When I was a kid I use to tie a sheet around my neck like a cape and run around the house pretending to be “Electric-Man,” (my super hero name). Electric-man had the ability to control electricity and shoot lightning from his hands. That’s not why I bought a Tesla, but it’s a memory that popped into my head while writing this.

In 2010 I traded my 2000 Chevy Cavalier in and purchased a 2010 Honda Civic. My intention was to spend 5 years (60 months) paying off the Civic and then driving it for 5 years without payments. During those 5 years I would save money for a down payment. For the past few years I’ve been having an internal debate on which vehicle to purchase as my next vehicle. I wanted something higher up like an SUV or a Truck because I didn’t like how the Civic would scrape the bottom when driving up a driveway that had a steep drop off. I also wanted a safe ride because we now have a son. In addition I wanted a vehicle that I could purchase gardening supplies like wood, mulch, etc. But… in addition to this I wanted an electric vehicle. In 2015 I downloaded and listened to the audiobook “Elon Musk” a biography that went into the creation of Tesla, SpaceX, and Elon’s life. I immediately began purchasing Tesla stock and I’ve been a shareholder ever since. And so I’ve gone back and forth on Truck or Electric Vehicle. (Unfortunately there isn’t an electric truck mass marketed yet).

I conducted a lot of research and analysis and this summer I’ve increased that analysis to a borderline obsession. After my analysis the Tesla would be more expensive in the first year and increase my monthly payments (fixed costs). However, it reduces variable costs (gas, oil changes, etc). There will be slight electrical bill increase charging the vehicle at home, but most estimates have this charge being about 25% the cost of gas. Now when you take the analysis and extrapolate it over the next 5 years, the Tesla is actually cheaper. Move it to 10 years and even more so. Although the excitement of owning a “luxury car” with incredible technology did influence my decision, at the end of the day it came down to an ethical and financial decision.

I hope by going Electric I can be the first of many of my friends and family to make the switch. The initial price is daunting and the monthly payments do look menacing, but knowing I’m switching variable costs to fixed costs and putting myself in a position to save a lot more after 5 years has me excited.

Although my imagination isn’t as vivid as it was as a 6 year old running around with a sheet tied around me, I still imagine a future where we can both improve the economy and improve our technologies to reflect more sustainable and renewable resources. For me, Tesla represents the perfect example of the types of companies we should invest in and believe in.

Now the news is quick to point out flaws with Tesla’s, and every crash seems to be headline news. But if you look at the data and statistics, they are some of the safest cars you can drive.

I’m excited to embark on this new adventure and I’ll be sure to keep everyone posted on this experience.

Here are some other factors that played into my decision:

-I’ve been very good at keeping my cell phones charged, so I think I’ll do a good job charging my car. 🙂

-Rebates: $2500 CA State, $1875 Federal, $600 from Energy Company.

-I searched vigorously for negative reviews and they were few and far between.

-A neighbor bought one about month ago and absolutely loves it. I saw him outside with his Model 3 and went over and introduced myself and we talked about it. He said he’ll never go back. He has a couple young kids and bought it for the safety features.

-In California every time there is a vote to add a tax on gas or cigarettes it passes, so gas will continue to increase here.

If you have any questions about the Tesla Model 3 please let me know and I’ll answer them to the best of my ability. Just email besuccessfuldaily@gmail.com.