News & Updates

On March 9th, 2024, DVTOC presented a "Crash Course" EV first responder workshop to over 80 firefighters in Jackson, NJ. Two of the club volunteers had traveled to New Jersey from Denmark with the primary purpose of participating in our Crash Course. This is their story.

We are 2 Danish Tesla fans, Nicklas Nielsen and Morten Christiansen. Each of us own a 2019 Tesla Model 3 Dual Motor. On a daily basis, we work with roadside assistance and tow service in the company Copenhagen Autotransport, in Copenhagen, Denmark. Morten is the owner of the company (see photo) and Nicklas is a car mechanic and tow truck driver. The company provides roadside service to Tesla owners, who order assistance through Tesla Roadside Assistance, thereby increasing our interest in Tesla. Tesla is a very popular car in Denmark. In 2023 Tesla was the most sold car in Denmark. We have provided assistance for every imaginable need, from a flat tire to a traffic accident. There is not a tow task with Tesla that we cannot handle. We have had a visit to the company by a specialist from Tesla's European head office in the Netherlands who has trained us in the correct handling in relation to Roadside service and transportation of Tesla cars.

We have twice been to the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles, CA, and visited the exhibition "Inside Tesla" where we could see the entire history of Tesla, prototype cars, the various Tesla cars over time, the Cybertruck and much more. Morten has also seen the Tesla Gigafactories in Austin, TX and Berlin, Germany. All the times we have been in the USA we have rented a Tesla, either from Hertz or through the Turo app. In the fall of 2023 we were in Las Vegas, NV where we rented a Model X which we drove around, for example, to the Hoover Dam and up and down "The Strip."

But we lacked some knowledge about handling Tesla cars that had been involved in major accidents and fires and searched the internet for courses and came across the DVTO Crash Course and thought it was just what we were looking for. Here we had the opportunity to gain unique knowledge and at the same time be with other passionate Tesla fans. We joined the club and signed up for the course at the fire station in Jackson Township, NJ.

Of course, we couldn't bring our own Teslas, so we booked a Model Y from Hertz and registered with it for the course. As fate would have it Hertz didn't have a Model Y for us when we arrived at Newark airport. We got a Model 3 instead and a $100 off coupon, so we had to find a Model Y on Turo in a hurry. We succeeded and we arrived at the fire station in a white Model Y Performance. We were warmly welcomed by Vivianna and Michael and the other DVTOC members.

Together with fire and police officers, we participated in the technical review of everything related to fires and accidents with Tesla cars. An absolutely fantastic presentation where we gained a lot of new knowledge that we could not have gained in any other way. We gained unique knowledge and feel much better equipped for future tasks with Tesla cars.

After the lunch, we were out in the fire station bays where we got to talk to many of the course participants, where we told them about Tesla, showed them where they found cutting loops, manual door handles, lifting points, access to the low-voltage battery, operation of the screen, the Tesla app and much else. Even though English is not our native language, I thought we did ok, it seemed like everyone understood us and we understood all the questions. When the event was over, we had a chat with several of the local firefighters about their work and told them about how firefighters work in Denmark, since we often work side by side with them in Denmark, with traffic accident.

This Crash Course gave us the knowledge we were looking for and we were simply overwhelmed by the hospitality we met and how well the course was organized, both before the course and the course itself. We will definitely come back later in the year for another of the club's events and read the information emails the club sends out, as well as participate in some of the online events that are held. Thank you so much for an unforgettable experience.

Delaware Valley Tesla Owners Club welcome Nicklas and Morten back to join us for future events (Crash Course or social) and perhaps we can travel to Denmark to learn from their work and experience in towing and roadside support for Teslas. We are sorry that we did not offer them more hospitality because we only learned of their story and travels at the end of the workshop - next time!  

So who is Morris V. Prout, you ask? Morris is a certified grief therapy dog at the Prout Funeral Home where he also holds the title of Director of Community Engagement. So, why and how did Morris, an Australian Labradoodle, sponsor a Tesla Crash Course, a first responder training program for Tesla vehicles, for Verona, NJ?

