You’ve configured your Tesla 3…now what?

For many in Australia (author included) it’s been a hefty 3-year wait since we collectively invested in the often fantastical dream that is the Tesla story.

No other car maker enjoys the customer tolerance of the Tesla brand. We can’t think of a single other example where people shout ‘take my money’ at a company that seems to be perennially in the red.

And, for an EV that might be ‘meh’ looking at best. Our (totally unscientific) customer survey suggests that many of us with our names pencilled in the pre-order book don’t think the Model 3 body shape is ‘all-that’…but we’re still committed to it.

The Model 3 buying process has been a wake-up call to other manufacturers who – arguably – might not have sunk serious cashola into electric vehicle development if the 3s popularity hadn’t been so startling.

Seriously, would the Jag iPace, Hyundai Kona and new Nissan LEAF have been as style, price and range competitive if they weren’t feeling the hot breath of an eccentric American millionaire on their necks?

But…enough of the philosophical commentary

The good news is the wait is almost over. Configurations are underway, pricing and financing options are being worked out. The acronyms – FSD, LR AWD, LR RWD – are flying around the forums and socials.

August has been given as the month in which we’ll finally see how they perform on Aussie roads. No doubt this will be accompanied by the furious tapping of journalistic keyboards variously describing it as the best EV ever vs another dirtier-than-diesel leftie-machine that’ll ruin your weekend.

Whatever your delivery and initial performance experience, Tesla knows how important the first days and weeks of EV ownership – and charging – are to newbie EV lefties.

We’ve heard horror stories of people getting their shiny new EV home, only to find they can’t charge it up. Granny cable too slow, infrastructure not supplied, weren’t informed about charging options. Whatever the issue, it’s a serious first impression mistake that can damage a brand’s branding.

But never fear…Tesla are all over it.

So, how do you charge up your new Tesla 3?

Well, there’s another acronym to learn; HPWC, or a high powered wall connector.

And, if you’ve ordered a Model 3, the HPWC will be delivered with your car, literally in the boot! Once you’ve got it unboxed you may be encouraged to contact a Tesla ‘preferred installer’ who will organise a quote and installation.

Simple, yes?

Sure, but anecdotally we’re hearing that some people have been charged a premium by some of these installers. Reasons for this vary, but it’s a common enough story for us to take note.

Actually, the HPWC is just like any other household appliance, in that any registered electrician can do the job. The challenge is ensuring you’re not getting charged over the odds because you’ve ordered a fancy-schmancy car.

Warning: shameless sales pitch coming

That’s all apples as long as you have a local electrician you know and trust.

If you don’t, we have some highly-intelligent, seriously-nice and super-talented girls and guys across Australia and New Zealand who can do it for you. Just click here to hook up with our ‘we make it easy’ contact form.

But wait, there’s more…

You don’t have to install the Tesla-supplied HPWC.

I know, what the WTF?

There are some smart, solar aware alternatives…but that’s a whole other blog post.