Cars

My Electric Journey: From a Humble Nissan Leaf to Tesla Perfection

Six years ago, being a huge techy, I made a decision to try EVs. I bought a second-hand Nissan Leaf. Looking back, it wasn't much by today's EV standards—its range was pathetic, and I could only make short trips to my office and the shops. But it was my first taste of electric vehicles, and I knew almost immediately that I'd never go back to driving a petrol or diesel car.

Falling in Love with EVs

The moment I got behind the wheel of that old Leaf, I was hooked. The instant torque was exhilarating—no more waiting for an engine to spool up, just immediate power whenever I pressed the pedal. And the huge savings! No more trips to the petrol station, watching the numbers climb higher and higher. For my daily commute, the Leaf was perfect, even with its limited range.

Still, I couldn't help but notice the Teslas on the road. The Model S, in particular, was the stuff of dreams—sleek, futuristic, full of cool gadgets/features but with a starting price of £60k, so out of reach at the time. Every time I saw one, I'd think, "One day…"

The Model 3 Announcement

When Tesla announced the Model 3, I was excited. Here was a car that looked incredible, offered amazing range, and had a more affordable price. I followed every bit of news about it, watched every YouTube video, and dreamed of owning one someday.

In the middle of lockdown, I had saved up a decent deposit and I made the leap and ordered a brand-new Model 3. I was so excited and as soon as I got it, I fell in love. The thing I liked the most was the self-driving. I never thought I'd see the day where a car could drive itself.

Road Trips and Memories

The Model 3 wasn't just a car—it was a gateway to some incredible experiences. I took my family on a road trip to the Scottish Highlands, and it was stunning. The drive was smooth, quiet, and surprisingly affordable thanks to Tesla's Supercharger network and the best part, it drove itself!

Then, there was the Amsterdam trip. My mates and I had planned to fly out to celebrate all of us turning 40, but EasyJet had other plans. Flights cancelled, we decided to make it an adventure and drive instead. The Model 3 turned out to be the perfect travel companion: spacious, comfortable, and with enough range to make even long trips manageable.

Enter the Model 3 Highland

The lease on that car recently ended, and I knew I wanted another Tesla. I couldn't go back to a normal car now! When Tesla unveiled the updated Model 3 Highland edition, it felt like the perfect time to upgrade. It's everything I loved about my previous Model 3, but better in every way. Tesla has refined every aspect of the car—comfort, technology, efficiency—and I couldn't be happier with it.

Why I Can't Believe More People Haven't Switched

Even after all these years, I'm amazed at how many people I know are still driving petrol or diesel cars. Sure, I see a lot more Teslas on the roads now than when I first got my Leaf, but EVs still feel like this untapped secret.

The savings alone should be enough to convince most people. That's why I built a little EV Calculator to show just how much money you could save by switching. It's a simple tool, but I hope it helps people see what they're missing out on.

A Better Way to Drive

Switching to an EV has been one of the best decisions I've ever made. It's not just about saving money on fuel or reducing my carbon footprint (although those are huge bonuses). It's about the driving experience, the tech, and the convenience.

If you're on the fence about going electric, take it from me: you won't regret it. Whether it's a humble Nissan Leaf or a brand-new Tesla Model 3 Highland, the world of EVs has something for everyone.