The Prout Funeral home, directed by Robert J Prout, a Tesla owner, and his daughter Julia R Prout, is committed to sustainability and to provide environmentally sensitive, natural and Green Burials in Northern New Jersey. Mr. Prout is even hoping to build a Tesla hearse one day. 

The Morris V. Prout (MVP) Lecture Series on health, wellness, and public safety was created to build on the spirit of caring and compassion that defines Morris' mission as a therapy dog. The MVP Lecture Series aims to empower the community with knowledge and insights, which is also the mission for Tesla Crash Course.

DVTOC is honored that Tesla Crash Course was selected as the second lecture in the MVP Lecture Series. Crash Course, was designed to provide relevant information to a broad range of first responders so they have the knowledge and confidence to safely interact with Tesla electric vehicles should they encounter one in an emergency situation.  There are 2 parts to Crash Course as seen in the pictures from Verona: a PowerPoint presentation and hands-on show and tell demo with Tesla vehicles led by club members who bring their cars to the workshop.

As a Tesla owner, if you are interested in participating in a future Crash Course which entails showing your Tesla to first resonders, you can check our upcoming workshop schedule. If you don't see one in a community near you, ask your local fire or police department to host one. They may not be hosted by a therapy dog, that was very cool and unique, but you can be sure the educational workshop will serve the same important mission. It's the positive feedback about the importance of the knowledge gained that keeps us going.

Our October virtual education meeting featured two special guests from Tesla: Georges Abkar, Supervisor Energy Inside Team and Kassidy Lane, Tesla Advisor Energy Inside Team. During the 1-hour presentation with Q&A they and a few other Tesla representatives updated club members on the latest innovations from Tesla Energy Products such as Solar Roof, Solar Panels, and Powerwall. They also shared these useful resources for those intersted in learning more about Tesla Energy products:

Schedule a Tesla Solar virtual consultation: Tesla Advisors can walk you through our energy products, financing quotes, eligibility for local incentives and answer any questions you may have. Use this link to schedule a 15-30 minute online consultation with a Tesla Advisor.

Links to all Tesla Energy Products in one place: Interested in Solar Panels? Solar Roof? Powerwall? You can learn about all Tesla Energy products with the links on this page.

Design your system: Get an idea of what size solar system would fit on your home and how much it would cost by entering home address and your average monthly energy bill amount.

Incentives: On this page you can find very helpful EV and Energy incentives including federal tax incentives, solar and Powerwall incentives, and state, local, and utility incentives.

Referrals: Through Tesla’s referral program, you can earn exclusive benefits by making your first Tesla product purchase, referring other first-time customers and by continuing to purchase qualifying Tesla products.

On September 21st, 2023, John Lilley, owner of South Jersey Paint Protection, gave a presentation and answered questions for members of DVTOC at the monthly virtual education meeting. Here is a summary of the main points he presented about paint protection film (PPF) and ceramic coatings. Please reach out to John if you have any questions or are intersted in getting a quote for services. 

Paint Protection Film

Positive Reasons:

1. Protection from Scratches and Dings: PPF provides a resilient barrier against minor abrasions, helping to keep the car’s paint looking pristine.
2. Rock Chip Defense: One of the most common cosmetic threats to vehicles, especially those frequently on highways, are rock chips. PPF acts as a shield, reducing the impact of these tiny projectiles and preventing unsightly damage to the car’s finish.
3. UV Protection: The film offers a level of protection against harmful ultraviolet rays, ensuring the paint doesn’t fade over time.
4. Self-healing Properties: Modern PPFs can “heal” from minor scratches when exposed to heat, making them disappear.
5. Retains Car Value: By keeping the paint in top condition, PPF can contribute to a higher resale value.
6. Easy Maintenance: Water and dirt roll off easily, making the car easier to clean.

Myths and Truths about PPF:

Myth: PPF makes the car invincible to all scratches and dents.

