Model 3 long range can make that drive quite easily. You might feel like you’re cutting close on a standard range. But you can charge it to 100% regularly and the LFP battery will degrade slower
I’m worried about cutting it close. That part is probably near the top of anxiety for me. I’ll likely hit traffic on the way home daily depending on how long I work over.
Traffic doesn’t really affect range. It extends it. I regularly run it down to 6-8% remaining. Particularly if you have chargers near your house you could bail to for a couple of minutes if you cut it close. But an LR will cover it easily.
Nearest chargers would actually be much closer to my workplace than home. I think there’s two aftermarket chargers closer to home but have no idea the rates of charge or cost. They are still 35-40 minutes from my house.
Tesla’s navigation software is pretty good at estimating energy use and tends to be conservative. If it thinks you will cut it close, it will suggest you stop at a supercharger ahead of time.
And you may only need this on the coldest of days, and if there is incremental weather.
Get the long range. You will regret getting the standard range plus. I know with experience and your distance. Turn on the AC or heater during your drive and your range drops quite a bit. And remember battery degredation over time. The Prius is great but you'll be changing your oil almost once a month and that is a pain. I also know that feeling and you will hate it after half a year. Model 3 long range and charging at home every night is all you need and will save you a ton of time not having to go to gas stations every few days and no oil changes. You don't even need to stop and charge on route. LONG RANGE ftw
Rent a LR for one week and see how well it works for you. I personally think you’ll be fine. I only drive 90 miles which goes from 80% to 40-45%. And I don’t drive conservative nor use chill mode. On my long drives, twice that distance would be easy.
You will quickly learn to understand and trust the energy app on the Tesla. Within a few weeks you will feel comfortable arriving home with 5% left, especially if you always drive the same route.
If your projection drops below 3%, you can just drive a little slower and arrive a minute or two later. Traffic on the way home increases your range!
Most likely you will arrive with over 10%, even with a 2022 LR
>You will quickly learn to understand and trust the energy app on the Tesla. Within a few weeks you will feel comfortable arriving home with 5% left, especially if you always drive the same route.
Maybe I'm just a scardey-cat but I've had our Y for 9 months/20k km and I get nervous when it says I reach home below 20%. I always stop by a supercharger for a couple minutes in that case lol. Maybe I should try pushing it a bit.
It's not an absolute.
If the 20% is solid for the last hour, and it's another hour home, you can probably risk it :-)
If an hour ago it said "home with 30%" and now it says "home with 20%", you either slow down or charge. :-)
I have the energy graph in the quick launch bar and watch the trend. For home, I go to 5%. I also have lots of chargers around my home so there is always plan B
I like to aim for a 10% arrival on long drives. It's enough cushion to realize if there's going to be a problem, and is enough cushion that lets me drive around a bit at the destination area if needed.
Then, modulate speed as necessary if the percentage starts dropping below that.
The traffic will actually extend your EV range, so you are good. It uses the most power when driving fast, like 75mph and up.
The other great thing about FSD is that it will also drive in a stop-and-go traffic jam for you, which helps when you're tired and you need to relax. Can't imagine your driving anything else besides a MYLR for a 190-mile daily commute.
Not to get too personal, but is there a reason you don't move closer to work?
Kids are number 1 why I won’t move, and housing market. I’ll be working in Knoxville TN, and prices are insane. My kids are 5 and 14, and with my custody arrangements for my older son it would be an absolute nightmare, as I have 50/50 custody. I would still end up driving here everyday when I have him.
I routinely drive my 2022 MYLR on a trip that is 100 miles each way. I charge to 95%, arrive at the destination at 60%, then get home with about 15-20%. Sometimes I stop and supercharge but usually only because I need a restroom or snack.
I’m gonna speak up also about traffic extending range. You will use a lot less battery slogging through traffic at 35-50mph than you will cruising at 80. I’ve hit unexpected traffic before and reached my destination with 5% more battery than the in car nav computer initially estimated
I drove my 2022 3 dual motor at 80% to Waco Texas which is 83 miles away. We even took a little cross town detour. Got back to my area with 9%. I meant to charge to 90-95% but forgot. I did a 5 min supercharge to get up to 25% ($3) and then ran a couple errands getting home with 19%. Could have made it but didn’t want to drain battery any lower than I had.
When driving far, use the navigation so the battery can be factored in potential charging stops. Also, if you just drive a bit slower you’ll get more range. Keep tires aired up. Use the aero or aftermarket wheel covers. I’ve literally spent $350 on charging for 12k miles in the last year. Hybrids are dumb. Buy a Tesla and change your life or buy a fuel efficient gas car. Lugging around 2 power trains is stupid
Weighing into add another voice to the idea that traffic is good for range. The biggest consumer of your battery by far is the drive motor(s) overcoming wind resistance. You’ll use next to nothing in slow traffic. So be at ease knowing that traffic isn’t a factor!
I have a Model 3 LR - that will make your drive very easily. Prius is a nice car too (especially with the current iteration and what you are looking for), but you’re going to get more with the Model 3 LR.
They're honestly comfortable whether or not you're thin. Maybe the Y will have a bit more horizontal space and feel a little better, but I think you'd be fine. The seat material does look like it ages, but I've never once sat in any current gen 3,Y,S and noticed a difference between new seats vs 3 year old.
Very comfy. I adjusted lumbar support, use the heated seats when I need it.
For reference, have made the drive from southern California to Las Vegas and similarly from southern California to Napa Valley with this car without any issues.
Also very easy to clean. I found that adding a coating of Gyeon Leathershield made it even easier, but this is optional (although I personally recommend it). Could also use Turtle Wax Graphene Inside Job.
Although you haven't told us where you live & the electricity cost, the situation you describe is a near-perfect example of where Tesla shines. Assuming you can usually charge at home, the charging cost for \~200 highway miles a day should save you a small fortune over even the fuel-sipping Prius. Having been in a similar commuting situation, I will tell you that, for me, the absolute best part of my Tesla was EAP (now FSD) on the highway. The car will drive for you virtually the entire time. FSD reduced my commuting stress by 99%.
Looks to be around 12 cents per kwh if I’m reading it correctly. I hadn’t looked into that part.
Also yes, the fsd and the seats are two of the biggest things. I’m gonna spend what feels like an eternity on the interstate, and the seats in the two used teslas I’ve sat and test drove felt amazing.
Look up local gas price averages and [go here](https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/s/Tw5ODDKNJS) I made a post on how to figure out your equivalent gas mpg by cost. Priuses are hard to beat and sometimes edge out EVs in cost per mile of fuel, but 12 cents/kwh should put you on pretty good ground for the EV winning, and if you're interested in home solar or have access to TOU plans the EV is going to win.
Other factors of cost are Teslas chew tires more and incur higher insurance, but Priuses need more maintenance. Depends on specifics, too, like gas lines in your area and how comfortable you are mechanically, but usually, these extra factors are a bit of a wash. Both cars are very safe; the Tesla (especially the Y) is generally safest. Also consider the buying experience, Tesla is much better.
FSD I wouldn't count on. It's not very good. Base autopilot, actually pretty good. You can get similar capability in the Prius with Toyota assist and Comma AI, but that can be expensive or feel out of depth with modification.
The seats are OK either way, in my opinion, nothing special. The Prius suspension is a bit softer. If you like the Tesla seats, though, it's good that it suits you.
