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- Allows drivers to ‘test drive a Tesla without Tesla’, for Model Y and Model 3
In perhaps the most advanced test driving experience yet; Tesla’s self-service program has expanded to almost 20 new locations across the UK and Elon Musk’s brand signals the death knell for the car seller.
The remote test drive experience promises curious drivers that they can “test drive a Tesla without a Tesla,” or talk to one of the staff members.
Reservations can be scheduled online in less than a minute and offer an “immersive experience.”
So think of it as the four-wheeled Lime, but don’t leave a Model 3 lying on the sidewalk like the popular downtown rental bikes!
Tesla has expanded its self-service drive-through test drive locations to 17 sites across the UK where drivers can book a ‘Tesla-free’ test drive of the Model 3 and Model Y electric vehicles.
After Tesla opened its first space in Perth, Scotland, last year, the Elon Musk-owned electric vehicle brand has introduced 17 new locations.
Self-service test drives remove human interaction from the test drive, as there is no physical interaction with a Tesla employee.
A completely different step up from the ‘sales spaces’ that are popular particularly with electric vehicle manufacturers these days, drive-thru centers allow you to book and drive without so much as a handshake.
Tesla says your slot can be scheduled in less than 60 seconds, either through the Tesla website or the Tesla mobile app.
The goal of being able to reserve and drive using technology to access the car is to “eliminate the typical monotony associated with test driving a new car.”
After unlocking a Model 3 or Model Y through their phone, customers can take a 30-minute Tesla test drive on their own before deciding whether to place an order.
How do Tesla self-service test drives work?
After scheduling their self-service test drive slot, customers will receive an email with details. A Tesla advisor will contact them to answer any questions and confirm space.
Test drive slots are 30 minutes.
When the driver arrives for the test drive, everything is done through the Tesla app: the driver will be guided seamlessly so that they have full autonomy.
Once the vehicle is unlocked and the driver is seated in it, a test drive will appear on the touchscreen to help adjust the vehicle settings to the preferred setting.
Return the car to its original slot and lock it through the app and the test drive is finished.
If you need help at any time during the test drive, you can contact a Tesla advisor by phone through the app.
What Tesla models can you test drive-thru?
In the UK only the new Model 3 and Model Y are available for test drives.
The self-service test drive allows people without easy access to a Tesla store to experience Tesla at a time and place that suits them best.
This is the facelifted version of the Tesla Model 3, which is now available in the UK with prices starting at £39,990. The long range version costs £49,990
Tesla replaced its rear-wheel drive Model Y with a new long-range version whose deliveries are already underway
This is Tesla’s first ‘Remote Test Drive’ location in the UK, in Perth, Scotland. Not only is there no showroom, there are no salespeople, but customers receive a guided tour of the car on their phone and then drive it out unaccompanied.
How many self-service locations are there and where are they?
In the UK, there are 17 self-service test drive locations available, allowing people without easy access to a Tesla store to experience Tesla at a time and place that suits them.
These range from London, Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow to Inverness.
These are in addition to more than 160 locations in Europe and the Middle East.
