In my view, the joy I've experienced with driving has never been greater after acquiring a second-hand 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (covering 57,000 miles) at 51 years of age.

In the ever-evolving world of automobiles, one man's journey from scepticism to unabashed enthusiasm serves as a testament to the power of electric vehicles (EVs). Meet Tom Hogsd, a 51-year-old resident who recently joined the ranks of EV owners, purchasing a used 2021 Model Y Long Range AWD with 57K miles under its wheels.

Initially, Tom harboured concerns about battery anxiety, regenerative braking, social perceptions, overwhelming technology, and the built-in text and call features. However, with time, these apprehensions began to dissipate, replaced by a newfound appreciation for the benefits of EV ownership.

Tom found that he quickly grew accustomed to the regenerative braking after a couple of hours behind the wheel. The silence of the EVs, once a strange feature, soon became appealing. In fact, he even expressed enjoyment in driving the Model Y, finding the speed of the vehicle exhilarating.

Tom has also discovered that he enjoys taking rides in his Model Y just for the sake of it. He's even found a community around Tesla, a group of like-minded individuals who share his enthusiasm for the brand.

J.D. Power, a renowned authority in the automotive industry, found that 94% of battery-electric vehicle (BEV) owners are likely to buy another electric vehicle. This trend is echoed in the statistics for Tesla households, with S&P Global Mobility reporting that 68% of households owning BEVs remained loyal to the electric powertrain for their next purchase. When it comes to Tesla, S&P Global Mobility found that about 76% of Tesla owners stick with EVs and 67% stay with Tesla for their next car.

Tesla's high brand retention is driven by several key factors. Continuous over-the-air software updates enhance vehicle performance and features, a widely accessible and proprietary Supercharger network provides convenient charging, a direct sales model ensures a personalized and seamless buying experience, and a strong referral program incentivizes loyalty and new customers.

Tesla's commitment to exceptional after-sales service, including mobile repairs and customer engagement through an in-house CRM, further strengthens owner satisfaction and retention. This commitment results in an estimated 87% retention rate, which is notably high in the automotive industry.

Additional factors contributing to Tesla's high brand retention include its strong brand reputation and technological leadership, which help the vehicles maintain high resale values. Tesla models retain about 58–68% of their value after three years, outperforming many traditional internal combustion vehicles. This high residual value lowers ownership risk and contributes to brand loyalty.

Furthermore, Tesla's total cost of ownership advantage, due to fuel savings and lower maintenance costs compared to internal combustion vehicles, increases owner satisfaction and attachment to the brand.

In Tom's case, the ownership experience keeps getting better with each drive. He's found that he doesn't mind the lack of Apple CarPlay and uses Siri instead for texting and calling. The learning curve for EVs, he finds, is easy with a reward at the end.

As Tom continues his journey with Tesla, he joins a growing number of EV owners who share his transformed perspective. The transformation from "skeptical to smitten" is something many EV owners share, and it seems that the future of automobiles is electric.

[1] S&P Global Mobility, "Tesla EV Brand Retention: Key Factors and Statistics", link [2] Tesla, "Vehicle Resale Values", link [3] Consumer Reports, "Total Cost of Ownership: Electric Vehicles vs. Gasoline Cars", link

Tom's initial concerns about the technology and features of electric vehicles, such as battery anxiety, regenerative braking, and built-in text and call features, have been replaced by a newfound appreciation for the benefits of EV ownership, including its silence, exhilarating speed, and strong community. In line with industry statistics, Tom, like many other BEV owners, is likely to continue purchasing electric vehicles, demonstrating the power of EVs in transforming lifestyles.

As Tom evolves from a sceptic to an enthusiast, he finds enjoyment in driving EVs and opts for functionality alternatives like Siri for texting and calling. His ongoing positive ownership experience, combined with the total cost of ownership advantage and high resale values of Tesla models, reinforce his loyalty to the brand and to electric vehicles, setting an example for many in the ever-evolving world of automobiles where technology, gadgets, and lifestyle choices converge, particularly in the realm of cars and electric-vehicles.

[1] S&P Global Mobility, "Tesla EV Brand Retention: Key Factors and Statistics", link[2] Tesla, "Vehicle Resale Values", link[3] Consumer Reports, "Total Cost of Ownership: Electric Vehicles vs. Gasoline Cars", link

In my view, the joy I've experienced with driving has never been greater after acquiring a second-hand 2021 Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD (covering 57,000 miles) at 51 years of age.