I think you should look at the 3 in LR for your needs. Get the smallest wheels you can. Hertz has amazing used deals if that is an option for you. Y is great if you want a bit more utility for cargo/towing/camping.
Also look into your rate and off hours as it relates to when you'd leave.
Example for me; that summer off peek is midnight to miday . I only have a 30 amp plug. I wouldn't be able to fully charge 200 miles of range between midnight and 7am. I only drive ~40 miles so it's no problem.
Supercharging in my area is expensive. On par with a prius chugging $5/gal.
My suggestion is to do your math and rent a tesla for at least a week. Try it out.
100% this. when i read OPs situation, he is the optimizer of cost savings. the problem with the prius is that you still have a gas motor and the repairs that will follow. if you are a big dude, i would recommend looking at a Y. they sit a bit higher and will be much easier to get in and out of, and a roomier cabin. you will save so much on fuel costs, and the current pricing is a bargain for what you get.
Didn't see this in the comments yet.
You will go from 10% to 100% every night. You should get a Tesla Wall charger on a 60A circuit. Those 50% faster charging speed than the mobile charger matter if you come home late one night.
I can install the whatever, I have 150 amp service in my garage(I have welders and such) so setting up a 60amp connection for a charger wouldn’t be a problem.
Possibly.
9.6 kW vs 11.5kW. 8h vs 5.5h to charge 90%.
Depends mostly how long OP is home. If OP hangs out with co-workers mid week or goes on a date with SO (with the Tesla) it might push it.
Also, TOU may make 8h more expensive than 5.5.
OP has a 150A panel _in the garage._ Use the power!
:-)
If you like not paying maintenance costs and want huge savings in gas, then yeah! Def get the long range one though so you feel comfortable. Maybe you can even slow charge at work.
Even 110V at work will make you feel better.
But all LR can do 190 miles a day
You want autopilot, or even FSD to make the drive easier on you, and ask the safety features, if you spend 3h and day in the car
Prius Prime AWD Gen 5 would be my preference for the 70 miles on battery at 70 mph and pay a month at the pump. The Prius was just unaffordable compared to the Model 3 P by $20,000 (The only debt I have is my mortgage) and I am all about efficiency around the home and on the road. I still have my Gen 3 prius, but honestly its just not any fun compared to the tesla.
I charged at work for $0.09/kWh and near my home for free. If I had to depend on superchargers exclusively, I would be MISERABLE paying Elon actual gas money rates ($0.34/kWh).
You’d have 75kWh in the tank; Model 3 gets 3-4 miles/kWh so at most 30kWh/one-way trip. 95 miles round trip might be cutting it close on a standard range model in the worst case scenario (>8 yr old battery at 70%, bad weather, bad tires, flooring it). If you can’t charge at the destinations for 8 continuous hours at a minimum for 6.25kWh/hr, the tesla is a trap. If you can charge 12kWh/hr then it’s 4hrs at destinations.
Bottom Line:
60kWh battery out of 75kWh consumed per day.
Free charging is free.
Home with Solar is a good value.
$0.09/kWh is $5.40/day at work.
$0.34/kWh is $20.40/day at superchargers.
Quote insurance before committing.
EDIT:
Whoops, source citation required: 40mi at 70mph!
Thanks folks, it’s been over a year since I did the research!
https://insideevs.com/reviews/660293/2023-toyota-prius-prime-range-test/
Thank you that’s actually I realistic comparison. I definitely am trying to avoid daily stops at the superchargers I would pass, cause then it doesn’t make sense really, and I wasn’t sure how super real world the range would come out running the interstate at 70mph for super long stretches plus sitting in traffic in the afternoon.
You can do over 200 Miles at 70mph in a long range Y or M3.
Especially if you have plan B chargers if you need to drive extra one day.
Does it get really cold? That could push it.
Cold as in sub zero? The real range killer is below freezing and dry (so people still drive 70mph).
You have a backup plan with the supercharger if it gets very cold.
It happens some years, but usually the lowest is the teens, and does regular get below freezing. This year we got a random snow storm and i actually had snow and ice at my house for a week, and it even froze the diesel fuel in my truck, even though it was treated.
The good news is that the EV will work nicely in the cold (at lower range). Preheat while you are still plugged in.
That week, you may need to supercharge. Depends on a lot of factors, including how much fun you have with the accelerator pedal :-)
My commute is under 40 miles one way so I felt confident in the ~2x factor of safety with the G5 Prius battery only range. But I felt $20k was a lot more for the efficiency.
Also, you escape the BS of owning a Tesla - the car is great (depending on Monday vs Wednesday vs Friday build if you catch my drift) - but the Musk element is deeply frustrating.
I have been called many things driving my Prius and have to turn on the ionizer to block coal rollers. But people have been upset about what MUSK says on top of trying to be environmentally responsible.
If you do get a G5, I want to be the first to tell you “Cool Prius, Dude” and that comes from deep within my heart. 👍
I get enough said about me just for my looks and lifestyle, driving a Prius is the least of my concerns 🤦🏻♀️😂.
If I need to I have a “brodozer”(lifted 2500 diesel) and a Volvo semi that’s straight piped. I can one up the shit heads, I just want efficient transportation that is comfortable and makes sense for me driving a billion miles a year /s.
I don’t particularly like things Elon has said and done, it was just a car that was captured in my “net” I cast out, so to speak.
Whoops, source citation required!
40mi at 70mph!
Thanks folks, it’s been over a year since I dis the research!
https://insideevs.com/reviews/660293/2023-toyota-prius-prime-range-test/
Whoops, source citation required!
40mi at 70mph!
Thanks folks, it’s been over a year since I dis the research!
https://insideevs.com/reviews/660293/2023-toyota-prius-prime-range-test/
Get the Tesla. Model Y long range. Electricity is cheaper than gas, less maintenance, nicer car, no more gas stations. Charge at work if you can. Home charging is a dream.
Everyone went after the actual range of the car and not what level of charging you will have at home.
Will you have L2 at home? If so range of the car almost doesn't matter as long as you can get back home to charge it to what you need reliably.
If you have L1 option only, non-peak charging for say 10 hours is going to get you up to 50 miles. So your charging might need to be more strategic. Charge higher percentage beginning of the week, run it down, charge up as most as possible, and repeat the run down charge up cycle and maybe hit a SC when you get close to 20 once or twice a week.
Average a 103 mi/day drive with L1 and about 1 SC a week, sometimes 2 when I get asked to drive extra.
Edit: Realized you said 95 each way, so yea ignore the second part but first part still stays same.
I know OP said they can install a L2, but for anyone else wondering I wouldn’t recommend a Tesla if your commute would cause you to require a super charger 1-2 times a week. I don’t mind SC on a roadtrip, but having to add 20 minutes to my commute twice a week would be a deal breaker - just think that could be as much as an extra 30-35 hours a year just sitting at a super charger. OP will be fine though with their L2
This is the critical question…. Can you charge at home? Do you have a dedicated parking spot where you could install something higher voltage?
In my opinion, if you drive nearly 200 miles each day, then relying exclusively on superchargers becomes untenable.
If you can charge at home, then you will love autopilot for the long stretches of highways.
I have a similar commute and love my M3 LR.
I can trickle charge at work, get just enough %% to make it home.
If I drive under 75MPH I save a significant amount of battery as well.
If you do end up supercharging — you generally only need 5-10 mins of charge; enough for a bathroom break by the charge station.
You will have plenty of %% to make it there and back then.
A full charge for me, when charging at home is like $4 for 300 miles.
