For years now, there’s been a heated debate between electric vehicle (EV) enthusiasts and internal combustion engine (ICE) loyalists. Many ICE drivers firmly believe in the superiority of gas-powered cars and refuse to consider EVs. One such driver was Andy Carswell, proudly calling himself an “ICE for life” guy, often dismissing EVs as impractical, overhyped, and completely unnecessary.
Yet ironically enough, Andy is currently quite the proud owner of a Tesla Model 3- because after only a few drives around the block, enough to cause his perspective to shift entirely.
A Test Drive That Changed Everything
The change started interestingly. Andy spotted a Tesla Model Y during car shopping with his wife at a dealership. Curiosity led him to accept giving it a short test drive. That would be a game-changing decision.
Andy described the car as being: “The lightning acceleration was insane, the quiet was eerie, and the torque in an instant was like a drug”, he wrote at the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club Facebook group. It was an entire paradigm shift.
He was used to the roaring and rumbling of gasoline engines, and the silence and power of the Tesla electric drivetrain were shocking, yet thrilling. The causal manner in which the Model Y drove, on the other hand, changed his mind because he not only felt that EVs were an alternative but a future.
Plot From Skeptic to Owner
A few days later, Andy discovered a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Long Range RWD only several days later. He made another leap of faith, despite having years of skepticism. One drive was all it took. He signed the papers and drove home in his first EV.
I used to bash EVs, ICE for life, but after I test drove these two Tesla models, all that was left out the window, Andy admits. I immediately grew to love the smooth way it drove and the instant torque.
Today, he says he is a proud Tesla owner, noting he loves having the long-range, silent travel and the ability to charge in the comfort of his home setting.
The Cybertruck Exception
Even though Andy has come around to the Tesla cars, there is one thing he remains strong about is his dislike of the Cybertruck remains unchanged. An absurdity, yes, but I guess I will keep bashing the Cybertruck because that is fugly, he chuckled away. So far, though, I love my Tesla Model 3.
His critique identifies a rift even among Tesla fans. The Cybertruck can be considered bold and futuristic by many, but some, such as Andy, could not allow themselves to be charmed by the unusual design. Nevertheless, his testimonial demonstrates that even the inveterate cynics can be converted to the new faith in case they are ever able to get a firsthand experience of the Tesla technology.
Why EV Skeptics Are Changing Their Minds
The case of Andy is not exceptional. Numerous people all over the world who initially dismissed the use of EVs have also changed their minds after test-driving. Several factors contribute to this change:
Electric vehicles offer instant acceleration, providing a quick and responsive driving experience compared to traditional internal combustion engine vehicles. They also deliver a quiet ride, surprising many drivers with the absence of engine noise and creating a sense of relaxation and refinement.
Charging an EV at home is significantly cheaper than refueling with gas, especially with rising fuel prices, resulting in reduced running costs. Features like autopilot and over-the-air software updates appeal to tech-savvy buyers with state-of-the-art functionality. These advantages are compelling enough to challenge long-standing loyalty to internal combustion engines for even the most skeptical individuals.
