First-Time Tesla Guide | RSRV EV, Raleigh

First time in a Tesla

Electric travel without the learning curve

Read this once and you'll be comfortable before you sit down. Nothing here assumes you've driven an EV before.

The full guide

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Tick what already feels clear. Anything left unticked is a good place to read next.

I know how to unlock and start the car
Regenerative braking makes sense to me
I can set a destination in the navigation
I know how to plug in at a Supercharger
I know how much charge to return with

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Read the sections

Drivers remain responsible for attentive, lawful driving at all times. Tesla's driver-assistance features are aids, not autonomous or self-driving systems.

Still unsure about something?

Ask before your trip, not in the parking lot.

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Electric travel without the learning curve

60-Second Tesla Orientation

The full guide

Opening and lockingYour phone or the card does the work — there's no key to turn.

Starting and parkingThere is no start button. Sit down, press the brake, select a gear, go.

Touchscreen basicsNearly every control lives on one screen, organised more simply than it looks.

Regenerative brakingLifting off the accelerator slows the car and returns energy to the battery.

Mirrors, seat, and steeringAdjustments are made through the screen and the steering-wheel scroll wheels.

NavigationEnter a destination and the car plans the energy, not just the route.

Finding chargingCharging is planned for you more often than you have to plan it yourself.

Supercharging basicsPull up, plug in, walk away. Billing is handled on the account tied to the vehicle.

Understanding battery percentageThink in percentages the way you already do with your phone.

Climate controlsSet a temperature and let the car handle the rest.

Safety and driver assistanceThese features assist you. They do not drive the car.

If you need helpReach a person, not a phone tree.

Returning the vehicleReturn it the way you'd want to receive it.

EV confidence check

Still unsure about something?