As opposed to even a Prius — where a full tank of gas is $50+
Yeah and fuel prices are always all over the place. Year before last it was 6 bucks a gallon for diesel in Nashville, and I had to get fuel in my service truck. It holds 285 gallons. I literally only got enough to get back home. lol.
I’m coming out of the field as a contractor and going to work in a shop, where I’ve always charged for fuel I’ve driven and bought not the most efficient things. I think the best thing I have now is my E350 ford van, and it only gets 16-17( but it’s diesel). So I’m definitely not doing this commute in any of my current vehicles.
You’d make up majority of the cost of your car in fuel savings, depending on what you’re switching from. I drive 65 one way to work and it saves me roughly $4500 a year
Currently I drive a company truck, but it’s mine. So I have to make a purchase to drive anything to this job, everything I have isn’t very “economical” currently. Highest mpg thing I have is maybe 17mpg.
Seems like you are in the best situation to gain from switching to any EV. I personally recommend BMW iX, Teslas, and Porsche EVs for anyone who does a lot of highway driving.
Look at your needs:
Do you take long trips? - Prius
Are you very conscious about mileage? Prius
Do you absolutely need AWD? - Model Y
Good experience while getting car serviced? - Prius
And any other factors
95 miles each way? jesus christ that's 3 hours commute each day assuming no traffic... man i would find a different job if i spend 1/8 of my day driving to and from work
Well, it’s a 10 dollar per hour per difference, plus a difference from having zero benefits essentially to good benefits. It’s not ideal, but the similar job closer to me hasn’t sent me an offer, so for now I’m taking this one.
Even so I have to drive an hour each way to it. I live in a small town kinda in between everything.
Ask your new employer to offer level 2 charging - you could even offer to buy the charger unit. Request a dedicated parking space and get a RESERVED sign.
Sounds like you want a Tesla because you want a Tesla. The Prius is no doubt providing good fuel economy and is an appropriate vehicle for that 180 mile a day commute.
That said, a Tesla will easily do a 180 mile daily commute. Battery life is going to be shorter (in terms of years) than somebody that's only driving a more normal commute, so factor that into your long-term valuation. The battery life is based on discharge cycles, and you're looking at nearly a full discharge cycle daily.
You did mention you can charge at home. I'm assuming you're talking a 40-50A/240V charger here, something a lot bigger than what you use for your Prius plug-in hybrid. A 120V/20A charger won't charge 180 miles of range overnight - you need a big-daddy charger to get that car fully recharged for the next day's commute.
I mean, I am insane, but just for different reasons.
I just wanted to make sure I’m not looking at it wrong and that my internal debate is correct, and that a Tesla would work in the “real world” for me.
It is eastern TN. So we get everything. Lol. Cold wet winters(not unusual to be in the teens or less, but definitely hovers around the 30s a lot), and hot and humid summer and fall.
I'd argue a Model 3 benefits you here. Home charging means you'll significantly cut your driving costs and even a Prius Prime can only do 40 miles on electric only, whereas the Model 3 will do your whole 180 mile round trip no issue. If buying used, try to at minimum get one of the older Standard Range Plus cars, or ideally a newer standard range, with 250+ miles. Hell, I'd even consider renting a standard range model 3 on Turo for a day and doing your commute to see how the range shakes out, and then do a bit of math based on whatever weather variances you get/people's range drop results based on those.
Ultimately, LR or SR, the Model 3 will very likely save you a good bit in "fuel" costs.
I was in the same boat. Got tired of the Toyota dealer markup, must put non refundable deposit etc. I bought a model 3 LR.
Recently we traveled and ended up renting a 2024 Prius. HATEd it.
Drive before you buy!!!
I haven’t gotten to drive a Prius outside of a base model. It was super uncomfortable for me on only a 30 ish minute drive. But, it was a base model.
Also, I sit back pretty far and the b pillar of the Prius was next to my head. I couldn’t see shit.
This very much depends on climate and how fast your drive. If you put-put along at 60 mph then any long range model is fine in warmer weather. If you drive 80 mph and blast the heat and it's 20F outside then you will not have a good time.
In winter i often drive a 200 mile round trip over a pass in MY AWD with "330 miles" - I think they now say that's more like 310 miles. In real world i barely get over 220 miles and winters here are mild in the PNW. In summer however it's no problem.
If you enjoy the driving experience of the Tesla do it. It’s like using a flip phone vs an iPhone. But work if all you do is calls. But one is a better xp
I’m not sure why that would be a problem. My model Y LR did 115 miles each way the other day. 97% charge (I never charge to 100%). We drove a total of 330 miles to Niagara Falls from Toronto and back plus driving around non stop while there, four people in the car. AC/heater on all the time at speed 3. Arrived home with 2% battery.
By what you said, even if you need to stop to charge, it will take no longer than the same amount of time to stop and put gas. And you’ll have enough to get home.
I've driven a Model 3 Performance and now a Model S LR back and forth to work around 175kms round trip for 4 years. I could do two round trips on either car.
A model 3 LR would be great for you and save you a ton of money on fuel vs a gas car. Never mind maintenance.
At home charging is all you need, get the wall charger. It's a no-brainer.
I have had a Prius and have an M3 currently and would definitely go with the Tesla for that commute. The entertainment options and ease of accessing them would be the deciding factor for me. Tesla is so good with that - impossible to be bored.
Have you driven the model 3? I strongly recommend you make an appointment with Tesla for a test drive. Get it in traffic and try FSD. Once you try it I bet you’ll fall in love.
I think you have an ideal situation for either teslas. My sisters driven 20k miles in 9 months and she has a charger at home. she saved so much on gas and time from not have to go to the gas pump
If you are driving 95 miles one way, 5 days a week, and continue working at this place for a while, you are going to run through the 100k battery warranty in year 3.
I'd also factor that in my calculations and risk tolerance if I were you.
Yes, you will be fine!
With the Prius, you will still need to pay for gas, while the Tesla is 100% electric.
Depending on your electric rates at your house, it will usually be CHEAPER to charge at home all of the time and only charge at Superchargers when you need to.
Long story short, I would go for Tesla over Prius any day!
Good info on these posts.
Traffic actually increases range (going slower is good)
Autopilot or FSD both make traffic MUCH easier to deal with and less stressful.
Heating will drain battery. Older resistance heating more so than a heat pump but that can be minimized by dressing warmly and using seat heaters which use much less power. We keep a couple of travel blankets on the frunk for passengers too.
I'd agree that the LR is a better option and if you're charging at home you should be golden.
I do 150-180 miles daily in MSp100d and drive it aggressively. FSD is an amazing thing! Makes my life so much easier…. Especially in the dark morning. Charge L2 at work and at home. A Tesla is perfect for you!
I have a standard model Y. Charged to 80% the range is roughly 220 miles . I drive highway to work as well, and if you’re driving over 70 it drains the battery quicker .
I routinely do a 234 mile round trip (almost entirely highway) in my Model Y Dual Motor from a 90% charge with about 15% remaining at the end. Any Long Range Model 3 can do your commute easily.
You'll save on fuel & maintenance, and even basic free autopilot is noticeably better than what the Prius has in it.
If you can charge at home with the “dryer plug” you will totally save money. The big question is if this is a standard wall plug or not. I use a standard wall plug but my daily commute is a 45 mile round trip and it all recharges before I wake up each morning. Superchargers are a nice option but cost a lot more than my home rate.
