The ride-hailing industry has seen an inevitable rise in electric vehicles (EVs). Among the favourites for this use case is the Tesla Model 3, a popular and capable all-electric sedan with significant promise.
But that promise was seemingly broken when Dobson, an American Uber driver, shared his experience after subjecting his Model 3 to a rigorous 200,000km test over 15 months.
Savings versus shock
Dobson's journey began with a US $53,000 (roughly NZ $89,000) investment in a used 2019 Tesla Model 3, trading in his trusty Toyota Camry. Immediate savings in fuel and maintenance accrued to an impressive US $10,000 (NZ $16,800), proving the EV's incredible efficiency and value proposition.
However, the plot thickens. Despite the cost-effectiveness, Dobson's Model 3 recently faced a major setback - the high-voltage battery pack gave in unexpectedly. With a daily grind of nearly 500km six days a week and frequent supercharging, the battery showed signs of rapid degradation.
Degradation drama
A previous video revealed an 11 per cent degradation near 150,000km, but trouble escalated near the 180,000km mark. Dobson argued that the battery's sudden demise was not due to regular wear and tear, contrary to Tesla's explanation.
Supercharging suspect
While some speculate that frequent supercharging stresses the battery, a recent study by Recurrent suggests otherwise. Nevertheless, Dobson's experience raises questions about the impact of intense ride-sharing use on EVs.
Facing a US $9000 (NZ $15,000) replacement cost for the battery, Dobson complied but received only a one-year warranty, sparking suspicions of a refurbished battery. With a reduced range and concerns about the battery's true condition, the Uber driver now adheres to an 80 per cent charging limit.
Missing in action
Unfortunately, Tesla's side of the story remains unheard, as the EV giant lacks a PR department in the United States. Dobson's detailed 34-minute video offers a glimpse into the challenges faced by EVs in the demanding world of ride-sharing.
In this saga of savings, struggles, and suspicions, Dobson's Tesla becomes a cautionary tale for those navigating the future of electric mobility in the fast-paced realm of ride-hailing. Watch the full YouTube video on Kim Java's channel to learn more about Dobson's predicament.