First time driving a Tesla? Here’s how it works

First time driving a Tesla? Here’s how it works—in plain language—before you head out in a Zap M3 Model 3. This guide covers the phone key, charging, range, regenerative braking, and a few habits that make the first hour feel natural. Zap M3 rents directly in Richmond, with contactless pickup and 24/7 AI text and phone help if you get stuck.

Your phone is the key

Zap M3 rentals use a virtual key tied to your phone. When your reservation is active, you unlock, drive, and lock without a traditional metal fob. Keep your phone charged. If something fails at the car, use 24/7 AI text and phone support.

Renters must be 25 or older. Pickup is contactless once access is granted for your trip.

Regenerative braking (one-pedal feel)

Teslas slow down when you lift off the accelerator because the motor recovers energy. That “one-pedal” feel surprises many first-timers:

Lift gently to bleed speed in traffic.
You still have a brake pedal—use it for firm stops and emergencies.
Leave extra space until the regen response feels familiar.

Practice in a quiet lot or side street before merging onto I-95 or the Downtown Expressway.

Range and trip planning

Range depends on battery size, speed, weather, hills, cabin heat/AC, and driving style. Highway speeds use more energy than city driving. Cold weather can reduce range. Plan with a buffer; do not treat the on-screen estimate as a challenge to beat.

Our fleet includes two 2018 Model 3 Long Range cars and a 2024 Model 3.

Charging basics

Tesla’s High Voltage Battery Information and Charging Instructions explain the basics. For the older cars, see the 2017–2023 Model 3 charging instructions.

Charge regularly. Tesla says there is no advantage to waiting until the battery is low; it performs best when charged regularly.
Never let it run to empty. A full discharge can damage components. Plan charging stops with a range buffer.
Follow that car’s charge-limit recommendation. Open Controls > Charging or touch the battery icon to check the recommended daily and trip limits. For cars with an 80% daily recommendation, keep daily charging around 80% and save 100% for longer trips, as Tesla’s range tips advise. Follow the screen in both our 2018 Long Range cars and the 2024; do not assume the 2024 has a particular battery chemistry.
Use destination charging when possible. Tesla recommends charging at home when possible and saving Superchargers for road trips and longer drives.
Use the in-car map and Trip Planner to find Superchargers. Navigating to one prepares the battery for more efficient charging. See Tesla’s charging and preconditioning guidance.
Watch the screen for charge-limit and time estimates. Plan enough charging time to finish your trip comfortably.

No traditional start or stop button

Think of the car like a phone waking from standby or sleep, rather than a gas car you start and shut off. When you enter with your phone key, the touchscreen comes on. Press the brake and shift into Drive or Reverse to go. When finished, shift into Park, confirm the car is secure, and leave with your phone key; it powers off automatically. See Tesla’s Starting and Powering Off and the 2017–2023 instructions.

Controls newcomers ask about

Drive / Reverse — our two 2018 Model 3 Long Range cars: press the brake to shift out of Park. Use the right drive stalk: push all the way down for Drive, all the way up for Reverse, and press the end for Park when stopped. Reverse is available only when stopped or moving below about 5 mph; stop before changing direction. See Tesla’s 2017–2023 Shifting guide.
Drive / Reverse — our 2024 Model 3: there is no drive stalk. Press the brake, then swipe up for Drive or down for Reverse on the touchscreen drive-mode strip; tap P for Park when stopped. If the touchscreen is unavailable, use the overhead-console P/R/N/D buttons with the brake pressed. Always confirm Drive or Reverse on screen before accelerating. See Tesla’s current Shifting guide.
Autopilot / FSD (Supervised): all three Zap M3 Model 3s have Full Self-Driving (Supervised). These are assistance features—not self-driving. You must supervise at all times. Read Tesla FSD (Supervised). Safety note: Tesla publishes its FSD (Supervised) Vehicle Safety Report.
Climate and defrost: electric heat uses energy—budget range for it. The 2024 Model 3 uses Tesla’s more efficient heat-pump HVAC system, so cabin heating and defrost typically use less energy than in our 2018 cars. Tesla explains heat-pump efficiency in its range tips. You can check heat-pump equipment under Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information, as described in Tesla’s cold-weather guidance.
Park and lock: confirm the car is in Park and locked before you walk away. Under Controls > Locks > Walk-Away Door Lock, you can enable automatic locking when you walk away with your phone key. The doors and trunks lock and the lights flash once. It may not auto-lock if a phone key remains inside, a door or trunk is not fully closed, or phone Bluetooth is off. Tesla still says it is the driver’s responsibility to make sure the car is locked; check rather than relying on the feature. See Tesla’s Doors / Walk-Away Door Lock instructions.

Ready to try one in Richmond?

Rent a Tesla in Richmond, VA from Zap M3: three Model 3s, six years in business, book on ZapM3.com. Useful next reads: wedding and events, or a rental while yours is in the shop.

Booking rules refresher: pick-up at least 25 hours out, minimum 24 hours, up to 29 days, Eastern Time. Rates: see Pricing.

Contact Zap M3: ContactUs@ZAPM3.com · (804) 546-5983
Mailing address: Zap M3, LLC, 919 E Main Street, STE 1000, Richmond, VA 23219

Book now / Check availability See pricing

FAQ

I have never driven an EV. Is a Zap M3 rental a good first try?

Yes—many renters start here. Read this page, keep the support number handy, and take a few quiet minutes with regen braking before highway traffic.

What if the phone key will not unlock?

Use 24/7 AI text and phone help right away.

Does every car have Full Self-Driving?

Yes. All three current Zap M3 Model 3s have FSD (Supervised). It is driver assistance, not autonomy. See our FSD explainer.

Disclaimer. You are responsible for all vehicle actions during your rental, including any collision. Full Self-Driving (Supervised) requires an attentive driver at all times, and you can take control at any moment by turning the steering wheel or pressing the brake. Just as when driving manually, you may not use your phone or look away from the road ahead while FSD (Supervised) is engaged. FSD (Supervised) is designed to help reduce collisions and driver fatigue. Based on statistical data published by Tesla in its FSD (Supervised) Vehicle Safety Report, Tesla reports that vehicles with FSD (Supervised) engaged experience fewer collisions than vehicles driven manually. These figures are Tesla's and do not limit or change your responsibility as the driver.