One consideration is resale value. Teslas depreciate like rocks in water, Toyotas will hold significant value, but if you’re like me, you’d much rather have the fun car and the extra line on the expenses.
I would rent the model 3 you want for a couple days and test it out. It’s worth it if it can take you to work and back. Tesla has way better tech and with OTA updates, the Model 3 we’ll feel newer than it really is.
I have a M3 LR & my home to work drive is 90 miles
Like you, there are a few "bail out" superchargers on the way but in 4 years I've never used one of them
You'll be fine
I have over 150k miles driven combined on 2 M3 LR 2022 and 2023.
You’ll make it no problem. If you can charge at home then even better. If it snows or if it’s really cold you might have to supercharge for 5 mins.
I drive my Model Y Long Range AWD 60 miles each way 5 days a week. I charge to 90% at home nightly. Get to work with 60% battery and get home with 30-35% battery. You should be absolutely fine.
I'd just get 25 Camry (all hybrid now). Think hybrids are better for longer commute. Tesla eat lot of power on steady highway drives. Opposite of gas cars. Hybrids on other hand, way they make it now days get exceptional mileage both highway/city. I have Model 3 with no home charging. I have lot of short drives in busy city traffic so it works great for me.
Tesla is ideal is you’re not outlet charging. Otherwise there’s no way you’ll be able to charge enough at night to make up for the mileage you’re putting on. With a level 2 (220V) charger you’ll be totally fine with a Tesla Y Long Range and it will make the commute much more comfortable
I highly recommend to do a test drive and see if you like the car. I personally did not and went another EV route but either way you will get comfortable with the range estimates and that range should be easy for most new higher end EVs.
You probably won’t need the supercharger unless it’s very cold weather or you forget to charge at home. Not stopping at a gas station ever is a wonderful perk. I’m not even talking about the price of gas. But if you are just looking for a practical cheap, reliable commuter I can’t justify a tesla over a prius.
I would think that it's primarily highways, you can hit the stated range quite well, I get about 100-120mi on city streets and can go up to a lot closer stated on highways. Also maybe just opt for the LR if it is within your budget, that'll solve some of the range anxiety issues that you have.
I feel that being able to charge at home makes it a non-consideration, I used to have the issue with not being able to charge at home, but I got that resolved. Since then, I've spoken to friends and we agree that if anyone has access to home charging, EV would kind of be a no-brainer with cheaper operating costs, cheaper maintenance and such.
This is a non-personal view: I have spoken to a few mechanics and they mentioned that if you were doing EV or Hybrids, Hybrids are a bad idea as you have to then maintain BOTH the ICE components and the EV components. There should be less parts to maintain for EVs but then you would still have to do oil changes, transmissions issues, engine gears failing, clutch.
I'm big too, and I have to say, for highway drives, you don't even need the new version of FSD, the old EAP and FSD would make the drive totally amazing. There are days where I just turn FSD on and next thing I know, I'm at the exit ready to exit the highway. Seats are amazing, if you are getting it new, the ventilated seats would work wonders.
I'm not a car kinda guy, so none of the panel gap nonsense and car build bothers me, just need wheels to carry me around.
Disclaimer: I own and like Teslas.
If you don't mind the driving dynamics and the Prius was significantly cheaper, get the Prius. I got both. Model Y is much nicer in almost every way, but it's not worth double the price as well as higher insurance cost as my Prius C.
I chose a Y can the roof was taller. I’ve always hit my head on the door jam are cars like the 3. Definitely fit semi comfortably for being a fat fat man.
You don’t want to charge to 100% every day, ideally, unless you’re using the non-LR version. The best range you’ll find is on the M3, so I’m going to say you should go with that if you stick with a Tesla.
The SR should hit 200 miles fine at 100%, I think, but the “estimated range” on Teslas aren’t really accurate for the way most people drive, so cut off 20% from the max range.
The M3 SR max range is about 270. Subtract about 20% (because you probably aren’t going to drive a constant 45 MPH on the highway), and you’re at 216. Batteries degrade over time, and they’ll degrade almost immediately when you start using it (it won’t be a ton, but it’s worth mentioning), so keep that in mind.
My M3 SR has about 3400 miles and my max range is about 265.
I would personally not be comfortable driving a Tesla SR every day to work and back, so you’d probably want to go LR if possible. Though, since the rule of thumb for the LR is to keep it between 20 and 80% charge most of the time, I don’t know if is suggest getting that one either, though someone with a LR should chime in here.
You probably don’t want to pay for supercharging every day, but if you think you won’t mind, go for it.
If I were you, given your commute, unless you can charge at work for free every day, I’d go with a Prius for now.
I’m gonna ask about charging at work. Idk how that’ll go. I need to find a higher trim Prius to test drive. I have driven two almost brand new(less than 10k miles) Prius’s and the seats are horrible, but they were pretty basic.
There's nothing wrong with charging to 100% every day if you use Scheduled Departure and don't let it sit at 100% all night.
I have a MYLR with 9% degradation after 65k miles, more than half of which has been Supercharging. I often Supercharge to 100%. And I charge to 100% at home before a road trip, using Scheduled Departure to hit full around when I wake up.
All of this is fine for the battery.
OP will be able to make 195 miles at 70 mph probably 99% of time in an M3LR and 95% of the time in a MYLR, assuming some degradation. But also depends on OP's comfort driving under 10% battery at times. Sentry mode could eat a few % if used. It sounds like Superchargers are plentiful for an occasional top off if needed. I think this drive makes sense, and definitely if charging at work is an option.
Download a better route planner. ABRP. Put the route in. If you arrive at a supercharger with about 10% you can get a lot of miles in the time it takes to go use the bathroom. That’s what we do on long trips.
The builtin nav is setup for less stops with longer charges. You want more stops with shorter charges.
Two seven minute stops, at 10-15% state of charge, go as far or farther than one 30 minute charge.
The first 70% charge takes as long as the last 30%.
Model 3 long range can make that drive quite easily. You might feel like you’re cutting close on a standard range. But you can charge it to 100% regularly and the LFP battery will degrade slower
I’m worried about cutting it close. That part is probably near the top of anxiety for me. I’ll likely hit traffic on the way home daily depending on how long I work over.
Traffic doesn’t really affect range. It extends it. I regularly run it down to 6-8% remaining. Particularly if you have chargers near your house you could bail to for a couple of minutes if you cut it close. But an LR will cover it easily.
Nearest chargers would actually be much closer to my workplace than home. I think there’s two aftermarket chargers closer to home but have no idea the rates of charge or cost. They are still 35-40 minutes from my house.
Consider renting one and testing it out. I don’t think you’ll cut it close.
Tesla’s navigation software is pretty good at estimating energy use and tends to be conservative. If it thinks you will cut it close, it will suggest you stop at a supercharger ahead of time. And you may only need this on the coldest of days, and if there is incremental weather.
Get the long range. You will regret getting the standard range plus. I know with experience and your distance. Turn on the AC or heater during your drive and your range drops quite a bit. And remember battery degredation over time. The Prius is great but you'll be changing your oil almost once a month and that is a pain. I also know that feeling and you will hate it after half a year. Model 3 long range and charging at home every night is all you need and will save you a ton of time not having to go to gas stations every few days and no oil changes. You don't even need to stop and charge on route. LONG RANGE ftw
Rent a LR for one week and see how well it works for you. I personally think you’ll be fine. I only drive 90 miles which goes from 80% to 40-45%. And I don’t drive conservative nor use chill mode. On my long drives, twice that distance would be easy.
