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Just got your Tesla? Your first week in Texas

The first week with a Tesla is mostly setup: keys, charging, and a few Texas-specific details like the yearly EV fee and your utility's rules. Here is the order we would do it in, with links to the official pages and our longer guides.

Range & Road · independent, not affiliated with TeslaUpdated Research-based, sources linked3 min read Texas-wide

Start here

  1. On delivery day, set up your phone key in the Tesla app and keep the key card somewhere safe.
  2. In week one, sort out home charging and check your utility's EV plans or rebates.
  3. In month one, check for recalls, note the tire rotation interval and plan for heat and hail.
Tesla interior with the center touchscreen
Photo: Bram Van Oost / Unsplash

Day 1: keys, app and a first charge

  • Accept delivery in the app. Tesla's delivery page says you check in, sign any agreements, complete payment and accept delivery in the Tesla app, then unlock the car with the app. Before delivery, the app is also where you confirm your registration details and upload proof of insurance once you have a VIN.
  • Set up your phone key. Tesla says your phone is the primary key and connects over Bluetooth. Open the app near the car, select the vehicle and tap Set Up next to Phone Key. If that fails, the app walks you through using the key card instead. Keep the key card somewhere other than the car; it is your backup if your phone dies.
  • Turn on the lock features you want. Walk-Away Door Lock, Driver Door Unlock Mode and Car Left Open Notifications are under Controls, then Locks, on the touchscreen.
  • Know how you will charge tonight. Tesla says a standard 120 V household outlet adds only about 2 to 3 miles of range per hour, while a 240 V outlet with the Mobile Connector and the right adapter can add up to 30. If you drive more than that, plan a stop at a Supercharger, which you can find in the app.

The touchscreen and the app both have Tesla Tutorial videos. Tesla's delivery page and keys page cover each step with screenshots.

Week 1: home charging, your utility and paperwork

  1. Set up home charging. Tesla recommends scheduling the install before delivery so you can charge from day one; if you missed that, start now. Our home charging guide covers the charger, circuit size and permits.
  2. Find out who your electric company is. In Oncor and CenterPoint areas, which cover most of DFW and Houston, you choose a retail plan on PowerToChoose, and some plans have cheaper overnight hours. Austin Energy and CPS Energy are city-owned utilities with their own EV programs and no retail choice. Start with your city hub: DFW, Houston, Austin or San Antonio. Then set the car's charge limit and schedule in the app to match your plan.
  3. Know the registration costs. TxDMV says fully electric cars and trucks pay a $200 yearly fee on top of standard registration fees, or $400 when a new EV is registered for two years. Our Texas EV fees guide explains when it applies.
  4. Check for recalls. Look up your car with our recall lookup or on NHTSA's recall page, which searches by VIN or license plate.

Tip: your utility decides more about charging cost than the car does. Check the name on your electric bill before you pick a plan or a charger rebate.

Month 1: service, tires and Texas weather

  • Learn how service works. Tesla's app is where you schedule service, track appointments and request roadside assistance. Our service options guide covers mobile service, service centers and independent shops.
  • Note the tire rotation interval. Tesla recommends rotating tires every 6,250 miles, or sooner if the tread depth of two tires differs by 2/32 inch or more. The car tracks this under Controls, then Service, then Maintenance. Our EV tires guide covers pressure, wear and replacement.
  • Plan for heat. Our Texas heat guide covers the car settings, charging habits and shade that help most in summer.
  • Plan for hail. Know where you can park under cover when storms are forecast, and read our protection guide on paint film, tint and covers.

That is the whole list. Everything else, from road trips to accessories, can wait until you have lived with the car for a few weeks.

Sources

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Key facts
  • Tesla says your phone is your primary key, set up in the Tesla app with Bluetooth on while you stand near the car.
  • Tesla recommends scheduling a home charger install before delivery so you can charge right away.
  • Tesla says a standard 120 V outlet adds about 2 to 3 miles of range per hour; a 240 V outlet with the Mobile Connector can add up to 30.
  • Texas charges fully electric cars and trucks a $200 yearly fee, or $400 for a new EV given two years of registration (TxDMV).
  • Tesla recommends rotating tires every 6,250 miles, or sooner if tread depth differs by 2/32 inch or more.
  • NHTSA's recall lookup checks any vehicle by VIN or license plate.
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