A driver who has owned a Tesla Model 3 for three years took to Reddit’s r/Autos forum to make a confession. “The whole EV lifestyle just isn’t clicking for me.” They told fellow users they were thinking about returning to internal combustion. “I feel like I’m about to commit automotive heresy here, but honestly I’m tired of making my car ownership feel like a second job.”

That admission alone drew attention. But when the driver added they don’t have a home charger, even Tesla owners agreed the struggle was real.

The top comment said it plainly. “If you don’t have guaranteed home charging, one of the largest benefits of EV is gone.” A workplace charger can help. Otherwise, drivers rely on DC fast chargers at places like Walmart while running errands. That means plugging in for more than 30 minutes, often twice a week. Current fast-charging prices rival the cost of a tank of gas. For many renters, EV ownership remains a poor fit.

The original poster asked whether others had returned to gasoline cars. The responses revealed several overlooked costs of EV ownership.

“My friend switched back to a gas car from a Tesla primarily due to higher auto insurance premium which almost wiped out the gas savings.”

Bankrate backs that up. “On average, electric vehicle insurance costs as much as $2,800 more per year than insurance for gas-powered cars.” Actual rates vary by location, age, and driving history. But buyers chasing savings should price insurance before signing paperwork.

Hidden costs of driving an EV

Insurance isn’t the only surprise cost. While EVs need less routine maintenance, wear items add up. One former Tesla driver said of their ICE car, “The tires last twice as long.”

“I don’t miss paying for gas. I hate paying for gas, but it is easy.” — Tesla owner

That same commenter found internal combustion engine upkeep less intimidating than expected. “Oil changes are easy AF.”

Upfront cost also matters. The average transaction price for a new EV, after tax incentives, sits around $58,000. The commenter summed it up bluntly. “This new gas car is half the price of a new Model 3.”

Tesla-specific complaints surfaced, too. One user wrote, “Also, Tesla service centers suck a—. Every time I needed service, those hoodlums never helped me out. This reason alone, I won’t ever go back. Ever. Never ever.” Another highly upvoted comment was a single word: “Elon.”

Some drivers missed the experience itself. “I missed the fun of a lighter weight, slower, but fizzy and fuzzy mechanical stick shift hatchback.” Others said long road trips or rural drives remained stressful due to lackluster charging infrastructure. One commenter offered a compromise. “This feels like the perfect use case for a weekend car.”

Honestly, sky-high insurance rates, exorbitant fast charger electricity markups, and $58,000 average transaction prices for new EVs all feel predatory. A minority of U.S. drivers are choosing to invest in EVs by becoming early adopters, but multiple entities are taking the opportunity to nickel and dime them. Countries with enough E drivers have cheaper electricity and insurance for them, as well as budget-friendly EV options. The U.S. will arrive there someday. But in the meantime, EVs may not be the best fit for everyone.

Several replies pushed back on the original poster’s guilt. One comment stood out. “You bought a car. You didn’t sign up for a cult. You don’t owe anyone your allegiance.” You can see the entire post embedded below:

Tesla owners who switched back to gas – what made you do it? Genuinely curious.
byu/skinner1234567 inAutos