long road trip in a tesla

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How Well Does an Tesla Model 3 Work For a Long Trip?

After a 1046-mile journey in Tesla's smallest sedan we have the answer.

• The 523 miles each way takes about eight hours in a gasoline-powered vehicle. The Tesla required three recharge stops, adding nearly three hours to the trip.
• Tesla's Supercharger stations are located along major Interstates at convenient intervals, and the car's navigation system directs you to the nearest one as the battery runs low.

Few things will make your heart sink deep into your stomach quite like missing an exit to a Tesla Supercharger with only six percent of battery life remaining. I'll admit, I zoned out for a quick second while listening to Black Dog by Led Zeppelin . The next second, our Model 3 long-term test car's navigation system rerouted me four miles ahead to the nearest interchange so I could turn around. In that moment, I heard myself repeating "oh God, no" while hoping I was going to make it back to the Supercharger.

With less than about 60 miles of range remaining, a Model 3's battery icon turns from green to yellow and, soon after that, to red. The colors make you doubt and reevaluate, constantly double-checking the distance to the suggested Supercharger on Google Maps even though the navigation system does that for you. But is the technology really trustworthy? It turned out that it was. After missing the exit, I reached the Supercharger with just three percent of the battery charge remaining.

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I was in the process of heading back to Ann Arbor, Michigan after two weeks at home with my family in St. Louis. The 523-mile one-way drive is a familiar one for me, and it usually takes eight hours and requires just one stop for food and fuel when driving most other gasoline-powered vehicles. But the Model 3 required three stops along the way to charge its 80.5-kWh lithium-ion battery and took almost eleven hours.

Thanks to Tesla's vast Supercharger network , planning for a road trip in one of the company's vehicles isn't as challenging or as critical as it was in 2014 when we drove down to Virginia International Raceway in our long-term 2015 Tesla Model S P85D . Tesla's supercharger network now consists of about 1870 stations worldwide—908 in the U.S.— found mostly off of major highways at grocery stores, malls, gas stations, and sometimes in apartment-complex parking structures. They either supply 250 kW or 150 kW; there are also chargers in urban locations that have 72 kW of electrical power. With chargers spread out strategically across the most-travelled routes there's no need to worry about making it to a station.

Plugging in at a Supercharger is easy: Just open the car's charge port via the dashboard-mounted 15-inch touchscreen, hop out, grab the charging cable off the charger and plug in. For the Model 3, the cost is usually about $0.26 per kilowatt-hour, which is charged directly to your Tesla account. On our three-stop trip, each charging session ranged from around $7 to $13 and took, on average, about 50 minutes. Good thing Netflix and Hulu are integrated into the Model 3's central touch screen .

While charging might lengthen a long trip by several hours, driving a Model 3 on a multi-state jaunt is relaxed and effortless. Our Model 3 is equipped with Tesla's autopilot feature, which enables the car to accelerate, steer, brake, and cruise semi-autonomously within its lane; it can change lanes automatically, too. This, along with the Model 3's easy-to-use cruise control and comfortable, quiet ride made for a relaxed long-range trip.

We can't speak to the time and effort that would be required to make this same trip in a non-Tesla electric vehicle using one of the other, less widespread public charging networks from companies like EvGo or Electrify America. But our Tesla trek does prove that cross-country journeys in electric vehicles are on the brink of becoming not only feasible but also low-stress affairs. That is, as long as you don't miss the exit to a Supercharger station.

Sitting on the floor of the library and poring over issues of Car and Driver is one of Connor Hoffman's earliest memories. Choosing to attend the nation's top-ranked journalism school at the University of Missouri and graduating with a magazine writing emphasis was all part of chasing his dream of writing for Car and Driver. When he's not bragging about Mizzou having the best journalism program in the country, he's probably on a rant about Toyota trucks.

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Tesla Road Trip Tips for Long-Distance Travelers

Last updated on July 29th, 2023 at 06:26 am

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey in your electric vehicle? A long road trip in a Tesla is not only an exciting adventure but also a sustainable choice that reduces your carbon footprint. However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, it’s important to know some essential Tesla road trip tips. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore a plethora of tips specifically designed for long-distance travel in your Tesla. From strategic planning and utilizing Tesla Superchargers to optimizing battery life and making the most of your navigation system, we’ve got you covered. So, fasten your seatbelts, charge up your batteries, and let’s hit the road!

Is Tesla Good for a Road Trip? Exploring the Benefits of Electric Adventures

Planning a road trip ? If you’re considering embarking on an adventure with a Tesla, you might be wondering if it’s a suitable choice for your journey. In this article, we’ll explore the question: Is Tesla good for a road trip? Let’s delve into the benefits of driving a Tesla on your next excursion.

