I Never Thought I’d Own an EV, But the Tesla Model 3 Performance Opened My Eyes and Changed Everything

Daniel never pictured himself in an EV, but one unexpected test drive in a Tesla Model 3 Performance turned everything he thought he knew about driving on its head. What followed might sound familiar to more people than you’d think.

Some people fall in love with a car after months of research, while others, like Daniel Carbajal, don’t even see it coming. It started with disinterest, maybe even a bit of skepticism, until one Tesla test drive flipped the script. This morning, I came across his post in the “Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club” on Facebook, where he explained how getting behind the wheel of a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance completely rewired the way he thinks about cars. What began as a casual experience quickly became something more. It became a gateway to one of the most exciting driving experiences of his life.

In his words: “I can proudly say that I absolutely love my 2019 Tesla Model 3 Performance! Never thought I'd ever own an EV. I didn't care about them until I drove one and it absolutely changed my mind. So much fun to drive and the things it does blows my mind. Happy to be part of the Tesla family!”

Daniel’s post is the kind of moment I’ve come to recognize again and again in the world of electric vehicles while I write these stories. A shift in mindset often happens the moment someone drives a Tesla. It's the same kind of shift described by another new owner in this story about buying a Tesla Model 3 and immediately regretting not switching earlier. There's something undeniably transformative about experiencing the instant torque, smoothness, and futuristic technology for yourself. It’s why so many EV skeptics suddenly become enthusiastic converts, and Daniel's story is one of the clearest examples I've seen.

 

A Chain Reaction of Converted Drivers

One of the best parts of this story is how familiar it is to others. Just below Daniel’s post, Roger Zerbe commented: “Same story for me. Never in a thousand years did I ever think I would own an EV. I drove my girlfriend's and absolutely loved it. 2019 Model 3 Long Range.” Like Daniel, Roger never saw himself as an EV owner until he had a real-world experience. That first drive can truly rewire your expectations, and Roger’s 2019 Model 3 Long Range became a gateway into a whole new type of driving experience.

Bruce Guarneri shared a nearly identical turning point: “That's how they got me too! I rented one off of Turo on a trip and bought one a few months later.” Renting a Tesla for a few days often creates just enough exposure to change someone’s perspective forever. Suddenly, you're not just reading about range or acceleration specs as you’re living it. And once that thrill is personal, it’s hard to walk away.

Mark McQueen chimed in with his story: “Same here, drove one last month and bought 2. One for my wife and myself.” That speaks volumes. Not only did he become convinced, but he felt confident enough to bring someone he loves into the Tesla world as well. These are the kinds of stories that show just how contagious the experience can be. It’s not just about liking a new car, because it’s about changing the way people think about driving altogether.

The Unexpected Power of One Drive

It’s important to recognize that Daniel, Roger, Bruce, and Mark all started from a place of disinterest. None of them were chasing EVs from day one. Instead, they were everyday drivers who stumbled into a new way of thinking. And that’s where Tesla has really made its mark by turning doubt into delight, and skepticism into smiles. Their reactions mirror the ones you’ll find in this long-term Tesla ownership story, where a driver raves about the reliability of a Model 3 even after 200,000 miles on the original battery.

The other part that makes Daniel’s story so compelling is the sheer enthusiasm in his words. “So much fun to drive,” he says, and that fun factor is one of the most underrated pieces of the EV conversation. The Tesla Model 3 Performance isn’t just an electric car, it’s a high-performance sedan that happens to be electric. That means 0-60 in 3.1 seconds, instant throttle response, and razor-sharp handling.

That exhilaration is a common theme in posts from drivers who used to drive something like a Toyota Tundra, only to discover that EVs aren't just efficient as they’re thrilling. People often expect Teslas to feel like practical tech gadgets, but what they don’t expect is the grins they’ll get while cornering, launching, or cruising in complete silence.

Everyday Tech That Feels Extraordinary

Even more than the specs, it’s the usability of Teslas that impresses first-time owners. Autopilot, regenerative braking, mobile app controls, and over-the-air updates make the car feel alive. It's also constantly improving in ways that traditional vehicles simply don’t. When people say Tesla is more than a car, that is what they mean.

And yes, it’s not always perfect. Some new owners face issues ranging from panel gaps to delivery concerns. But even then, Tesla’s ownership experience can redeem itself in ways that surprise people. For example, an owner shared how their warranty service was handled in their own driveway, with a technician driving hours just to replace both headlights. That kind of convenience is something traditional dealerships rarely offer.

What’s Next for Model 3?

Of course, we also can’t ignore that Tesla continues to evolve. Just recently, a Tesla prototype was spotted, hinting at possible updates for the Model 3 lineup. That means the vehicle Daniel loves today might get even better in the years to come, which is an exciting prospect for any owner.

As a journalist, stories like Daniel’s genuinely resonate with me, and not because they’re rare, but because they’re so common that it’s telling. EVs aren’t just catching on with tech enthusiasts anymore. They’re winning over people who never even cared about electric cars to begin with. That tells me something significant: the EV revolution isn’t driven by politics or policies, because it’s driven by the product. And when a product can change your mind after one test drive, that’s not marketing, it's merit. Tesla is tapping into something emotional, and the ripple effect is real. There's not much convincing needed when you let the car speak for itself.

Key Takeaways for Readers

1. Test Drives Change Minds: Many new Tesla owners didn’t plan to go electric, they were simply curious. One drive was all it took to flip the switch.

2. EVs Are Fun, Not Just Functional: The Tesla Model 3 Performance isn’t about saving gas, which we already know, t’s about having a blast behind the wheel. EVs have performance credentials that surprise even gearheads.

3. Community Builds Confidence: From Facebook groups to real-life recommendations, Tesla’s community of owners often plays a key role in helping others make the leap.

4. Service Isn’t Like Traditional Cars: From mobile technicians to software updates, Tesla redefines what car ownership feels like for better and sometimes worse, but often in impressive ways.

5. You Don’t Have to Be an EV Person to Love One: The most powerful endorsement doesn’t come from tech lovers. It comes from people who thought they’d never own one until they did.

Let’s Hear From You

Did you start off skeptical about EVs, only to change your mind after driving one? What was the moment that made you realize electric cars might be the future?

And if you're still on the fence, what’s holding you back from giving EV's a try?

I'd like to hear what you have to say in the comments below.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Tesla Gallery and the "Tesla Model 3 and Model Y Owners Club" public Facebook group.