CleanTechnica has published a personal account detailing a 12-year journey through electric vehicle ownership, culminating in the adoption of Tesla’s Full Self Driving (FSD) V14 on a 2026 Model Y. The story traces the evolution of EV technology and infrastructure, highlighting both the challenges and advancements experienced along the way.
Early Days: Nissan Leaf and Limited Charging
The journey began with the lease of a 2014 Nissan Leaf, which offered an EPA range of 81 miles. At the time, charging infrastructure was sparse, with only three CHADEMO chargers available in the Salt Lake City area. The author relied on a $700 Level 2 charger at home and often had to plan trips carefully, sometimes driving without heat or air conditioning to maximize range.
After returning the 2014 model, a 2016 Nissan Leaf was leased, providing a slightly improved EPA range of 107 miles. However, after two years, the range had dropped to about 80 miles, prompting the purchase of a 2018 Nissan Leaf with an EPA range of 150 miles. Long-distance travel remained challenging, leading to the decision to ship the Leaf to Wisconsin for seasonal use.
Transition to Tesla and Expanded Travel
The introduction of the more affordable Tesla Model 3 marked a turning point. With a single charger in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the 268-mile trip to the Tesla dealer in Minneapolis became feasible. The author traded in the Leaf and picked up a long-range, dual-motor Model 3 with an EPA range of 310 miles in October 2019.
Tesla’s Supercharger network enabled true cross-country travel, with trips to Wisconsin, North Carolina, and California. Carrying two ebikes reduced the Model 3’s range to about 125 miles, but the network made longer journeys possible. Notable experiences included visiting a 98-stall Supercharger in Baker, California, and observing clean energy investments such as solar farms and wind turbines along the way.
Recent Experiences: Model Y and Full Self Driving V14
After an accident in May 2026 resulted in the Model 3 being declared a total loss, the author acquired a new 2026 base Model Y with an EPA range of 326 miles. The vehicle was delivered in Lake Elmo, Minnesota, as Tesla is still unable to deliver cars in Wisconsin.
The latest highlight is the use of Tesla’s Full Self Driving V14 on the Model Y. The system allows the driver to select from various driving modes, including Sloth, Chill, Standard, Hurry, and Mad Max. FSD V14 is designed to anticipate pedestrians at crosswalks and to slow or brake for animals such as deer and squirrels crossing the road.
Why this matters
This personal account illustrates the rapid progress in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure over the past decade. It highlights how improvements in range, charging networks, and driver assistance systems have transformed the practicality and appeal of EVs for long-distance and everyday use.
The experience also underscores the importance of continued investment in charging infrastructure and clean energy to support the growing adoption of electric vehicles.
What this means for buyers
Buyers considering an EV today benefit from significantly improved range and charging options compared to a decade ago. Tesla’s advancements in Full Self Driving technology offer new levels of driving automation, though supervision is still required.
Those interested in Tesla vehicles should be aware of current delivery policies and potential referral benefits, such as free trial periods for Full Self Driving or purchase discounts on select models.
Key Specs
- 2014 Nissan Leaf EPA Range: 81 miles (~130 km)
- 2016 Nissan Leaf EPA Range: 107 miles (~172 km)
- 2018 Nissan Leaf EPA Range: 150 miles (~241 km)
- Tesla Model 3 EPA Range: 310 miles (~499 km)
- 2026 Tesla Model Y EPA Range: 326 miles (~525 km)
- 2014 Nissan Leaf Lease Payment: $200 (~AUD 288) per month
- Home Level 2 Charger Cost: $700 (~AUD 1,009)
Source
Images sourced from: tesla.com, electrek.co, notateslaapp.com