Range and Charging Network

One of the primary concerns when it comes to road trips with electric vehicles (EVs) is range anxiety. However, Tesla’s extensive charging network and impressive range capabilities make it an ideal choice for long-distance travel. Tesla’s Supercharger network provides fast and convenient charging options along major highways, allowing you to replenish your battery quickly and continue your journey with minimal downtime. With Supercharger stations strategically located, you can confidently plan your route and charge your Tesla at regular intervals, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted road trip experience.

Rapid Charging Speeds

Tesla cars are known for their fast charging speeds, thanks to their innovative technology and advanced battery management systems. Superchargers can provide a significant amount of charge in a short period, allowing you to get back on the road quickly. Depending on the model and charging station, you can add hundreds of miles of range to your Tesla in as little as 15 to 30 minutes. This means you can make efficient pit stops, enjoy a meal, stretch your legs, and have your Tesla ready for the next leg of your adventure.

Tesla’s Navigation and Trip Planning Tools

Tesla vehicles come equipped with built-in navigation systems that are optimized for EV travel. These systems consider factors such as your Tesla’s current charge level, charging station locations, and real-time traffic conditions to provide you with the most efficient and convenient route to your destination. The navigation system also identifies Supercharger stations along your route, making it easy to plan charging stops and optimize your journey. Additionally, Tesla’s trip planning tools, available through the Tesla app and website, offer comprehensive trip planning capabilities, allowing you to map out your route, estimate charging times, and locate amenities such as restaurants, shopping centers, and scenic attractions along the way.

Enhanced Driving Experience

Driving a Tesla on a road trip offers a unique and enjoyable experience. Teslas are known for their smooth acceleration, quiet operation, and spacious interiors, providing comfort for both the driver and passengers during long hours on the road. Tesla’s autopilot features, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assistance, can also alleviate driver fatigue, making the journey safer and more relaxing. With access to entertainment options, streaming services, and a comprehensive infotainment system, Tesla ensures that you and your passengers are entertained throughout the trip.

Eco-Friendly and Cost-Efficient

Choosing a Tesla for your road trip not only offers convenience and comfort but also contributes to a greener and more sustainable future. Tesla’s all-electric vehicles produce zero tailpipe emissions, reducing your carbon footprint and helping to combat climate change. Additionally, with the cost of electricity typically lower than gasoline, driving a Tesla on a road trip can be more cost-effective in the long run, especially when taking advantage of Tesla’s Supercharger network, which offers competitive charging rates.

In summary, Tesla is an excellent choice for a road trip. With its extensive charging network, rapid charging speeds, navigation and trip planning tools, enhanced driving experience, and eco-friendly nature, Tesla offers a compelling package for those seeking electric adventures. Whether you’re planning a cross-country journey or exploring scenic routes, a Tesla can provide the range, convenience, and comfort needed for a successful road trip. So, charge up your Tesla, plan your route, and get ready to embark on an electrifying adventure that’s both enjoyable and sustainable.

What Is The Maximum Driving Distance For A Tesla?

The maximum driving distance for a Tesla varies depending on the specific model and battery configuration. Tesla offers different models with varying ranges, including the Model S, Model 3, Model X, and Model Y.

The range of each model can further vary based on the battery capacity chosen, such as Standard Range, Long Range, or Performance variants.

As of the latest models, the Long Range versions of Tesla cars can typically achieve a range of over 300 miles on a single charge. However, it’s important to note that factors such as driving conditions, speed, temperature, and use of accessories (such as climate control) can impact the actual driving distance.

Tesla’s continuous advancements in battery technology and efficiency continue to push the boundaries, and the driving ranges of their vehicles are subject to change and improvement over time.

Should I Always Precondition My Tesla?

Preconditioning your Tesla before every trip may not always be necessary, but it can be advantageous in certain situations. Here are some factors to consider when deciding whether to precondition your Tesla:

• Extreme Weather Conditions : Preconditioning is particularly beneficial in extreme weather conditions. If you’re facing extremely hot or cold temperatures, preconditioning your Tesla helps bring the interior to a comfortable temperature before you start your journey. This not only enhances your driving experience but also conserves battery power by reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling while on the road.
• Long Trips or High-Speed Travel : For long trips or high-speed travel, preconditioning can help optimize battery performance. By preconditioning your Tesla, you ensure that the battery is at an optimal temperature, allowing it to deliver maximum power and efficiency throughout your journey. This can help maintain a consistent range and minimize the impact of high-speed driving on battery performance.
• Shorter Trips or Moderate Temperatures : Preconditioning may not be necessary for shorter trips or when the weather is mild. If you’re embarking on a relatively short journey and the weather is comfortable, your Tesla’s interior temperature will reach a pleasant level relatively quickly without the need for preconditioning. In such cases, you can save time by skipping the preconditioning step and rely on the car’s climate control system to adjust the temperature as needed during your drive.