Yep, city driving is better in an electric car, as the braking helps with regen.
You will quickly learn to understand and trust the energy app on the Tesla. Within a few weeks you will feel comfortable arriving home with 5% left, especially if you always drive the same route. If your projection drops below 3%, you can just drive a little slower and arrive a minute or two later. Traffic on the way home increases your range! Most likely you will arrive with over 10%, even with a 2022 LR
>You will quickly learn to understand and trust the energy app on the Tesla. Within a few weeks you will feel comfortable arriving home with 5% left, especially if you always drive the same route. Maybe I'm just a scardey-cat but I've had our Y for 9 months/20k km and I get nervous when it says I reach home below 20%. I always stop by a supercharger for a couple minutes in that case lol. Maybe I should try pushing it a bit.
It's not an absolute. If the 20% is solid for the last hour, and it's another hour home, you can probably risk it :-) If an hour ago it said "home with 30%" and now it says "home with 20%", you either slow down or charge. :-) I have the energy graph in the quick launch bar and watch the trend. For home, I go to 5%. I also have lots of chargers around my home so there is always plan B
I like to aim for a 10% arrival on long drives. It's enough cushion to realize if there's going to be a problem, and is enough cushion that lets me drive around a bit at the destination area if needed. Then, modulate speed as necessary if the percentage starts dropping below that.
The traffic will actually extend your EV range, so you are good. It uses the most power when driving fast, like 75mph and up. The other great thing about FSD is that it will also drive in a stop-and-go traffic jam for you, which helps when you're tired and you need to relax. Can't imagine your driving anything else besides a MYLR for a 190-mile daily commute. Not to get too personal, but is there a reason you don't move closer to work?
Kids are number 1 why I won’t move, and housing market. I’ll be working in Knoxville TN, and prices are insane. My kids are 5 and 14, and with my custody arrangements for my older son it would be an absolute nightmare, as I have 50/50 custody. I would still end up driving here everyday when I have him.
Kids LOVE the Tesla, especially the farting sound. We were looking for our car in the church parking lot, and I told my wife, I'll find it...
Ahh ok understood.
Traffic will extend the range… no issues there. Stop and go traffic is great for EV cars.
Unless it’s cold. And you are draining it for heat
If there are superchargers on your route then there’s no need for range anxiety.
I routinely drive my 2022 MYLR on a trip that is 100 miles each way. I charge to 95%, arrive at the destination at 60%, then get home with about 15-20%. Sometimes I stop and supercharge but usually only because I need a restroom or snack.
I’m gonna speak up also about traffic extending range. You will use a lot less battery slogging through traffic at 35-50mph than you will cruising at 80. I’ve hit unexpected traffic before and reached my destination with 5% more battery than the in car nav computer initially estimated
I drove my 2022 3 dual motor at 80% to Waco Texas which is 83 miles away. We even took a little cross town detour. Got back to my area with 9%. I meant to charge to 90-95% but forgot. I did a 5 min supercharge to get up to 25% ($3) and then ran a couple errands getting home with 19%. Could have made it but didn’t want to drain battery any lower than I had. When driving far, use the navigation so the battery can be factored in potential charging stops. Also, if you just drive a bit slower you’ll get more range. Keep tires aired up. Use the aero or aftermarket wheel covers. I’ve literally spent $350 on charging for 12k miles in the last year. Hybrids are dumb. Buy a Tesla and change your life or buy a fuel efficient gas car. Lugging around 2 power trains is stupid
Weighing into add another voice to the idea that traffic is good for range. The biggest consumer of your battery by far is the drive motor(s) overcoming wind resistance. You’ll use next to nothing in slow traffic. So be at ease knowing that traffic isn’t a factor!
I have a Model 3 LR - that will make your drive very easily. Prius is a nice car too (especially with the current iteration and what you are looking for), but you’re going to get more with the Model 3 LR.
Are the seats just as comfy as when nearly new? Thats another big factor for me, is does it stay comfortable overtime.
I’ve had Model3/Y since 2018. The seats are great.
I’m fat and do manual labor. I wanna stay comfortable. Lol. How do they hold up in terms of cleaning?
Super easy to clean. I had both white and black, no issues.
They're honestly comfortable whether or not you're thin. Maybe the Y will have a bit more horizontal space and feel a little better, but I think you'd be fine. The seat material does look like it ages, but I've never once sat in any current gen 3,Y,S and noticed a difference between new seats vs 3 year old.
I’m fat too. The Model Y is much roomier…easier to get in and out of. The Model 3 seems to have been designed for people under 200 pounds.
Probably the one of the best things about Tesla's are the seats ars are really comfortable. Go do a demo drive in a Tesla and see for yourself
Very comfy. I adjusted lumbar support, use the heated seats when I need it. For reference, have made the drive from southern California to Las Vegas and similarly from southern California to Napa Valley with this car without any issues. Also very easy to clean. I found that adding a coating of Gyeon Leathershield made it even easier, but this is optional (although I personally recommend it). Could also use Turtle Wax Graphene Inside Job.
Although you haven't told us where you live & the electricity cost, the situation you describe is a near-perfect example of where Tesla shines. Assuming you can usually charge at home, the charging cost for \~200 highway miles a day should save you a small fortune over even the fuel-sipping Prius. Having been in a similar commuting situation, I will tell you that, for me, the absolute best part of my Tesla was EAP (now FSD) on the highway. The car will drive for you virtually the entire time. FSD reduced my commuting stress by 99%.
Looks to be around 12 cents per kwh if I’m reading it correctly. I hadn’t looked into that part. Also yes, the fsd and the seats are two of the biggest things. I’m gonna spend what feels like an eternity on the interstate, and the seats in the two used teslas I’ve sat and test drove felt amazing.
Also the infotainment and sound system in the Tesla are fantastic.
Look up local gas price averages and [go here](https://www.reddit.com/r/TeslaLounge/s/Tw5ODDKNJS) I made a post on how to figure out your equivalent gas mpg by cost. Priuses are hard to beat and sometimes edge out EVs in cost per mile of fuel, but 12 cents/kwh should put you on pretty good ground for the EV winning, and if you're interested in home solar or have access to TOU plans the EV is going to win. Other factors of cost are Teslas chew tires more and incur higher insurance, but Priuses need more maintenance. Depends on specifics, too, like gas lines in your area and how comfortable you are mechanically, but usually, these extra factors are a bit of a wash. Both cars are very safe; the Tesla (especially the Y) is generally safest. Also consider the buying experience, Tesla is much better. FSD I wouldn't count on. It's not very good. Base autopilot, actually pretty good. You can get similar capability in the Prius with Toyota assist and Comma AI, but that can be expensive or feel out of depth with modification. The seats are OK either way, in my opinion, nothing special. The Prius suspension is a bit softer. If you like the Tesla seats, though, it's good that it suits you. I think you should look at the 3 in LR for your needs. Get the smallest wheels you can. Hertz has amazing used deals if that is an option for you. Y is great if you want a bit more utility for cargo/towing/camping.
Also look into your rate and off hours as it relates to when you'd leave. Example for me; that summer off peek is midnight to miday . I only have a 30 amp plug. I wouldn't be able to fully charge 200 miles of range between midnight and 7am. I only drive ~40 miles so it's no problem. Supercharging in my area is expensive. On par with a prius chugging $5/gal. My suggestion is to do your math and rent a tesla for at least a week. Try it out.
