Ever since its first showroom launch in Singapore, Tesla has received a lot of attention and hype from local drivers. Located at One Assembly in Raffles City, the sparkling mini-showroom proudly features two units of what Elon Musk calls an “affordable” electric car – the Model 3 sedan.

Intending to bring clean energy solutions to individuals globally, the high-profile American brand has raised the standard through its vehicles and proved that one could achieve a powerful and fast car without fossil fuels. Tesla drivers not only save money overall but save the earth as well.

With the government intending to switch to an all-electric vehicle Singapore by 2040, the American brand’s local release came at just the right time. However, the main question still stands – is buying a Tesla worth it?

Are Teslas too expensive?

According to Tesla’s sales portal, the Standard Range Plus Model 3 will cost $113,245* while the Model 3 Performance will go for $155,283*.

Images were taken from Tesla

Both prices do not include the cost of additional features and interior/exterior options, as well as COE, which means you could pay an additional $50,000 - $60,000. With the additional features, expect to pay about $173,245* for the Standard Range Plus Model 3 and $215,283* for the Model 3 Performance.

For those prices, you can undoubtedly purchase something similar or more luxurious like the Renault Zoe Electric ($159,999*) or the BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Luxury ($190,888*) and the Audi A4 ($188,016*).

Although, it is worth noting that the Model 3's performance figures (0 - 100 km/h in 5.6s) obliterate every other car in its price bracket, making it an especially good deal.

Audi A4 40

BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe Luxury

Audi A4 45

Tesla Model 3

Images were taken from The Car Guide

The Model 3 enjoys the EV Early Adopter Incentive (EEAI), which includes a 45% rebate of the ARF, capped at $20,000, and an additional reimbursement of $45,000.

This rebate is the highest for any car in Singapore and its attractive discounts make drivers eager to own a piece of Elon Musk’s technology. 

* All prices were taken from Tesla and sgCarMart

Will there be charging problems for HDB owners?

After its soft launch in July, Tesla has set up three charging points on the ninth floor in Orchard Central carpark.

While private estate owners can opt to install a home charger with the help of Tesla Certified Installers, consumers living in HDB estates cannot enjoy the same luxury. Given that most Singaporeans live in HDB apartments, does this mean that prospective owners are only limited to these three stations?

Even though there is a limited number of Tesla V3 Superchargers in Singapore, the Model 3 is compatible with Type 2 AC and CCS2 DC fast-charging stations. This allows drivers living in HDB estates to charge their cars at various third-party charging stations by SP Group, Shell-Greenlots and BlueSG.

Image was taken from Shell Greenlots

If you’re afraid that there won’t be enough places to charge your vehicle, there is a wide variety of different charging stations powered by various companies across Singapore. With BlueSG having more than 1,000 points across the island, it is safe to say that finding a charging station for your shiny new Tesla will be the least of your worries.

Is the cost of maintenance high?

Contrary to widely held belief, the cost of maintaining a Model 3 is much more affordable than one thinks. Since Teslas are fully electric, many standard maintenance items do not apply. These include brake jobs, oil and filter changes, accessory belt replacements, engine air filter and fuel filter changes.

Image was taken from AsiaOne

The recommended routine maintenance includes tire rotation, brake fluid replacement, cabin air filter replacement, windscreen wipers replacement and air-conditioner servicing every two years. Overall, the cost of maintaining a Tesla is cheaper than fuel vehicles in the market.

Is a Tesla still worth it?

There are still a select few who believe that going electric brings more harm than good. While concerns regarding the cost of a Tesla are still circulating amongst the local driving community, the company has significant plans to expand its offerings and make its luxury sedans more affordable.

Coupled with the extensive number of rebates from the government, drivers might find themselves owning a piece of extraordinary technology without paying excessively.

At the end of the day, the benefit of owning a Tesla outweighs its cons. Sure, it is a lot of money to invest in a vehicle, but you can’t put a price tag on saving the environment.

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