Tesla: the owner's guide (charging, energy, accessories)
By Andrea R. · Published November 6, 2026
Key takeaways
- I drive a Tesla Model 3 Performance bought certified used: after 2 years and 20,000 km, I'd make the same choice (my full review).
- Charging and energy: Powerwall 3, Powershare and Home Assistant can turn the car and battery into a real home energy system.
- Robotaxi and assisted driving: the Cybercab runs in Austin but is only on display in Europe; EU regulation remains the main hurdle.
- Financial topics (earnings, annual meeting) are covered as dated analyses, not investment advice.
This guide gathers everything we publish about Tesla: real ownership experience, charging and home energy, tested accessories, software and company news. The reviews are based on my own car; the other articles are sourced analyses.
Living with a Tesla day to day
My Model 3 Performance was bought certified used for €31,500. After 2 years and 20,000 km, the battery shows 95% state of health. The review covers Supercharging, the app, what I liked and what I liked less: Tesla Model 3 Performance used: my review after 2 years.
Buying used: what to check
- Battery state of health (SOH) and charging history.
- Which software features transfer with the car (options bought by the previous owner).
- Remaining battery and drive-unit warranty.
- Tyres and suspension, which work hard on Performance versions.
Charging and home energy
A Tesla is also a big battery on wheels. Our Tesla home energy guide 2026 explains Powerwall 3, Powershare backup and virtual power plants (VPP), with Home Assistant automations.
On the smart home side, Teslemetry can control the Powerwall locally: see Powerwall in Home Assistant 2026.11. For the rest of your smart home, see our Home Assistant guide.
Tested accessories
H86 Android rear screen for Model 3: plug-and-play install, good picture, climate control and CarPlay/Android Auto for rear passengers. The interface feels dated and the app store is limited, but for the price it's a real upgrade.
Robotaxi, Cybercab and assisted driving
- Tesla Cybercab robotaxi guide 2026: Austin timeline, fleet numbers and the NHTSA case.
- Cybercab in Europe: the 12 tour dates and why it still can't drive here.
In Europe, advanced assisted-driving features depend on type approval. We only describe as available what has officially rolled out.
Tesla the company: earnings and governance
| Topic | Article |
|---|---|
| Q3 2026 earnings | What's durable, what's one-off |
| 2026 annual meeting | Standing retail vote, Musk pay and SpaceX ties |
These analyses are informational and are not investment advice.
Charging at home: good habits
- Have an electrician check your installation before fitting a wall connector.
- Schedule charging during off-peak hours from the app or through Home Assistant.
- For daily use, slow home charging is gentler on the battery and cheaper than Supercharging.
- Keep Superchargers for road trips; the car's trip planner shows where and how long to stop.
FAQ
Is a used Model 3 a good buy?
In my case yes, provided you check battery health and remaining warranty. After 2 years, my battery is at 95%.
Can I connect my Tesla to Home Assistant?
Yes, through integrations such as Teslemetry, which expose the car's status and, for the Powerwall, local control.
Is the Cybercab available in Europe?
No. In Europe the Cybercab is only on display; the robotaxi service is not authorized there to date.