Even charging time is a happy time. Car life with eri and my beloved Tesla

Even the charging time, which Eri feared would be a hassle, has become a happy time. "I can go to the bookstore or reply to emails during that time. Sometimes I get so engrossed in a game that I don't even realize it's charging," says Eri. The comfortable interior of her beloved Tesla creates extra time.

First published in BRUTUS No. 1006 "Car Life" (released April 15, 2024)

photo: Saki Yagi / text: Maki Kakimoto (Lita)

A comfortable "moving room" gives you more options every day

Eri got her driver's license as soon as she turned 18. This Tesla is her seventh. Her previous car was a four-wheel drive gasoline vehicle that she loved and drove for a long time. She says the reason she switched cars was because of climate change.

"I drive half the week. I've loved driving ever since I got my license at 18, but when I think about the exhaust fumes I'm emitting while driving, the time I enjoy driving has also become a painful time... Even if I switch to an electric car, I still can't choose my electricity provider, so it's not like all my problems are solved! But it has significantly reduced my mental stress.

I was struggling with the decision between continuing to take good care of the car I'd had for many years and switching to an electric vehicle, so I consulted a researcher I trusted. He told me that everyone needs to switch to EVs in order to eliminate gasoline-powered cars, and that's what made me decide. My father was going to take over the car I'd been driving, so the timing was perfect."

I decided to switch to an electric car and it didn't take long for me to decide on this Tesla model.

"I try to avoid buying new things as much as possible, so I started looking for a used car. I liked this model because of its compact size, which is convenient for use around town, and its design. I also have a house in the mountains, and I travel by car on business trips, so I chose a long-range model with a long battery life."

<DEPT company> Representative・eri
When heading to the mountain house, I sometimes set the car to automatic driving on straight roads and take my time. I listen to the radio and enjoy the changing scenery, which refreshes me on the way.

A car that lets you experience the next step every day

When switching to an electric car, one of my concerns was the charging time. I was worried that the waiting time would be a hassle.

"When I actually tried charging, it brought me the complete opposite of anxiety and actually brought me happy times. It felt like I had rented a new room. A mobile room. I felt great being able to work, rest, play, and so on, even while I was traveling. Even if I had an online meeting at an awkward time, I could quickly stop it while traveling and do it from the car, so it may actually save me time.

I don't like idling, so until now I'd have to turn off the air conditioning and freeze in the car, but now I can do it in comfort with the air conditioning on, so it's a big step forward for me. As a gadget lover, one of the things I enjoy is being able to visualize and experience the comparison of gasoline and electricity costs because everything is connected to my phone. Not only has switching to electricity reduced stress, but it's also a great deal! I'm so happy about that.

Eri says that even charging time has become a new source of happiness.

"Just because I switched to an electric car doesn't mean everything is OK, and it doesn't mean I love the Tesla brand, but it's also true that it has brought about a new lifestyle of comfortable car time. Once you've lived a life without refueling, it's strange to remember that, 'I used to go to the gas station, too.' Electric cars allow me to experience the next step every day."

Driving time has long been a time when inspiration is born.

"When I drive, I feel like I'm one with the car, and like a giant self moving at the same time. My body moves naturally, so while I'm paying attention, I often find myself thinking about something at the same time. The frequency at which I'm driving and thinking at the same time may be the moment when inspiration is most likely to come to me.

I've always liked the idea of doing two or three things at the same time, so I usually listen to the news while I'm driving. This gets me thinking about what to do next, and I stop the car and write down my thoughts. I think my new electric room will continue to change my life."

eri, CEO of DEPT company, and Tesla Model 3
When considering electric cars, he was attracted to the design and gadgets and immediately decided on a Tesla. "I've often painted my car in my favorite color, but I'm thinking of driving the existing black one for a while. I'm already getting a little tired of it (laughs)."

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