnight to 80%.”
But Michael didn’t have a 220 outlet anywhere near the garage. The panel was at the back of the house, far from the driveway.
So Why Buy the Tesla in the First Place?
That’s exactly what Alex wanted to know.
“You came in several times, did your research, knew the payment, and got financing. I don’t understand why you didn’t factor these things in before buying,” Alex said, clearly puzzled.
Michael admitted that the Tesla payment wasn’t much lower than their previous SUV — and with the extra costs, it didn’t feel like a good move anymore.
The Unexpected Twist
Despite the frustration, Alex made a surprising call.
“Look, I’ll cancel the contract and take the car back. Even though you signed the papers, I don’t want to put you in a tough spot.”
Michael’s response?
Not a thank you — but:
“I’m sorry you feel that way.”
Still, Alex stayed professional and told him:
“Let us know what you and your wife think is fair for our time, and we’ll take the car back.”
Important Lessons for Tesla Buyers
Michael’s story isn’t unique. Many buyers are drawn to Tesla because of potential fuel savings — but overlook other key factors that come with owning an EV.
Before buying a Tesla (or any EV), consider this:
Things Every Tesla Buyer Should Think About
- Home Charging
If you can’t install a Level 2 charger at home, you’ll rely on public chargers — which can be inconvenient and inconsistent.
- Charger Installation Costs
A Level 2 charger costs about $500–$700, but you may need electrical panel upgrades which can add thousands.
- Insurance Costs
Tesla insurance is often higher than traditional cars — don’t skip that quote before buying.
- Range & Climate
Tesla battery range drops in cold weather. Where you live affects your driving experience.
- Charging Access
Do you have reliable charging at home, or will you always be hunting for stations?
- Your Commute
Match the EV’s range with your driving habits. Short trips? Tesla’s great. Long drives with limited chargers? It could be tough.
Tesla Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All
Alex showed rare professionalism by letting Michael return the car. But not every dealer will be that understanding.
So if you’re thinking about going electric — do your homework. Compare insurance, research your home’s electrical setup, and calculate the real monthly costs.
What Do You Think?
Are you a Tesla owner?
What advice would you give someone thinking about switching to an EV?
Drop your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear your story.
