My Electric Vehicle Journey: From BMW 330e to Tesla Model S

As of now, I have two electric vehicles in my garage: a BMW 330e and a Renault Zoe. Both cars are fully charged at home, and each has its unique characteristics and experiences to share.

Renault Zoe: A Simple and Practical Choice

First up is the Renault Zoe, a plug-in model in its first generation. In Sweden, electric cars were not as common back then, but this car suited our needs well. The Zoe comes with a 41 kWh battery, giving it a range of about 250 kilometers in winter and going a bit further during the summer. Driving it is a breeze; it's a no-frills car that is easy to use and very much to the point. Sure, it doesn’t have a lot of luxury features or comfort options, but it provides the essentials. The heated seats, cruise control, and Bluetooth hands-free setup make it perfect for a driver based in the cold conditions of Scandinavia. The quality of the infotainment screen and system is just alright, but it gets the job done.

BMW 330e: A Feature-Rich Dream Car

The BMW 330e is in stark contrast to the Zoe. It boasts a multitude of comfort features, a highly advanced infotainment system, and modern conveniences such as electric rear doors, keyless entry, and more. However, its electric range is more limited, managing only around 35-55 kilometers on a single charge before switching to petrol. When the battery is depleted, it consumes approximately 6.5-7 liters per 100 kilometers, which is on par with what one might expect from a plug-in hybrid. In the city, it benefits from a traditional hybrid system that stops the petrol engine at stops or low speeds, allowing it to recuperate energy through regenerative braking.

Expanding the Fleet with a Tesla Model S

Wanting a larger and more advanced EV, I recently purchased a 2014 Tesla Model S, albeit used. At the time of purchase, it had covered 129,000 kilometers. The car’s journey started much like any other used car purchase, with a bit of haggling with the dealer. However, since I was buying a Tesla, I had the peace of mind of not worrying about hidden transmission problems or maintenance issues that often plague traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

My experience with the Tesla Model S has been overwhelmingly positive. It is both fun and functional, exuding modernity everywhere you look. People often stop to ask about the car, and I get plenty of compliments. The only minor adjustment I had to make was greasing the axles due to a faint clicking sound at low speeds. Working with the Tesla service center was a breeze – it all happened right through the Tesla app, with a loaner Tesla ready for me, and the service cost was reasonable, at 166 for the entire process.

Additionally, we opted to upgrade the car’s cellular connection from 3G to 4G LTE, which was an unnecessary but enjoyable upgrade. This move provided faster map and navigation during our travels, especially useful in unfamiliar regions.

Lessons and Insights from My Journey

Switching from ICE to EVs has not only been an environmental necessity but also a personal choice that continues to evolve. As Sweden becomes more accustomed to electric cars, my experience shows that EVs can offer a perfect balance between luxury and practicality.

I strongly recommend giving electric vehicles a chance. If you’re interested in sustainability, EV content, or exploring the Tesla Cybertruck in depth, please consider following the NJA family of spaces. For more information, visit:

NJA Sustainability Place: For content about sustainability and electric vehicles. NJA Truck: The Tesla Cybertruck: Detailed coverage of the Tesla Cybertruck.

Embrace the future and enjoy the ride!