Is it worth buying a Tesla car in Canada: A Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Right Tesla Model

Is it worth buying a Tesla car in Canada: A Buyer’s Guide to Finding the Right Tesla Model

The name Tesla has almost become synonymous with the whole EV market, and the Tesla brand has become a mainstay for people in the EV community. Tesla vehicles are one of the first innovators in the EV car market and now provide one of the most comprehensive ranges of EVs in Canada. This doesn’t mean that a Tesla should be your first consideration and the a must go to choose for all of your EV needs. Knowing what you need and having a general idea of the Tesla lineup and their similarities and differences will help you understand better the Tesla lineup in Canada and make a better choice at choosing the right model for you.

In this article, we will go over some key elements that are characteristic of each Tesla vehicle and the important aspects that will help you make a better decision in choosing the best Tesla model for you and your specific needs.

Price Brackets

First and foremost are the price ranges in which Tesla Canada sells its vehicles to the general audience. They provide a more luxurious set of EVs as well as more economical and more budget friendly vehicles. 

The Tesla product line is generally divided into two price ranges. The company’s cheaper Model 3 compact sedan and Model Y small SUV are located at the bottom of the pricing hierarchy. The Model S midsize sedan and the Model X midsize SUV are the most expensive luxury cars in its lineup. The lower range models can price in from $60,000 to about 85,000 Canadian dollars whereas the top-of-the-line Tesla EVs can go from $121,000 to 170,000 Canadian dollars. Knowing what you can afford is an essential element when deciding which Tesla, you would want to purchase first.

Did you know that you could be saving some serious money just by buying a used Tesla that perform like new?

At Carnex, every used Tesla model is fully inspected by our experienced EV expert team. Browse our latest selection of certified used Tesla inventory now! Carnex car-buying process is entirely online. Buying a Tesla can simply be done online from the comfort of your own home. After picking out the Tesla, we’ll deliver it to you.

Type of vehicle needed

We can see two big categories of Tesla vehicles emerge from the lineup that are currently available in Canada. We have sedans and larger SUVs. Each kind of Tesla models provide their own advantages. 

The model X is the top-of-the-line SUV offered by Tesla. You can find inside a spacious interior with plenty of space for your passengers as well as the cargo you need to transport. The model Y is a more compact SUV provided by Tesla that is aimed to provide an affordable alternative to EV shoppers who require a reliable and performant electric SUV but cannot afford the model X. This SUV offers a lot of storage space, although not as much as the Model X, and it has similar characteristics to the Model X. The model Y long range variation, like the model X, has seven seats.

On the other hand, the Tesla Model S is a battery-powered liftback car serving as the flagship model of Tesla. The Model S features a dual-motor, all-wheel drive layout, although earlier versions of the Model S featured a rear-motor and rear-wheel drive layout. It is considered a luxurious sedan and the epitome of electric car luxury from Tesla. The model 3 can be seen as economic sedan that is like the little brother of the Model S. If you need a daily commuter or a car to run some basic errands, the model 3 offers a bit less storage than the model S but plenty for everyday use.

Tesla in the Canadian Winter

Some Tesla cars, particularly the Model 3 and Model Y, have had issues with poor paint, making them vulnerable to the harsh Canadian winters. After their cars had been driven through the first winter, some Tesla owners found unpleasant discoveries, including swiftly flaking paint, and cracked rocker panels. 

If you intend to buy a Model 3 or Y in Canada, we advise wrapping your car with protective film first. This should provide the best defense against salt and road debris. In addition, the Tesla Model 3 has a design issue in its rear bumper that causes it to accumulate a lot of dirt and road salt underneath the vehicle over time. To prevent unintended damage to the car’s rear suspension components, make sure that the rear bumper is thoroughly cleaned in the spring.

Car features

Teslas can receive periodic software updates as well as improvements to their current performance. When shopping for a used Tesla in Canada, look for the upgrades that the car comes with, such as enhanced autopilot, extended range, and AWD. For older models, check if the navigation system such as the screen is updated and the time remaining on the warranty. Furthermore, some Teslas may offer free supercharging for the lifetime of the vehicle, which will also save you some money overtime throughout the remaining lifetime of the used Tesla.

Government incentives

In Canada, the federal government and some provincial governments provide incentives for purchasing an EV. Consider that most incentives have an MSRP cap, meaning that if the vehicle costs more than a certain amount, no incentives will be provided. Consider this when purchasing a Tesla as the incentives can go up to $14,000 when purchasing a qualified Tesla in Canada. Of course, buying a high-end model X or S will obviously not provide an incentive from the government.

EV Charging Infrastructure in Canada

Tesla has fast charging stations called Superchargers that are accessible in gas stations and mall parking lots all around the world. Over 2,500 Supercharger Stations and over 25,000 Superchargers are now open. The cost and speed of Superchargers can vary, but Tesla is currently advertising that you can get 1,500km worth of charge for $70 – in comparison to $150 equivalent cost of gasoline. Additionally, they predict that it will only take your Tesla about 30 minutes to charge fully so you can continue your journey. 

In Canada, the number of Tesla Superchargers available varies from province to province, but you can probably find one near you.

Looking for an affordable Tesla option? Buying a used Tesla can save you money. 

At Carnex, every used Tesla model is fully inspected by our experienced EV expert team. Browse our latest selection of certified used Tesla inventory now! Carnex car-buying process is entirely online. Buying a Tesla can simply be done online from the comfort of your own home. After picking out the Tesla, we’ll deliver it to you.

Learn more about the benefits of buying from Carnex. We believe that all clients deserve to know the good and bad of what they’re buying. Because we wanted to know these when we bought cars. That’s why at Carnex.ca, we will proudly display every detail every step of the way. Browse all the best cars, automobile buying tips, auto insurance, young drivers, driving techniques, auto industry trends from Carnex Blog.