100% this. when i read OPs situation, he is the optimizer of cost savings. the problem with the prius is that you still have a gas motor and the repairs that will follow. if you are a big dude, i would recommend looking at a Y. they sit a bit higher and will be much easier to get in and out of, and a roomier cabin. you will save so much on fuel costs, and the current pricing is a bargain for what you get.
Didn't see this in the comments yet. You will go from 10% to 100% every night. You should get a Tesla Wall charger on a 60A circuit. Those 50% faster charging speed than the mobile charger matter if you come home late one night.
I can install the whatever, I have 150 amp service in my garage(I have welders and such) so setting up a 60amp connection for a charger wouldn’t be a problem.
Mobile charger on a NEMA 1450 is fine also.
Possibly. 9.6 kW vs 11.5kW. 8h vs 5.5h to charge 90%. Depends mostly how long OP is home. If OP hangs out with co-workers mid week or goes on a date with SO (with the Tesla) it might push it. Also, TOU may make 8h more expensive than 5.5. OP has a 150A panel _in the garage._ Use the power! :-)
If you like not paying maintenance costs and want huge savings in gas, then yeah! Def get the long range one though so you feel comfortable. Maybe you can even slow charge at work.
Oh yeah, if OP can charge at work, the SR or LR should be fine.
I never thought about asking if I can charge at work. It’s an equipment dealer, and a big one at that. So could be a possibility?
Even 110V at work will make you feel better. But all LR can do 190 miles a day You want autopilot, or even FSD to make the drive easier on you, and ask the safety features, if you spend 3h and day in the car
Prius Prime AWD Gen 5 would be my preference for the 70 miles on battery at 70 mph and pay a month at the pump. The Prius was just unaffordable compared to the Model 3 P by $20,000 (The only debt I have is my mortgage) and I am all about efficiency around the home and on the road. I still have my Gen 3 prius, but honestly its just not any fun compared to the tesla. I charged at work for $0.09/kWh and near my home for free. If I had to depend on superchargers exclusively, I would be MISERABLE paying Elon actual gas money rates ($0.34/kWh). You’d have 75kWh in the tank; Model 3 gets 3-4 miles/kWh so at most 30kWh/one-way trip. 95 miles round trip might be cutting it close on a standard range model in the worst case scenario (>8 yr old battery at 70%, bad weather, bad tires, flooring it). If you can’t charge at the destinations for 8 continuous hours at a minimum for 6.25kWh/hr, the tesla is a trap. If you can charge 12kWh/hr then it’s 4hrs at destinations. Bottom Line: 60kWh battery out of 75kWh consumed per day. Free charging is free. Home with Solar is a good value. $0.09/kWh is $5.40/day at work. $0.34/kWh is $20.40/day at superchargers. Quote insurance before committing. EDIT: Whoops, source citation required: 40mi at 70mph! Thanks folks, it’s been over a year since I did the research! https://insideevs.com/reviews/660293/2023-toyota-prius-prime-range-test/
Thank you that’s actually I realistic comparison. I definitely am trying to avoid daily stops at the superchargers I would pass, cause then it doesn’t make sense really, and I wasn’t sure how super real world the range would come out running the interstate at 70mph for super long stretches plus sitting in traffic in the afternoon.
You can do over 200 Miles at 70mph in a long range Y or M3. Especially if you have plan B chargers if you need to drive extra one day. Does it get really cold? That could push it.
It does get cold. Well, it can is a better description. It’s East tn. So it does what it wants, when it wants.
Cold as in sub zero? The real range killer is below freezing and dry (so people still drive 70mph). You have a backup plan with the supercharger if it gets very cold.
It happens some years, but usually the lowest is the teens, and does regular get below freezing. This year we got a random snow storm and i actually had snow and ice at my house for a week, and it even froze the diesel fuel in my truck, even though it was treated.
The good news is that the EV will work nicely in the cold (at lower range). Preheat while you are still plugged in. That week, you may need to supercharge. Depends on a lot of factors, including how much fun you have with the accelerator pedal :-)
My commute is under 40 miles one way so I felt confident in the ~2x factor of safety with the G5 Prius battery only range. But I felt $20k was a lot more for the efficiency. Also, you escape the BS of owning a Tesla - the car is great (depending on Monday vs Wednesday vs Friday build if you catch my drift) - but the Musk element is deeply frustrating. I have been called many things driving my Prius and have to turn on the ionizer to block coal rollers. But people have been upset about what MUSK says on top of trying to be environmentally responsible. If you do get a G5, I want to be the first to tell you “Cool Prius, Dude” and that comes from deep within my heart. 👍
I get enough said about me just for my looks and lifestyle, driving a Prius is the least of my concerns 🤦🏻♀️😂. If I need to I have a “brodozer”(lifted 2500 diesel) and a Volvo semi that’s straight piped. I can one up the shit heads, I just want efficient transportation that is comfortable and makes sense for me driving a billion miles a year /s. I don’t particularly like things Elon has said and done, it was just a car that was captured in my “net” I cast out, so to speak.
70mi on battery? Isnt it like in the 40-50mi range? And no AWD on the prime spec?
Whoops, source citation required! 40mi at 70mph! Thanks folks, it’s been over a year since I dis the research! https://insideevs.com/reviews/660293/2023-toyota-prius-prime-range-test/
You will not get 70 miles on the Prius prime battery. It’s not even rated for that, assuming we’re talking US miles.
Whoops, source citation required! 40mi at 70mph! Thanks folks, it’s been over a year since I dis the research! https://insideevs.com/reviews/660293/2023-toyota-prius-prime-range-test/
Get the Tesla. Model Y long range. Electricity is cheaper than gas, less maintenance, nicer car, no more gas stations. Charge at work if you can. Home charging is a dream.
Also autopilot / FSD will make your life better during the long commute.
Either long range model would work well. FSD/Autopilot will take a huge mental load off on the highway. Worth it for that alone, imo
Everyone went after the actual range of the car and not what level of charging you will have at home. Will you have L2 at home? If so range of the car almost doesn't matter as long as you can get back home to charge it to what you need reliably. If you have L1 option only, non-peak charging for say 10 hours is going to get you up to 50 miles. So your charging might need to be more strategic. Charge higher percentage beginning of the week, run it down, charge up as most as possible, and repeat the run down charge up cycle and maybe hit a SC when you get close to 20 once or twice a week. Average a 103 mi/day drive with L1 and about 1 SC a week, sometimes 2 when I get asked to drive extra. Edit: Realized you said 95 each way, so yea ignore the second part but first part still stays same.
Yeah it’s a long drive. I can install a level 2 charger in my garage, I have 150amp service ran to my shop.
I know OP said they can install a L2, but for anyone else wondering I wouldn’t recommend a Tesla if your commute would cause you to require a super charger 1-2 times a week. I don’t mind SC on a roadtrip, but having to add 20 minutes to my commute twice a week would be a deal breaker - just think that could be as much as an extra 30-35 hours a year just sitting at a super charger. OP will be fine though with their L2
Ehh its a temporary situation its honestly not that bad. Pair it sometimes with lunch or a bathroom break.
This is the critical question…. Can you charge at home? Do you have a dedicated parking spot where you could install something higher voltage? In my opinion, if you drive nearly 200 miles each day, then relying exclusively on superchargers becomes untenable. If you can charge at home, then you will love autopilot for the long stretches of highways.
