The Appeal of EVs Felt Through the Porsche Taycan

It’s been a month since the Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo arrived at our home. My wife mainly drives it, but I’ve had the chance to drive it occasionally, and I’ve come to appreciate the charm of EVs all over again.

Certainly, EVs have their downsides. However, for everyday travel, EVs are so convenient that it’s hard to find advantages in gasoline or diesel cars.

The biggest reason is how easy they are to drive. In city driving with lots of low-speed situations, the motor’s quick response truly shines. No V8 or V12 engine can match the instant torque and responsiveness, letting you glide along like a fish in water. Especially when accelerating again after slowing at intersections, it makes you wonder if you could ever go back to an engine car.

Additionally, the ease of charging is a huge plus for EVs. Since our parking space has an outlet, the Taycan can be charged at home. Currently, we use a 100V outlet, which still provides about 1kWh per hour of charging, meaning roughly 8kWh or 30 to 40 km worth of range can be stored overnight.

For daily shopping or school runs, we rarely drive more than 30 km. Even a 50 km commute can mostly be covered by a single night’s charge. In other words, like a smartphone, you just plug it in at home and it’s ready to go again the next morning. It’s like having a gas station at home—nothing could be more convenient. Even if you don’t have home charging, there are plenty of public chargers now, so you can top up while shopping or commuting without wasting time.

Some may worry about limited range, but that’s not much of a concern. It’s like when smartphones replaced feature phones. Feature phones could last a week on a charge, and many thought, “No one will use a phone that only lasts a day.” But look now—most people use smartphones that last only about a day without issue. EV charging infrastructure is improving rapidly, and you can charge “on the go” in many situations.

First Impressions of Tesla

Having witnessed the capabilities of EVs firsthand, I suddenly remembered Tesla. Actually, I had the chance to drive a Model S when Tesla first arrived in Japan.

My impression then was very positive. I had expected typical American car traits, but the build quality was solid with a European-like feel. The driving experience was close to a Mercedes-Benz—straightforward and reassuring.

The acceleration was eye-opening, yet the driving was easy, with none of the vague, floaty feeling you might expect from an American car. That experience left me with a good impression of Tesla.

Four Impressive Features of the New Model 3

Recently, I heard the Tesla Model 3 had received a facelift with a sharper design. The Model 3 is Tesla’s most compact sedan, competing with the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

I wasn’t a fan of the pre-facelift Model 3’s design, but the new Model 3 looks stylish and sporty, and I immediately wanted to try it. So my wife and I went for a test drive.

Having had some expectations from the Model S experience, the new Model 3 exceeded them by far. Honestly, it was 1.5 to 2 times better than I had imagined. Its appeal can be summed up in four points.

First, the body rigidity and suspension tuning are outstanding. It outperforms not only cars in its class but even those one or two segments above. The smoothness of the tires rolling off at takeoff was astonishing, making the Model 3’s ride quality truly impressive. The best soft-suspension car I’d experienced before was the Range Rover Autobiography, but the Model 3’s initial roll felt just as smooth.

Second, the cabin’s quietness and the simple, refined interior. The new Model 3 has double-glazed windows, making the interior incredibly quiet when closed—like wearing noise-canceling headphones. The interior design is sophisticated like a top-tier hotel, eliminating unnecessary buttons to create a simple yet high-quality space. This approach is a refreshing contrast to manufacturers who think covering everything in soft pads equals luxury.

Third, ease of handling in city driving. The Model 3’s one-pedal driving lets you decelerate smoothly just by easing off the accelerator, bringing the car to a stop without ever needing the brake pedal. During the test drive, I never once pressed the brake. It slows smoothly at traffic lights and stops naturally, which is gentle for both driver and passengers. On any slope, it stops without braking and starts smoothly without any vibration or shock from releasing the parking brake. This is better than any car I’ve experienced.

Fourth, comfort while parked. Tesla puts great effort into making the car comfortable even when stopped, a perspective rare in other cars. With “Camp Mode,” you can run the air conditioning while parked, enjoy superb sound from 17 standard speakers, and watch Netflix or YouTube inside the car, making it feel like a living room. The high quietness helps create a completely private space. You can work, rest, or nap comfortably.

For pet owners, there’s “Dog Mode,” which keeps the interior comfortable for pets left inside. One big reason I decided to buy a Tesla is because I saw it as not just a means of transportation but also my own comfortable workspace.

Ordered in Ultra Red with 18-inch Photon wheels and white interior.

Additionally, the Model 3’s price is very attractive compared to competitors. With subsidies, it can be purchased for under 6 million yen. This performance at that price is undeniably an outstanding cost-performance ratio.

After experiencing the Model 3, I decided to switch from my Mercedes-Benz GLB. The GLB was a great 7-seater and very practical.

However, the Model 3’s appeal, signaling a new era, was irresistible. Its futuristic innovation, surprisingly solid chassis, and overwhelming EV performance made me want to own it.

Tesla’s True Value | A 911 Owner’s Perspective

I’ve driven many Porsches and have a good sense of driving performance.

From that perspective, I’d say the Model 3’s driving has the potential to become the de facto standard for future sedans.

The Long Range’s 0-100 km/h acceleration is just 4.4 seconds—comparable to a 992 Carrera. But the Model 3’s true strength isn’t just acceleration speed. Its body rigidity and suspension tuning are not just fun but extremely high-level, offering excellent ride comfort, stability, and handling.

It provides a very high-quality ride, ranking among the best cars I’ve driven, even beyond its class. At the same time, it delivers outstanding driving dynamics. Honestly, even as someone who drives a Porsche daily, I have no complaints about the Model 3’s everyday driving quality. I also recommended the Model 3 test drive to two Porsche enthusiasts I know, and both were blown away, saying, “The Model 3 is amazing!”

The convenience unique to EVs is also impressive. It automatically shifts to park when you unbuckle your seatbelt, selects D or R automatically with auto-shift depending on the situation, and offers parking surveillance with Sentry Mode. It makes you wonder why cars haven’t been like this until now.

Considering all this, I’m confident the Model 3 can set a new benchmark in its segment—like the Volkswagen Golf did, becoming the segment’s standard.

In fact, the Model 3 might even surpass that potential.

EVs still have a small market share in Japan, but I’m keeping a close eye on Tesla’s future. The evolution of the Model 3 is the real deal, and that’s why I decided to buy one.