A CLOSER LOOK 2022 TESLA MODEL 3

LONG RANGE AWD

Tech

“The coolest thing about ordering this type of car is just being connected to it,” said Moniz. “There’s so many little controls on your phone that allow you access to your car. When I get home, I plug (the car) into the charger, and I can see it on my phone. I can disconnect the charger, pre-schedule it to pre-heat for nine o’clock in the morning or check the dashcam (sentry mode) footage directly from my phone. There are simple things too. Like, I no longer need to carry keys because the Bluetooth on my phone allows me access to the car. So, as soon as I walk up to the car, it kind of springs to life, I open the door, I get in, and I drive.”

Instant acceleration

“One of the main things I love about the car, and pretty much what every EV owner would say, is the acceleration,” said Moniz. “Not so much speed or anything – I drive normal speed limits, but the typical internal combustion engine vehicle needs to build up torque. With an EV, it’s instant. You don't have to wait for it to happen. As soon as you touch that pedal, the car just goes. And you feel it in your stomach; it's like going on a roller-coaster and it puts you back into the seat.”

New feel

“One of the best things about a Tesla is it never feels the same,” said Moniz. “Every year, Elon (Musk) pushes out a big software update, that completely changes aspects of the car to make it better.

“So, with (the recent Holiday software) update, he added gimmicks like Light Show, where the windows of the car will go up and down, the trunk will open, and the lights will start flashing to the music you play. This year, the word Tesla also popped up while the car was doing its little dance. There are new added features, like the blind spot camera now pops up showing you a video feed on the screen.”

THE SPECS

Body style Sedan

Drive method AWD

Engine Dual Motor Permanent magnet AC synchronous motor, 346-hp; 389 lb.-ft. torque

Battery range 576 km

Cargo volume 649 litres

Price Starts at $66,990. Moniz bought his for $64,990 in 2021, putting $40,000 down. He is financing the remainder over four years.

Website tesla.com/en_ca/model3