VTC Driver Explains Living Full-Time in a Tesla Model 3 for Three Years

Tesla Astuces

Introduction and Presentation of Julien [00:00]

• The video introduces Julien, a VTC (Vehicle de Tourisme avec Chauffeur) driver who has been living full-time in his Tesla Model 3 for three years.

  

  - He decided to rent out his apartment due to excessive noise, seeking a more peaceful environment. - His journey into nomadic living began in late 2022 after a transformative bicycle trip in 2021.
  • Initially, he lived in a Toyota Corolla Break, appreciating its spacious trunk.
  • He transitioned to a Tesla because of its advanced features, especially the "Camp Mode," which offered superior comfort compared to his previous vehicle.

Why Live in a Tesla? [01:20]

• Julien highlights the importance of Tesla's "Camp Mode" for maintaining comfortable temperatures inside the vehicle, regardless of external conditions. [03:00]

  

  - Unlike his previous Toyota Corolla, which lacked effective climate control and air renewal, the Tesla allows for closed windows, preventing insects (like mosquitoes) from entering. - He specifically chose a Tesla Model 3 SR+ (2021 model) equipped with an LFP (Lithium Iron Phosphate) battery.
  • This battery type is ideal for his lifestyle as it tolerates frequent charging to 100% without significant degradation, unlike other lithium-ion chemistries.
  • Using "Camp Mode" consumes approximately 7-8% of the battery charge overnight, depending on the temperature difference between the interior and exterior.
  • He typically sets the interior temperature to 20°C for sleeping.

Daily Organization (Meals, Hygiene, Laundry) [05:00]

• Meals: - Previously, Julien used a portable stove stored in the "frunk" (front trunk) to prepare meals. - With his current mattress setup, which occupies more space, he now typically buys prepared meals or fresh groceries (fruits and vegetables).
• Hygiene: - Julien maintains personal hygiene by utilizing gym memberships that offer access to facilities across France. - This allows him to take showers and refill his water bottles regularly.
• Laundry: - He does his laundry at public laundromats.

Finding the Best Spots with Park4Night [07:00]

• To find suitable places to park and sleep, Julien relies on the "Park4Night" mobile application. [07:00]

  

  - The app helps him locate quiet, flat, and dark spots, often away from city centers. - The platform is enriched with user-contributed photos and comments from other campers and van-lifers, aiding in decision-making. - He shared a positive experience of sleeping well for two consecutive nights thanks to the app's recommendations.

Advantages and Limitations of the Nomadic Lifestyle [09:00]

• Julien expresses no desire to return to traditional apartment living, emphasizing the freedom and absence of routine that his nomadic life provides. - He dislikes the constant noise and fixed location of his previous apartment.
• Challenges: - The primary concerns are the risks of vehicle accidents or breakdowns, which would leave him without his primary living space. - He mitigates this by having comprehensive car insurance and maintains savings for temporary accommodation if such an event occurs. - Despite preparations, he hopes to avoid these complex situations.

Complete Tour of the Installation in the Tesla [11:00]

• Julien gives a tour of his Tesla Model 3 interior, highlighting his sleeping setup. - He uses a comfortable three-part foldable mattress, which he recently upgraded to a thicker version for better comfort, though it occupies more storage space. [11:00]

  

  - The mattress sections are stored in the sub-trunk [11:00]

  

  , frunk [11:00]

  

  , and on the rear parcel shelf during the day. [11:00]

  

  - He demonstrates storing charging cables and water bottles in the frunk, fitting them around the mattress section. - He explains that the slight incline created by the folded rear seats, common in Teslas, does not bother him thanks to the comfort of his mattress. [11:00]

  

Essential Accessories and Tips [14:00]

• Magnetic "Surveillance Video in Progress" Stickers [13:30]: - Julien uses these stickers to make passersby aware of Tesla's Sentry Mode recording. [14:00]

  

  - He prefers to stick them directly on the windows for better visibility, rather than the car body, to avoid scratching the paint.
• Anti-Wildlife Ultrasonic Device [14:30]: - He has installed small, bullet-shaped ultrasonic devices on his front bumper. [14:00]

  

  - These devices emit high-frequency sounds when the car travels above 50 km/h. - The sound is inaudible to humans but deters animals, potentially preventing collisions on rural or forest roads.
• Custom Blackout Curtains [15:30]: - Julien uses tailor-made blackout curtains for all windows. - These provide privacy and help insulate the car, especially during hot summer days or cold nights. - He also uses roof sunshades in summer to reduce heat.

Conclusion and Link to Julien's Channel [16:30]

• The host encourages viewers to leave comments and questions for Julien in the video's comment section.
• Julien has his own YouTube channel where he documents his nomadic life and adventures, and viewers are invited to subscribe to follow his journey.