Talk to me about my first EV [high mileage Tesla content]

[JJ0063]

So, it’s no secret I’ve had an itch for a little while now and I’m getting close to caving. I however have very little knowledge and have done limited research but unfortunately the world of EV online content seems flooded by ‘The EV Guy’ spouting bollocks all day, not real life facts. 
 

In reality I’m looking at something sub 10k, ideally if I can find one with free supercharging for obvious reasons.

These couple probably aren’t completely right but would be the sort of thing I go for:

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601038900480?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios-app

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202601018871167?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios-app

I just really need some general pointers, probably directing this at @Kiltox, @wuvvumand others with real life experiences please…

First question really is billing. I’m currently with Octopus, my cousin runs a company that supply and fit solar and EV chargers as their specialty so I’m hoping I’d be able to get a sensibly priced home charger (do I get the proper Tesla one, or is there a difference from getting a generic one?) and when it comes to billing, do I just get an increased electric bill or can I separate them so we keep our normal electric bill and I pay a ‘fuel’ bill separate? I’d prefer that. 
 

And then when it comes to the car specifically, does anyone happen to know what I need to look out for on a higher mileage used Model S? Any particular model spec as such I should be going for or avoiding? Any must have features I should make sure I find one with? 
 

Really appreciate any advice, having been a diesel driver for the last 16+ years, this feels very alien…

 

Cheers

[Kiltox]

Don’t get a Tesla charger, they can be problematic with some other EVs so aren’t the future proof choice if you move away from them in the future. Zappi is and would be my choice. Made in the UK, reliable, compatible with intelligent octopus go etc. 

Billing will just lump onto your home electricity bill but if you choose a smart tariff like IOG you’ll be charging during a super cheap off peak period. 

[JJ0063]

4 minutes ago, Kiltox said:

Don’t get a Tesla charger, they can be problematic with some other EVs so aren’t the future proof choice if you move away from them in the future. Zappi is and would be my choice. Made in the UK, reliable, compatible with intelligent octopus go etc. 

Billing will just lump onto your home electricity bill but if you choose a smart tariff like IOG you’ll be charging during a super cheap off peak period. 

 Cheers! 
 

On that note, the research I did I saw people talking about grants for chargers etc - is this actually a thing?  

[Kiltox]

Just now, JJ0063 said:

 Cheers! 
 

On that note, the research I did I saw people talking about grants for chargers etc - is this actually a thing?  

Only for tenants and flats now. 

[GeordieInExile]

6 minutes ago, Kiltox said:

Only for tenants and flats now. 

Some car companies seem to offer them as well - my folks got theirs half price when they got their electric Mini.

[Kiltox]

Just now, GeordieInExile said:

Some car companies seem to offer them as well - my folks got theirs half price when they got their electric Mini.

KWALITY KARZ LTD isn’t gonna do that with a 732k mile model s though

[beko1987]

49 minutes ago, Kiltox said:

KWALITY KARZ LTD isn’t gonna do that with a 732k mile model s though

Maybe their a lovely enough car company to go that extra mile?

[IronStar]

One thing that fails on these are LDU bearings. They are built to be repaired, and generally very good aside from that.

One of the most reputable EV repair shops in Europe has a buyer's guide, focusing on common issues:

https://evclinic.eu/2024/11/03/which-used-ev-to-buy-a-beginners-guide/

Website looks like shit, and the writing is a bit tongue-in-cheek. 

 

[Kiltox]

19 minutes ago, beko1987 said:

Maybe their a lovely enough car company to go that extra mile?

Dave seems like a top chap actually, I’d buy from them over a lot of others selling this kind of stuff! 

[wuvvum]

If you're going to use it as muddy labrador transport then I'd avoid anything with a white interior...

Otherwise, go for it!  PS can I have a go please?

[beko1987]

5 minutes ago, wuvvum said:

If you're going to use it as muddy labrador transport then I'd avoid anything with a white interior...

Otherwise, go for it!  PS can I have a go please?

Hopefully you'd be able to get some decent seat covers for the rest bench, the amount used as Ubers it must be a thing that exists. If it's vomit and blood proof it should be dog-things proof 🤞

And cheap and readily available...