Ultimately, the decision to precondition your Tesla depends on your specific circumstances and preferences. If you anticipate extreme weather conditions or are planning a long trip with high-speed driving, preconditioning can provide significant benefits. However, for shorter trips or moderate temperatures, preconditioning may not be essential. Consider the factors at play and make a decision that suits your needs to optimize your Tesla’s performance and driving experience.

How Do You Precondition A Tesla For A Road Trip?

Preconditioning a Tesla for a road trip is a valuable step to ensure a comfortable and efficient journey. Preconditioning involves preparing your Tesla’s interior temperature and battery for optimal performance before you start your trip. Here’s how you can effectively precondition your Tesla for a road trip:

• Using the Tesla App : The Tesla mobile app allows you to remotely control various aspects of your car, including preconditioning. Before your road trip, open the app and select the “Climate” option. From there, you can set the desired cabin temperature for your car. Preconditioning your car remotely will ensure that the interior is at a comfortable temperature when you’re ready to hit the road.
• Scheduled Departure : Another method for preconditioning is utilizing the “Scheduled Departure” feature in your Tesla. This feature enables you to set a specific departure time for your trip. By selecting this option, your Tesla will automatically begin preconditioning the battery and cabin temperature prior to your scheduled departure, ensuring optimal performance and a comfortable environment upon entering the car.
• Plugged-In Preconditioning : If your Tesla is connected to a charging source, you can take advantage of plugged-in preconditioning. By plugging in your Tesla before your trip, you can initiate preconditioning through the car’s charging screen or the Tesla mobile app. Plugged-in preconditioning not only optimizes the battery temperature but also ensures that your car is charging to the desired level before you start your road trip.

Preconditioning your Tesla before a road trip is particularly beneficial in extreme weather conditions. By preparing the interior temperature and battery in advance, you can optimize energy consumption and maximize your driving range. This thoughtful step will enhance your overall driving experience and ensure a comfortable journey from the moment you set foot in your Tesla.

Top Tesla Road Trip Tips

Take a peek below for my valuable insights, practical tips, and real-life examples to ensure a smooth, enjoyable, and worry-free adventure. Fasten your seatbelt, charge up your Tesla, and let’s hit the open road!

1. The Excitement of Tesla Road Trips

A Tesla road trip is more than just a means of transportation; it’s an opportunity to explore new horizons, embrace the freedom of the open road, and experience the power and efficiency of electric travel. Whether you’re embarking on a long road trip across multiple states or planning a weekend getaway, your Tesla is ready to take you on an adventure like no other. But before you buckle up and hit the road, let’s delve into the essential aspects of planning and executing a successful Tesla road trip.

2. Planning Your Tesla Road Trip

Before setting off on your Tesla road trip, meticulous planning is crucial to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey. Tesla offers an integrated trip planner within its app and website, allowing you to chart your course, locate Tesla Supercharger stations, estimate charging times, and optimize your travel plans. By utilizing this powerful tool, you can plan your route, identify charging stops, and even customize your itinerary based on your preferences and needs. It’s important to consider factors such as the distance to your destination, the availability of charging infrastructure along the route, and any must-visit attractions or landmarks.

3. Maximizing Range and Overcoming Range Anxiety

One of the primary concerns for EV owners, especially during long road trips, is range anxiety—the fear of running out of battery charge before reaching the next charging station. However, with careful planning and a few smart strategies, you can overcome range anxiety and make the most of your Tesla’s range. Here are some key tips to maximize your Tesla’s range:

• Regenerative Braking : Take advantage of regenerative braking, a feature that recaptures energy during deceleration and braking, converting it back into the battery. By adjusting your driving style to anticipate traffic conditions and use regenerative braking effectively, you can extend your Tesla’s range.
• Optimize Charging Speed : When using Tesla Superchargers, aim for a charging session that brings your battery to around 80% rather than a full charge. Charging slows down significantly as the battery reaches its maximum capacity. By planning your charging stops strategically, you can minimize charging time while still ensuring a sufficient range to reach the next station.
• Drive Efficiently : Maintain a steady speed and avoid rapid acceleration and excessive braking. Maintaining a consistent pace and adopting a smooth driving style can help conserve energy and extend your Tesla’s range. Higher speeds can decrease efficiency and reduce battery life.
• Minimize Energy Consumption : Use your Tesla’s energy-saving features, such as adjusting climate control settings to conserve battery power. Additionally, avoid carrying unnecessary weight and keep your tires properly inflated for optimal efficiency.
• Temperature: Be mindful of temperature, as extreme hot or cold conditions can impact battery performance.

