I’m an EV expert – here’s 11 mistakes people make when buying a Tesla

AN ELECTRIC vehicle expert has revealed 11 mistakes people make when buying a Tesla.

Ryan Shaw, a Tesla superfan from California, took to YouTube with his list of pitfalls awaiting new buyers.

He said that buying a Tesla for the first time requires research, preparation and caution.

Here are the 11 mistakes he is warning people not to make when buying a Tesla.

Buying too much range

Many people want their Tesla to match the range of their old petrol car - but only the expensive Model S comes anywhere close to this.

But whereas it would be a pain to fill up a petrol tank every day, you can charge your Tesla overnight - meaning you never come close to exhausting its range.

In his , Ryan said: "More range equals more batteries, which equals more cost. It also adds weight to the car.

"You don't want to pay extra for range that you don't actually ever need."

Not buying enough range

The flipside of this is that Tesla motors can't travel their full advertised range, because most drivers exceed test speeds in everyday use.

Tesla's climate-controlled interior is another big drain on battery - so you should go for a model whose stated range is well above what you expect to use in real life.

Ryan said: "You don't want to end up stuck with a car that you find yourself having to charge at superchargers more than you expected because it gets around 12% less than the quoted range in the real world."

Buying the wrong wheels

Tesla buyers are given the choice of stock wheels, which offer a smooth ride and a longer range, or sport wheels, which look slicker but make for a bumpier journey with a shorter range.

Ryan said: "For me, this is a no-brainer. Upgrading Tesla wheels always decreases ride quality and range - sometimes significantly.

"I would always buy the stock wheels. However, I do totally understand if looks and wheel handling are more important to you than these things."

Buying full self-driving

Ryan said: "At this point, I can't in good faith recommend the full self-driving package to anyone."

Tesla's autopilot technology is still in "beta" stage, where users pay £9,500 ($12,000) in the hope that the technology will be approved for road use and added to their car.

At the moment, Ryan said only the automatic lane change function is of real use to everyday drivers.

Putting off ordering

The buzz around Tesla means that prices will only get higher and waiting lists longer.

It's better to get your first Tesla while you can still afford to do so, Ryan said.

He added that many Tesla customers don't buy adequate charging facilities for their motor - leading to embarrassing flat-battery breakdowns during their first week on the road.

Buying whatever's available

With demand for new Tesla models exceeding supply, it's sometimes the case that only "performance models" are available for immediate purchase.

But these models come with cosmetic upgrades which Ryan said aren't worth the extra expense - and that settling for a waiting list place might get you better bang for your buck.

Not getting white seats

Many parents or drive-thru aficionados might consider white car seats an accident waiting to happen.

But California-based Ryan said that whereas Tesla's white seats stay cool in the sun, black ones get very hot and uncomfortable.

Missing out on EV credits

There are many discounts, grants and rebates on offer for people switching to electric vehicles.

Ryan's examples were all American, but in the UK you should check whether you are eligible for government schemes like the Electric Vehicle Charge Point Grant, which covers up to 75% of a charge point in your garage.

Not inspecting on arrival

Ryan said: "Tesla makes great vehicles, but they are a newer company and are still going through growing pains with quality control.

"Cars still get delivered with issues here and there."

Note even minor problems on delivery so you can claim repairs on your warranty cover later.

Getting the wrong insurance

Tesla cars are very pricey to insure, with many drivers opting for the car maker's own cover.

Don't assume that the insurer you chose for your old petrol car will also give you the best deal for your new Tesla.

Missing out on accessories

Ryan said: "There are a lot of accessories that can greatly improve your experience as a Tesla owner.

The Tesla superfan recommended the "essential" screen protector and additional storage space underneath the front seats.