Do Teslas Use Gas?
Photo by Jean-christophe Gougeon on Unsplash
Over the past decade, no other car manufacturer has shaken up the automotive industry better than Tesla. The Elon Musk-owned company has been at the forefront of the electric vehicle niche with no signs of slowing down.
Having said that, people have many questions about Tesla vehicles. Perhaps one of the most common questions we receive here is, “Do Teslas use gas?”
For today’s post, we’ll answer the ever-prevalent question: do Teslas use gas? Plus, we’ll explain how Tesla motors work and the advantages of owning electric vehicles.
Do Teslas Actually Use Gas?
No. Tesla’s fleet of electric vehicles doesn’t use conventional gasoline, and never at one point did it offer gas-powered cars. Tesla vehicles are 100% electric and always have been.
Today, Tesla has no plans to release a gas-powered model or not even a hybrid. However, Elon Musk previously announced that his company plans to release a $25,000 fully autonomous electric car without a steering wheel in 2023. Although this news is unlikely to happen, it shows that Tesla is only committed to releasing electric vehicles.
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What Do Teslas Use Instead of Gas?
Tesla vehicles have all-electric motors instead of traditional internal combustion engines – they don’t even have backup fuel tanks.
Unlike regular cars, Teslas use high-capacity battery packs that provide power to the induction motor, first invented by Nikola Tesla. Simply put, the motor converts electrical energy into mechanical energy and propels the vehicle forward. One advantage of induction motors is that they don’t have permanent magnets or brushes like your typical IC engine – yet they deliver so much power. Also, the speed of the motor’s rotation is determined by the variable frequency of the power supply. In fact, the main motor can spin up to 18,000 rpm. This makes controlling the speed of Teslas much easier and more reliable.
A standard Tesla battery pack consists of common lithium-ion battery cells, the exact ones we use on a regular basis. All the battery cells are interwoven in a combination of parallel and series to create enough power for the motor to run the car.
However, one principle that distinguishes Tesla from the competition is glycol coolant. The coolant is applied through the metallic inner tubes that pass through the tiny gaps between the battery cells. Cooling is optimized by using plenty of small cells instead of a few large cells. A higher battery life pack is guaranteed because the temperature is evenly distributed within the cells, effectively reducing thermal hot spots.
Do Teslas Use Gas Pumps?
Since Teslas don’t use gas, there’s absolutely no need to use gas pumps. As you might expect, you don’t fill Teslas with gas; they have to be charged for continued use.
Owners can charge Teslas at the comforts of their homes or while on the road. There are three primary ways of charging:
- You may use a slow charger at home that plugs into any standard 120-volt outlet. However, while easy and convenient, this method is the least efficient and slowest way to charge a Tesla.
- Alternatively, you can use a Wall Connector as a quicker and more efficient home charging solution. The device is wired directly to the home’s electrical system. It can add 44 miles of range per hour of charging, has multiple power settings, and can be installed indoors or outdoors. An overnight charge should be enough for full capacity.
- For the fastest charging, Tesla has “Superchargers” installed in parking lots, truck stops, and gas stations all over the country. Superchargers are essentially the electrical equivalent of standard gas pumps. Your vehicle gains about 200 miles of range for just 15 minutes of charging.
In addition, you may use NEMA adapters to charge your Tesla using charging stations for generic electric vehicles. However, this method is very inefficient and is only recommended for emergencies.
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Advantages of Driving a Tesla
Now that we’ve answered the common query, “do Teslas use gas” let’s talk about a few significant benefits of driving an electric car.
1. Eco-Friendly Solution
All-electric vehicles or EVs are more environmentally-friendly than their gas counterparts. Since EVs have no tailpipe emissions, they don’t contribute to air pollution by not emitting carbon monoxide, NOx, and other fine particulates.
Tesla is also planning to recycle 100% of the batteries received and reuse 92% of their raw metals.
2. Impressive Battery Range
If you’re driving within city limits, you’re unlikely to have problems with battery life. With various home charging solutions, it’s more convenient than ever to charge a Tesla and prevent issues with battery range.
But what about long drives?
As a global leader in electric vehicles, Tesla’s battery packs are impressive and can provide a range between 244 to 326 miles per single charge. Thus, EVs are reliable for long drives too.
3. Save Money
Sure, there’s a sizable upfront cost to owning a Tesla, but in the long run, you’ll end up saving more money. According to a study by Consumer Reports, a typical EV owner can save up to $800 to $1,000 each year on fuel costs alone.
Moreover, EV owners also see savings concerning maintenance and repairs. On average, electric cars help you save an average of $4,600 during your vehicle’s lifetime.
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4. Dependable Charging
One of the main concerns that people have with switching to electric vehicles. Unreliable charging was indeed a thing of the past, but that’s hardly an issue these days. With the skyrocketing popularity of electric cars, Tesla’s network of Superchargers continues to expand - making them more accessible to drivers.
In addition to charging stations, the company provided several ways to charge your vehicle at home, such as slow chargers and wall connectors.
Tesla FAQs
Q: Do Tesla cars run on gas?
A: No, Tesla vehicles do not run on gasoline. Tesla is known for producing electric vehicles, which are powered by electricity stored in a rechargeable battery pack. Unlike traditional cars that run on internal combustion engines and require gasoline or diesel fuel, Tesla’s vehicles use electric motors and batteries.
Q: How far can a Tesla vehicle travel on a single charge?
A: Range varies depending on the model, from approximately 272 miles for the base model of the Model 3 up to 405 miles for the Model S Long Range. However, real-world range can be affected by factors like speed, temperature, use of climate control, etc.
Q: How long does it take to charge a Tesla car?
A: Charging time depends on the power source. Using a standard electrical outlet can take over a day for a full charge. Tesla’s NEMA 14-50 chargers can charge at a rate of about 20+ miles per hour of charging. Tesla Superchargers, available in many cities and along popular driving routes, can charge a Tesla to about 80% in around 25-30 minutes or up to 100% in about 75 minutes.
Going Electric
Do Teslas use gas? In summary, Tesla vehicles don’t use gas but instead use battery packs to supply power to their induction motors.
If you’re fed up with spending a small fortune every time you visit the gas station, buying a Tesla (or some other electric vehicle) is worth the investment for its game-changing benefits.
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