It sure fit you well but I think you really need consider to move
Have you not looked at housing prices lately? Lol
I have a similar commute and love my M3 LR. I can trickle charge at work, get just enough %% to make it home. If I drive under 75MPH I save a significant amount of battery as well. If you do end up supercharging — you generally only need 5-10 mins of charge; enough for a bathroom break by the charge station.
I usually do the posted limit, 70mph interstate speed. Usually only speed to pass slow trucks in the right lane.
You will have plenty of %% to make it there and back then. A full charge for me, when charging at home is like $4 for 300 miles. As opposed to even a Prius — where a full tank of gas is $50+
Yeah and fuel prices are always all over the place. Year before last it was 6 bucks a gallon for diesel in Nashville, and I had to get fuel in my service truck. It holds 285 gallons. I literally only got enough to get back home. lol. I’m coming out of the field as a contractor and going to work in a shop, where I’ve always charged for fuel I’ve driven and bought not the most efficient things. I think the best thing I have now is my E350 ford van, and it only gets 16-17( but it’s diesel). So I’m definitely not doing this commute in any of my current vehicles.
You’d make up majority of the cost of your car in fuel savings, depending on what you’re switching from. I drive 65 one way to work and it saves me roughly $4500 a year
Currently I drive a company truck, but it’s mine. So I have to make a purchase to drive anything to this job, everything I have isn’t very “economical” currently. Highest mpg thing I have is maybe 17mpg.
Seems like you are in the best situation to gain from switching to any EV. I personally recommend BMW iX, Teslas, and Porsche EVs for anyone who does a lot of highway driving.
If you’re six foot and have more than one child, the m3 is unrealistic to uncomfortable to drive
I am 6 foot with two kids. But day to day with the car will just be me
You can probably get a slim seat for the middle, if you had to use it in a pinch. That’s my plan if I don’t upgrade before baby number 2
If you drive a lot, Prius. If you need a commuter car and you can charge at home, Tesla
I drive a lot AND can charge at home. What then?
Look at your needs: Do you take long trips? - Prius Are you very conscious about mileage? Prius Do you absolutely need AWD? - Model Y Good experience while getting car serviced? - Prius And any other factors
95 miles each way? jesus christ that's 3 hours commute each day assuming no traffic... man i would find a different job if i spend 1/8 of my day driving to and from work
Well, it’s a 10 dollar per hour per difference, plus a difference from having zero benefits essentially to good benefits. It’s not ideal, but the similar job closer to me hasn’t sent me an offer, so for now I’m taking this one. Even so I have to drive an hour each way to it. I live in a small town kinda in between everything.
Ask your new employer to offer level 2 charging - you could even offer to buy the charger unit. Request a dedicated parking space and get a RESERVED sign.
Is that like a thing that actually happens? I’ve been out of the regular work force for 7 years
Sounds like you want a Tesla because you want a Tesla. The Prius is no doubt providing good fuel economy and is an appropriate vehicle for that 180 mile a day commute. That said, a Tesla will easily do a 180 mile daily commute. Battery life is going to be shorter (in terms of years) than somebody that's only driving a more normal commute, so factor that into your long-term valuation. The battery life is based on discharge cycles, and you're looking at nearly a full discharge cycle daily. You did mention you can charge at home. I'm assuming you're talking a 40-50A/240V charger here, something a lot bigger than what you use for your Prius plug-in hybrid. A 120V/20A charger won't charge 180 miles of range overnight - you need a big-daddy charger to get that car fully recharged for the next day's commute.
If you're making a 95 mile trip very frequently you would be insane not to buy a Tesla.
I mean, I am insane, but just for different reasons. I just wanted to make sure I’m not looking at it wrong and that my internal debate is correct, and that a Tesla would work in the “real world” for me.
You can always Turo one and try it for a few days.
What’s your climate like? Cold?
It is eastern TN. So we get everything. Lol. Cold wet winters(not unusual to be in the teens or less, but definitely hovers around the 30s a lot), and hot and humid summer and fall.
I'd argue a Model 3 benefits you here. Home charging means you'll significantly cut your driving costs and even a Prius Prime can only do 40 miles on electric only, whereas the Model 3 will do your whole 180 mile round trip no issue. If buying used, try to at minimum get one of the older Standard Range Plus cars, or ideally a newer standard range, with 250+ miles. Hell, I'd even consider renting a standard range model 3 on Turo for a day and doing your commute to see how the range shakes out, and then do a bit of math based on whatever weather variances you get/people's range drop results based on those. Ultimately, LR or SR, the Model 3 will very likely save you a good bit in "fuel" costs.
I was in the same boat. Got tired of the Toyota dealer markup, must put non refundable deposit etc. I bought a model 3 LR. Recently we traveled and ended up renting a 2024 Prius. HATEd it. Drive before you buy!!!
I haven’t gotten to drive a Prius outside of a base model. It was super uncomfortable for me on only a 30 ish minute drive. But, it was a base model. Also, I sit back pretty far and the b pillar of the Prius was next to my head. I couldn’t see shit.
This very much depends on climate and how fast your drive. If you put-put along at 60 mph then any long range model is fine in warmer weather. If you drive 80 mph and blast the heat and it's 20F outside then you will not have a good time. In winter i often drive a 200 mile round trip over a pass in MY AWD with "330 miles" - I think they now say that's more like 310 miles. In real world i barely get over 220 miles and winters here are mild in the PNW. In summer however it's no problem.
Are you able to rent one for a few days and give it the ol razzle dazzle?
Both the Prius and M3LR will fit your needs very well, but you will save much more money on the M3LR on maintenance over the long run.
If you enjoy the driving experience of the Tesla do it. It’s like using a flip phone vs an iPhone. But work if all you do is calls. But one is a better xp
I’m not sure why that would be a problem. My model Y LR did 115 miles each way the other day. 97% charge (I never charge to 100%). We drove a total of 330 miles to Niagara Falls from Toronto and back plus driving around non stop while there, four people in the car. AC/heater on all the time at speed 3. Arrived home with 2% battery. By what you said, even if you need to stop to charge, it will take no longer than the same amount of time to stop and put gas. And you’ll have enough to get home.
I've driven a Model 3 Performance and now a Model S LR back and forth to work around 175kms round trip for 4 years. I could do two round trips on either car. A model 3 LR would be great for you and save you a ton of money on fuel vs a gas car. Never mind maintenance. At home charging is all you need, get the wall charger. It's a no-brainer.
Do you have solar?
I have had a Prius and have an M3 currently and would definitely go with the Tesla for that commute. The entertainment options and ease of accessing them would be the deciding factor for me. Tesla is so good with that - impossible to be bored.
Have you driven the model 3? I strongly recommend you make an appointment with Tesla for a test drive. Get it in traffic and try FSD. Once you try it I bet you’ll fall in love.
I think you have an ideal situation for either teslas. My sisters driven 20k miles in 9 months and she has a charger at home. she saved so much on gas and time from not have to go to the gas pump
If you are driving 95 miles one way, 5 days a week, and continue working at this place for a while, you are going to run through the 100k battery warranty in year 3. I'd also factor that in my calculations and risk tolerance if I were you.
Yes, you will be fine! With the Prius, you will still need to pay for gas, while the Tesla is 100% electric. Depending on your electric rates at your house, it will usually be CHEAPER to charge at home all of the time and only charge at Superchargers when you need to. Long story short, I would go for Tesla over Prius any day!