4. Navigating the Open Road with Tesla and Google Maps

Your Tesla’s built-in navigation system is your best friend on a long road trip. Utilize it to plan the best route to your final destination, taking into account charging stops along the way. The navigation system will guide you to Supercharger locations and provide real-time information on your battery charge and range. Trust in the system and enjoy the peace of mind it provides.

While Tesla’s built-in navigation system is exceptional, incorporating Google Maps into your Tesla road trip can enhance your overall journey. Google Maps provides real-time traffic updates, alternative routes, and information about nearby amenities, including shopping centers, restaurants, and attractions.

By combining the power of Tesla’s navigation system with Google Maps, you can access the most up-to-date information and make informed decisions about your route, charging stops, and points of interest along the way.

5. Charging Strategies for Long-Distance Travel

When embarking on a long road trip in your Tesla, strategic planning is key. Plan your route and identify Tesla Superchargers along the way. These Superchargers are designed specifically for Tesla vehicles, providing fast and convenient charging options. Plotting your journey with the help of your Tesla’s navigation system will ensure you have easy access to Superchargers and can cover long distances without range anxiety. Here are some tips to optimize your charging experience:

• Utilize Tesla Superchargers : One of the biggest advantages of driving a Tesla is the network of Superchargers. These high-powered charging stations are strategically located along major highways, making long-distance travel a breeze. The Tesla app and website provide real-time information about Supercharger availability, so you can plan your charging stops accordingly. Plan your stops around Supercharger locations, ensuring you have ample time to charge your Tesla while taking a break. Superchargers can provide a significant charge in a relatively short time, allowing you to make the most of your road trip.
• Consider Tesla Destination Chargers : While Superchargers are ideal for quick top-ups, you may also need to consider other charging options, such as public charging stations, especially in areas with limited Supercharger coverage. Tesla also offers destination chargers installed at hotels, resorts, and other locations. These chargers provide slower but convenient charging options, especially if you plan to stay overnight or take a longer break during your road trip. Research and book accommodations that offer Tesla destination chargers to wake up to a fully charged vehicle each day. By planning ahead, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
• Research Public Charging Stations : In addition to Tesla-specific chargers, research public charging stations along your route. Familiarize yourself with the locations and availability of charging stations operated by other networks to have alternative options in case of any unforeseen circumstances or to fill in any charging gaps.
• Optimize Charging Time : Use your charging stops wisely by taking advantage of nearby amenities. Explore the surroundings, enjoy a meal, or take a short walk to make the most of your charging time.

6. Adapting to Weather Conditions

Weather conditions can significantly impact the range and efficiency of your Tesla during a road trip. Cold weather, in particular, can reduce battery efficiency and potentially affect your travel plans. To mitigate the impact of cold weather on your Tesla’s range, consider the following:

• Pre-condition Your Tesla : Use the Tesla app to pre-condition your vehicle before departing. Pre-conditioning allows you to warm up or cool down your Tesla while it’s still connected to a charger, optimizing the cabin temperature and minimizing the use of battery power.
• Plan for Additional Charging Stops : Colder temperatures can decrease your Tesla’s range. Account for this by planning additional charging stops or adjusting your itinerary to include locations with charging infrastructure that can help offset any range reduction caused by cold weather.
• Be Mindful of Energy Consumption : Running the heater or air conditioning excessively can affect your Tesla’s range. Adjust the climate control settings to a comfortable level and consider using the seat heaters, which consume less energy.

7. Essential Gear and Packing Tips

To ensure a hassle-free and comfortable Tesla road trip, it’s essential to pack the right gear and essentials. Here’s a checklist of items to consider:

• Charging Adapters : Bring charging adapters that allow you to connect to non-Tesla charging stations. This ensures compatibility with different types of charging infrastructure you may encounter along the way.
• Charging Cables : Don’t forget to pack your Tesla’s standard home charger cable. It’s handy for slower charging options, such as Tesla destination chargers or standard outlets when no other charging infrastructure is available.
• Loading Information Label : Some regions may require
• a loading information label for EV charging. Make sure to have one in your Tesla, as it provides important information for emergency personnel or technicians who may need to handle your vehicle during charging or maintenance.
• Tesla Roof Rack : If you plan on bringing extra gear or luggage, consider investing in a Tesla roof rack. It provides a convenient and secure way to transport items, allowing you to maximize interior space and ensure a comfortable journey.
• Essential Road Trip Supplies : Don’t forget to pack essentials like snacks, water, blankets, and a first aid kit. These items can come in handy during unexpected situations or if you encounter limited amenities along your route.
• Entertainment and Connectivity : To keep yourself and your passengers entertained during the trip, consider bringing charging cables for smartphones, tablets, or other devices. You can also take advantage of Tesla’s built-in entertainment system, streaming services, and games to make the journey more enjoyable.