Truth: While PPF offers a high level of protection against minor abrasions, it's not impenetrable. Deep scratches or dings might still reach the car’s paint.

Myth: Once applied, PPF lasts forever.

Truth: Even the best PPFs have a lifespan. They typically last several years, but it's advisable to inspect and possibly replace them over time.

Ceramic Coatings

Positive Reasons:

1. Enhanced Protection: Provides a protective layer against contaminants like bird droppings, bug splatters, and tree sap.
2. Hydrophobic Nature: Repels water, making it harder for dirt and grime to stick and giving the car a "self-cleaning" effect during rains.
3. UV Protection: Just like PPF, ceramic coatings protect against harmful ultraviolet rays.
4. Enhanced Shine: The coating gives the car a deeper, glossy look, making the paint pop.
5. Long-lasting: A good ceramic coating can last several years, reducing the need for frequent waxing or sealing.

Myths and Truths about Ceramic Coatings:

Myth: Ceramic coatings make the car scratch-proof.

Truth: Ceramic coatings add a protective layer, but they don’t make the car immune to scratches.

Myth: Once ceramic coated, you never have to wash your car again.

Truth: While the hydrophobic properties make it harder for dirt to stick, regular washing is still necessary to maintain the car's appearance.

About John Lilley

Greetings! I'm John Lilley, the proud owner of South Jersey Paint Protection. My journey in this industry began when I was just 16, and since then, I've had the opportunity to collaborate with several esteemed local companies. However, in 2016, I recognized the distinct need for a dedicated, honest, and high-quality installer in our region. With this vision, I took the leap to establish South Jersey Paint Protection. Now, at 33, with years of experience under my belt, I remain committed to delivering unparalleled service and expertise to every client.

By Patrick McDevitt

It’s beneficial for Tesla owners to get involved in local green events because, even though we see more and more Teslas on the road, the public at large is still not very familiar with electric cars in general, and would benefit from talking to an EV owner. Often, we find that there is a curiosity, but many aren’t clear on the seamless integration that most of us owners have experienced with our electric cars. From questions about charging at home, to the logistics of road trips, to the apps and navigation, it can be a bit overwhelming to the average ICE driver. Folks are often unaware of the generous Federal and State incentives, and NJ is consistently among states with the best incentive programs. Also, kids are sometimes more familiar with electric cars, and they are usually super enthusiastic to see electric vehicles up close. Download EV 101 document with talking points.

As the State is also incentivizing hybrids and EV’s for municipalities, it’s great for Town officials to understand the benefits of switching some of their typical annual vehicle purchases to EV’s. We’ve seen Towns have excellent results integrating EV’s into service for Code Enforcement officials, Community outreach, and other services. Some select cities around the country are successfully replacing their Police Cruisers with Tesla’s, Ford Mach E’s, and several Chevy models.

New Jersey Incentives and EV links:

NJDEP - https://dep.nj.gov/drivegreen/

NJ State EV Incentives: https://chargeup.njcleanenergy.com/

NJ Clean Cities Coalition: https://njcleancities.org/

Check out our new Crash Course website! Now fire stations and towns that want to host a Tesla workshop for first responders, can easily get information and a link to apply online.

Here’s the story of how Crash Course started.

“He is so drunk he says the phone is the key!” said the Atlantic City police officer to his co-worker, a Tesla owner, whom he had called to find out how to get the stopped Tesla off the roadway after arresting the incapacitated driver. Omar Martin, the Tesla owning police officer who was called for assistance, recounted that story to club president Vivianna Van Deerlin over lunch one day in the summer of 2019 as Model 3s, with the new feature “Phone Key,” were slowly becoming more prevalent on the streets. Vivianna had been organizing new owner Boot Camps with Cherry Hill Tesla, but upon hearing the story she realized that not only did new owners need education, first responders did too! To fully realize Tesla’s mission of accelerating the world’s transition to sustainable energy and transportation all sectors of community need to be informed and prepared.

