Grannie Tesla
Driving the Future
Tesla Accessories
Maintenance & Service
- Rear Window Crack
- Flat Tire?
- Make Jack Pucks
- Dead Tesla
- Simple Maintenance
- Service Lessons
- Document an Issue #shorts
About Grannie Tesla
I’m Grannie Tesla, a spirited grandmother who embraced technology by diving headfirst into the world of Tesla! If I can go from using a rotary phone to mastering a smartphone, there’s no tech challenge I can’t conquer. Whether you're curious about electric vehicles or a seasoned Tesla fan, my website is packed with videos to help you explore all things Tesla. From beginner tips to my favorite accessories that make driving even more enjoyable, there's something for everyone—so buckle up and join the ride!
Tesla Tutorials
Sitting in my new Tesla was a little overwhelming. My Tesla Model 3 didn’t have round knobs to change the radio volume, or vents to adjust the airflow. All it had was this big screen. It didn’t even come with a car key! Little by little I learned that driving and managing my Tesla was as easy as using my cell phone and now I can say, it’s the best car I’ve ever owned.
Grannie's Videos
The main goal for my YouTube channel is to teach people overwhelmed by technology how to drive a Tesla, specifically a 2021, Tesla Model 3 Standard+. I will teach you how to prepare for buying your Tesla (yes prepare), to use many of the features of a Tesla Model 3, review accessories, and share some humorous mishaps in the Tesla.
Tesla Range
People ask about the range of my Tesla Model 3 all the time. I can tell you this, the EPA rating of 272 miles per charge is a dream. As with ICE (internal combustion engine) automobiles, the EPA mileage is based on perfect conditions. With any electric car, there is some amount of battery degradation, especially within the first couple of years, but Tesla's navigation system is able to calculate your car's range based on your planned trip. If you drive conservatively on the highway, then you can actually gain extra miles.
There is a Tesla site that will show you how long it takes to travel from point A to point B. It also shows how many times you have to stop to charge, and how long you'll need to charge. Tesla.com/Trips
Range Anxiety
Yes, range anxiety exists. It wasn't until I took a 400 mile trip that I realized Tesla has the most extensive Supercharger network of any other electric car company. Only then could I relax. I now feel confident taking the car anywhere. Of course, there are always more stops needed than with a gas powered car, usually a ten to twenty minute stop about every two hours or so. As it turns out, I have to make a snack stop or bathroom break about that time, anyway.
A recent trip to the Florida Keys did give me a little range anxiety. Yes, I charged in Florida City before entering The Keys, and there was another Supercharger in Marathon Key eighty miles away. We stayed between those two Superchargers, and as such, I had range anxiety about local vicinity driving preventing me from having enough power to make it back to the charging station.
I always keep a charging cable and an extension cord in my trunk just in case I have to charge somewhere using a regular 120 volt outlet. Some parking garages have these standard utility outlets every few spaces. They are slow to charge, but overnight they can add forty miles or so. Where we stayed, there were no outlets available. There was a destination charger nearby, but since we remained within a few miles of where we stayed, there was plenty of power to make it back to Florida City for a Supercharge.
I'm sure over the years, the Supercharger network will increase, especially with the adoption of Tesla's North American Charging Standard (NACS), and range anxiety will become a thing of the past. Until then, I will continue to feel confident there will always be a place to charge. And yes, I will always keep that extra charging cable and extension cord in my trunk.