EV Chauffeur: Our Tesla Model Y Journey at A52 Executive Cars

The story of how a confirmed luddite and petrol head has ended up with an Electric Tesla Model Y as the newest vehicle on the A52 Executive Cars chauffeur fleet

Let me be honest: I never wanted an electric car, and I certainly never wanted a Tesla.

Several years ago, I tentatively explored whether an EV could work for our Derby chauffeur business. The nearest Tesla showroom was tucked away in a shopping centre in Sutton Coldfield. It struck me as odd, you were being asked to spend as much as a Mercedes S-Class, yet the experience felt anything but premium.

The dealership visit was dreadful. After peeling sticky-fingered children and curious pensioners off the display models, we discovered they were caked in dirt with bits hanging off. The sales team? More Tesla fanboys than professionals. I didn’t need to hear stories about someone driving to Timbuktu I needed to know if a Tesla could reliably handle Derby to Heathrow and back.

Needless to say, that encounter soured my opinion of electric vehicles for years. I mocked EVs, teased colleagues who owned them, and proudly clung to the industry standard for chauffeurs, diesel.

Fast forward to mid-2025. I’d been considering replacing one of our Mercedes E-Class estates. Mercedes prices have ballooned to nearly £65k, and their build quality just isn’t what it used to be. I browsed Volvos, BMWs and even considered a an SUV of some sort.

Then, on a quiet Sunday afternoon in June, I turned to Mrs A52 and said, “There’s a Tesla dealership in West Bridgford. Shall we go and have a look?”

Half an hour later, we pulled into the car park with no intention of buying, just browsing. I fully expected another letdown.

I was wrong.

The showroom was bright, clean, and free of kids mashing touchscreens. The Teslas were immaculate, open, and inviting. Gone were the cheap plastics. In their place: soft-touch surfaces, rear screens, quality materials. Everything felt executive.

Even more surprising: the sales execs were knowledgeable without worshipping Elon, and helpful without being pushy.

Before long, I was test driving a Tesla Model Y around Nottingham. It was quiet, smooth, and just as comfortable as our E-Classes.

By the end of the drive, I was hooked.

Back at the dealership, we got down to the nitty gritty. The price was a bit more than I’d hoped but with 0% finance, a £2,000 deposit contribution, a free home charger, 1,000 free Supercharger miles, and a bag of Tesla goodies (yes, including chocolate), I sealed the deal.

Everything was done on my phone in-store and y closing time, the finance was approved, a Model Y in my preferred spec and colour was sourced, and I was booked to collect it the next day from Tesla Longbridge.

We headed home a little befuddled at how I had gone from never wanting a Tesla to picking my new Tesla Model Y up tomorrow in little over an hour.

Sunday evening was a scramble. I booked a smart meter and charger install with E.on and by Thursday, everything was fitted and working.

We’ve moved onto the E.on Next Drive Smart tariff:

• £0.062 per kWh from midnight to 7am
• Smart charging scheduled via the E.on app
• Cheaper daytime usage when grid conditions allow

It’s been a smooth switch, and charging has been flawless so far.

Fellow chauffeur and Tesla advocate Chris from CK Cars in Coalville drove me to the Longbridge collection centre.

After security checks, paperwork, and pairing my phone with the car, I entered a warehouse lined with Teslas. There it was: our brand-new chauffeur vehicle, resplendent in Quicksilver with 20″ alloys.

Rush hour traffic slowed the journey home, but I did squeeze in a stop at a Tesla Supercharger where I charged from 30% to 80% in 15 minutes, for free.

Three weeks in, and the Tesla Model Y is a hit.

• It’s the first fully electric chauffeur car licensed in Erewash Borough.
• Our chauffeurs love the quiet, smooth drive.
• Clients have praised the comfort and luxury of the ride.

It’s already proven itself on airport runs and corporate transfers – and it’s not just saving fuel, it’s making an impression.

In the next blog, I’ll share:

• Running costs vs. diesel
• Pros and cons from a chauffeur perspective
• Tips, tricks, and Tesla quirks

Stay tuned for our upcoming full review of the Tesla Model Y.

Ready to experience the future of executive travel? Book your Tesla Model Y chauffeur today with A52 Executive Cars in Derby or Contact Us for availability and pricing.