From the start, Michael Stanzione, then a technician at Cherry Hill Tesla who had been helping Vivianna and then Tesla advisor Justin Burns with the new owner Boot Camps, was on board with helping develop and providing technical support for the program, as he too recognized the need for and importance of what we were doing for the community. Importantly, Michael, who is currently the Lead Technician at Tesla Wilmington in Delaware, was doing this of his own volition and on his own time, not on behalf of Tesla.

On August 7th, 2019, exactly 4 years ago, the first Tesla workshop for First Responders was held at the Atlantic City Police Department. This first workshop was focused on things the police might need to know, but not too long afterwards we were invited to present at the Hamilton NJ Fire Station by someone who had heard about the AC Police workshop, so we added content relevant to firefighters and extrication and that is when “Tesla Crash Course” was born. However, the Crash Course content and workshop structure has continued to evolve and be refined over time by Vivianna and Michael with the experience gained from presenting many workshops all over the state of NJ and recently the first one in Delaware. With the growth of Tesla vehicles on the road, the need and interest in Crash Course from first responder organizations all over our region has increased significantly – all by word of mouth from attendees of previous workshops (firefighters, police, and emergency medical technicians) who praised the content and experience.

Tesla Crash Course starts with a slide presentation in a classroom or auditorium. Topics we cover inclide: how to identify and operate a Tesla, information about relevant security features such as Sentry and Dog Mode, a description of the high voltage (HV) components and how to disable the HV battery. Also covered are methods for occupant access and the importance of the 12-volt battery. Firefighting recommendations for Li-ion battery fires are discussed as are approaches for stabilization and extrication, how to hand-off to 2nd responders, topics related to storage and tow/transport, and charging products and situations.

After the presentation, the attendees are given first-hand exposure to the Tesla vehicles of club members who sign up to participate in each workshop. We aim to have at least two of each Tesla S3XY model present. The first responders get to see how to operate a Tesla as well as how various components work and where they are found in all models. The frunk buckets and back seats of some vehicles are removed so they can see where important structures are located.

This hands-on exposure to Tesla vehicles is critical to help reinforce what they learn in the presentation. That is why we invite our members, like you, to participate by bringing your Tesla to each Crash Course we present. The size of the workshops range from about 40 to 150 first responders and the larger the workshop, the more cars we need for the hands-on portion. It is important for everyone’s safety – Tesla owners and first responders alike – for first responders to know how to handle a Tesla in an emergency. Service to our community is a part of DVTOC's mission and that is why those of us in the club that devote a lot of time to the success of Crash Course do what we do. We see first-hand its value to the community and are driven by the positive feedback we receive from attendees about the importance of what they learned. And sometimes the first responders’ questions are about Tesla/EV ownership and driving, and that is great too!

We hope that the importance of the program is reason enough to participate, but to add a little incentive for volunteering, all participants in Crash Course receive two free months as a paid club member at their current tier. Free tier members get two months of Standard membership. In addition, we usually all go out for a meal together after the workshop paid for by the club. Participants also learn a great deal about their own cars from the experience and get to keep a 11x17 laminated emergency response guide for their model. And honestly, it is just a fun and amazing experience to be part of such a unique and impactful program.

We hope to see you at an upcoming Crash Course. Check our event calendar.

Want to host a Tesla Crash Course in your town? Suggest it to your fire station. They can apply to host a Crash Course by filling out this application.

We are taking a slight break from the heat in August and changing our monthly get together from Cars & Coffee to Cars and Cones.  Get yourself some ice cream, meet our members and find out about the club and your Tesla at multiple locations around the area.

Register now for Cars & Cones

After a forced break, Cars & Coffee is back.  And to align with our new chapters there are now some new locations.  Check it out under Events. Cars and Coffee is open to everyone. It's a great way to meet our members and get your Telsa questions answered.  Hope to see you at one of our locations.

After another surge of new members, it was time again to update the member map. There is a new overview map, and a click through map showing more detail.  It's only by zip-code, and no names/addresses as shown, but it gives you an idea of where our members live.  It's only available to members, and it's under the Members menu as Member Map.