As straightforward as reserving a Lime bike: Tesla opens 17 ‘Self-Serve’ take a look at drive centres that allow clients attempt its EVs utilizing solely the app

In perhaps the most state-of-the-art test driving experience yet; Tesla’s Self-Serve  programme has expanded to almost 20 new locations across the UK with Elon Musk’s brand sounding the death knell for the car salesman.

The remote test drive experience promises curious motorists they can ‘test drive a Tesla without Tesla’ – or speaking to one of its staff members.

Bookings can be scheduled in under a minute online, and offer an ‘immersive experience’.

So, think of it as the four-wheeled Lime – just don’t leave a Model 3 strewn across the pavement like the popular inner-city hire bikes! 

Tesla has expanded its people-free Self-Serve Test Drive locations to 17 sites across the UK where drivers can book a ‘tesla free’ test drive of the Model 3 and Model Y EVs

After Tesla opened its first space in Perth in Scotland last year, the Elon Musk-owned EV brand has now introduced 17 new locations.

Self-Serve Test Drives remove the human interaction from the test drive as there is no physical interaction with a Tesla employee.

A whole other step on from ‘sales spaces’ that are popular particularly with EV manufacturers these days, the Self-Serve centres let you book and drive without so much as a handshake.

Tesla says your slot can be scheduled in less than 60 seconds, either through Tesla’s website or the Tesla mobile app.

The point of being able to book and drive by using tech to access the car is to ‘eliminate the typical monotony associated with test driving a new car’.

Having unlocked a Model 3 or Model Y via their phone, customers can take a Tesla on a 30-minute test drive on their own before deciding if they want to place an order

How do Tesla Self-Serve Test Drives work?

After scheduling their Self-Serve Test Drive slot, customers will receive an email covering the basis. They’re are contacted by a Tesla advisor to answer any questions and confirm the slot.

The test drive slots are 30 minutes.

When the driver arrives for the test drive everything is done via the Tesla app – the driver will be seamlessly guided through so they have full autonomy.

Once the vehicle is unlocked and the driver is sat in the vehicle, a test drive walkthrough will appear on the touchscreen to assist in adjusting the vehicle settings to the preferred configuration.  

Return the car to its original slot and lock the car via the app and the test drive is wrapped. 

If assistance is needed at any point during the test drive, you can contact a Tesla advisor by phone through the app. 

Which Tesla models can you Self-Serve test drive?

In the UK only the new Model 3 and Model Y are available to test drive.

The Self-Serve Test Drive enable individuals without easy access to a Tesla Store to experience Tesla at a time and place that suits them

This is the facelifted version of Tesla’s Model 3, which is now available in the UK with prices from £39,990. The Long-Range version costs £49,990

Tesla’s replaced its Rear-Wheel Drive Model Y with a new Long Range version with deliveries now under way

This is Tesla’s first UK ‘Remote Test Drive’ location in Perth in Scotland. Not only is there no showroom but also no salesmen or women – instead, customers get a guided tour of the car on their phone and then take the car out unaccompanied 

How many Self-Serve locations are there and where are they?   

In the United Kingdom, there are 17 Self-Serve Test Drive locations available, enabling individuals without easy access to a Tesla Store to experience Tesla at a time and place that suits them. 

These range from London, to Bristol, Manchester, Newcastle and Glasgow to all the way up to Inverness.

These join the 160-plus locations across Europe and the Middle East.