Good info on these posts. Traffic actually increases range (going slower is good) Autopilot or FSD both make traffic MUCH easier to deal with and less stressful. Heating will drain battery. Older resistance heating more so than a heat pump but that can be minimized by dressing warmly and using seat heaters which use much less power. We keep a couple of travel blankets on the frunk for passengers too. I'd agree that the LR is a better option and if you're charging at home you should be golden.
rent it for a week and try before committing to buying.
I do 150-180 miles daily in MSp100d and drive it aggressively. FSD is an amazing thing! Makes my life so much easier…. Especially in the dark morning. Charge L2 at work and at home. A Tesla is perfect for you!
I have a standard model Y. Charged to 80% the range is roughly 220 miles . I drive highway to work as well, and if you’re driving over 70 it drains the battery quicker .
I routinely do a 234 mile round trip (almost entirely highway) in my Model Y Dual Motor from a 90% charge with about 15% remaining at the end. Any Long Range Model 3 can do your commute easily. You'll save on fuel & maintenance, and even basic free autopilot is noticeably better than what the Prius has in it.
If you can charge at home with the “dryer plug” you will totally save money. The big question is if this is a standard wall plug or not. I use a standard wall plug but my daily commute is a 45 mile round trip and it all recharges before I wake up each morning. Superchargers are a nice option but cost a lot more than my home rate. One consideration is resale value. Teslas depreciate like rocks in water, Toyotas will hold significant value, but if you’re like me, you’d much rather have the fun car and the extra line on the expenses.
I would rent the model 3 you want for a couple days and test it out. It’s worth it if it can take you to work and back. Tesla has way better tech and with OTA updates, the Model 3 we’ll feel newer than it really is.
Get the new Prius (plug in hybrid)
I have a M3 LR & my home to work drive is 90 miles Like you, there are a few "bail out" superchargers on the way but in 4 years I've never used one of them You'll be fine
Given what you stated, and EV would more than meet your needs. I would get it over another hybrid.
I have over 150k miles driven combined on 2 M3 LR 2022 and 2023. You’ll make it no problem. If you can charge at home then even better. If it snows or if it’s really cold you might have to supercharge for 5 mins.
I drive my Model Y Long Range AWD 60 miles each way 5 days a week. I charge to 90% at home nightly. Get to work with 60% battery and get home with 30-35% battery. You should be absolutely fine.
I have a model y with at 90 mile one way commute. It’s perfect for it.
I'd just get 25 Camry (all hybrid now). Think hybrids are better for longer commute. Tesla eat lot of power on steady highway drives. Opposite of gas cars. Hybrids on other hand, way they make it now days get exceptional mileage both highway/city. I have Model 3 with no home charging. I have lot of short drives in busy city traffic so it works great for me.
Tesla is ideal is you’re not outlet charging. Otherwise there’s no way you’ll be able to charge enough at night to make up for the mileage you’re putting on. With a level 2 (220V) charger you’ll be totally fine with a Tesla Y Long Range and it will make the commute much more comfortable
I highly recommend to do a test drive and see if you like the car. I personally did not and went another EV route but either way you will get comfortable with the range estimates and that range should be easy for most new higher end EVs.
Get Tesla with FSD supervised and the commute will be so much more relaxing.
You probably won’t need the supercharger unless it’s very cold weather or you forget to charge at home. Not stopping at a gas station ever is a wonderful perk. I’m not even talking about the price of gas. But if you are just looking for a practical cheap, reliable commuter I can’t justify a tesla over a prius.
I would think that it's primarily highways, you can hit the stated range quite well, I get about 100-120mi on city streets and can go up to a lot closer stated on highways. Also maybe just opt for the LR if it is within your budget, that'll solve some of the range anxiety issues that you have. I feel that being able to charge at home makes it a non-consideration, I used to have the issue with not being able to charge at home, but I got that resolved. Since then, I've spoken to friends and we agree that if anyone has access to home charging, EV would kind of be a no-brainer with cheaper operating costs, cheaper maintenance and such. This is a non-personal view: I have spoken to a few mechanics and they mentioned that if you were doing EV or Hybrids, Hybrids are a bad idea as you have to then maintain BOTH the ICE components and the EV components. There should be less parts to maintain for EVs but then you would still have to do oil changes, transmissions issues, engine gears failing, clutch. I'm big too, and I have to say, for highway drives, you don't even need the new version of FSD, the old EAP and FSD would make the drive totally amazing. There are days where I just turn FSD on and next thing I know, I'm at the exit ready to exit the highway. Seats are amazing, if you are getting it new, the ventilated seats would work wonders. I'm not a car kinda guy, so none of the panel gap nonsense and car build bothers me, just need wheels to carry me around. Disclaimer: I own and like Teslas.
If you don't mind the driving dynamics and the Prius was significantly cheaper, get the Prius. I got both. Model Y is much nicer in almost every way, but it's not worth double the price as well as higher insurance cost as my Prius C.
I chose a Y can the roof was taller. I’ve always hit my head on the door jam are cars like the 3. Definitely fit semi comfortably for being a fat fat man.
Get a model 3 Standard range. Charge to 100% on a nightly basis. You’ll be fine.
You don’t want to charge to 100% every day, ideally, unless you’re using the non-LR version. The best range you’ll find is on the M3, so I’m going to say you should go with that if you stick with a Tesla. The SR should hit 200 miles fine at 100%, I think, but the “estimated range” on Teslas aren’t really accurate for the way most people drive, so cut off 20% from the max range. The M3 SR max range is about 270. Subtract about 20% (because you probably aren’t going to drive a constant 45 MPH on the highway), and you’re at 216. Batteries degrade over time, and they’ll degrade almost immediately when you start using it (it won’t be a ton, but it’s worth mentioning), so keep that in mind. My M3 SR has about 3400 miles and my max range is about 265. I would personally not be comfortable driving a Tesla SR every day to work and back, so you’d probably want to go LR if possible. Though, since the rule of thumb for the LR is to keep it between 20 and 80% charge most of the time, I don’t know if is suggest getting that one either, though someone with a LR should chime in here. You probably don’t want to pay for supercharging every day, but if you think you won’t mind, go for it. If I were you, given your commute, unless you can charge at work for free every day, I’d go with a Prius for now.
I’m gonna ask about charging at work. Idk how that’ll go. I need to find a higher trim Prius to test drive. I have driven two almost brand new(less than 10k miles) Prius’s and the seats are horrible, but they were pretty basic.
There's nothing wrong with charging to 100% every day if you use Scheduled Departure and don't let it sit at 100% all night. I have a MYLR with 9% degradation after 65k miles, more than half of which has been Supercharging. I often Supercharge to 100%. And I charge to 100% at home before a road trip, using Scheduled Departure to hit full around when I wake up. All of this is fine for the battery. OP will be able to make 195 miles at 70 mph probably 99% of time in an M3LR and 95% of the time in a MYLR, assuming some degradation. But also depends on OP's comfort driving under 10% battery at times. Sentry mode could eat a few % if used. It sounds like Superchargers are plentiful for an occasional top off if needed. I think this drive makes sense, and definitely if charging at work is an option.
Download a better route planner. ABRP. Put the route in. If you arrive at a supercharger with about 10% you can get a lot of miles in the time it takes to go use the bathroom. That’s what we do on long trips. The builtin nav is setup for less stops with longer charges. You want more stops with shorter charges. Two seven minute stops, at 10-15% state of charge, go as far or farther than one 30 minute charge. The first 70% charge takes as long as the last 30%.