8. Staying Connected and Informed

Throughout your Tesla road trip, it’s important to stay connected and informed. The Tesla app provides valuable real-time updates and features that enhance your journey. Here’s how you can make the most of it:

• Charging Progress : Use the Tesla app to monitor the progress of your charging session remotely. It allows you to keep track of the charging speed, estimated time remaining, and battery charge level without leaving the comfort of your car.
• Supercharger Availability : The app provides information on nearby Supercharger stations, including their availability and the number of charging stalls. This feature helps you plan your next charging stop effectively and avoid potential wait times.
• Navigation and Trip Planning : Tesla’s app offers seamless integration with the navigation system, allowing you to plan your route, review charging options, and optimize your trip right from your smartphone.
• Service and Support : In case you encounter any issues during your road trip, the app enables you to schedule a service appointment conveniently. You can also access resources, FAQs, and contact Tesla’s support team for assistance.

9. Emergency Preparedness and Alternative Charging Options

While Tesla’s Supercharger network is extensive, it’s always wise to have a backup plan in case of unexpected situations. Here are some tips for emergency preparedness and alternative charging options:

• Research Public Charging Stations : Familiarize yourself with public charging stations along your route, even if they are not Tesla-specific. Mapping out these locations ensures you have alternative options in case of unforeseen circumstances or if you need an additional charge to reach the next Supercharger station.
• Credit Card and Payment : Some public charging stations may require a credit card for payment. Make sure you have a credit card with you or set up any necessary accounts or apps in advance to streamline the charging process.
• Emergency Contact Information : Keep a list of emergency contact numbers, including Tesla’s roadside assistance, local towing services, and EV-specific service centers. This information can be invaluable in case of emergencies or technical issues during your trip.
• Plan B Routes : Before hitting the road, identify alternative routes or charging stations that can serve as Plan B options. This foresight can prove useful if you encounter unexpected road closures, traffic congestion, or charging station maintenance.

10. Enhancing the Tesla Road Trip Experience

Beyond the practical aspects of planning and charging, a Tesla road trip is an opportunity to create lasting memories and fully embrace the experience. Here are some tips to enhance your journey:

• Embrace the Scenic Route : While major highways may offer the fastest route, consider taking the scenic route on occasion. Exploring winding roads, beautiful landscapes, and charming towns can add a touch of adventure and excitement to your trip.
• Take Frequent Stops : Break up your journey with frequent stops at interesting locations. Visit local attractions, parks, viewpoints, or historical sites along the way. These breaks not only offer a chance to stretch your legs but also allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture and enrich your travel experience.
• Exploring Local Amenities – While charging your Tesla, take the opportunity to explore nearby shopping centers or attractions. Many Supercharger locations are conveniently situated near shopping centers, providing an opportunity to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or even do some shopping while your Tesla charges. Embrace the break, recharge yourself, and enjoy the local amenities.
• Enjoy Local Cuisine : When stopping for meals, opt for local restaurants and eateries. Trying regional delicacies and immersing yourself in the local food scene adds a flavorful dimension to your road trip.
• Connect with Other EV Owners : As an EV owner, you are part of a vibrant and supportive community of like-minded individuals. Engaging with other EV owners, whether through online forums, social media groups, EV-specific apps, or local meet-ups, can provide valuable insights and tips for your road trip. Share experiences, gather recommendations, and connect with fellow Tesla owners who have embarked on their own epic road trips. The EV community is a wealth of knowledge waiting to be explored.

11. Exploring Iconic Destinations and National Parks

A Tesla road trip offers the perfect opportunity to explore iconic destinations and breathtaking national parks. Here are some notable locations to consider adding to your itinerary:

• San Francisco : Drive across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge and explore the vibrant city of San Francisco. Visit popular attractions like Fisherman’s Wharf, Alcatraz Island, or take a scenic drive along the stunning Pacific Coast Highway.
• Los Angeles : Experience the glamour of Hollywood, stroll along Venice Beach, or explore the cultural hotspots of downtown Los Angeles. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a memorable drive along Mulholland Drive or catch a beautiful sunset at Griffith Observatory.
• National Parks : Visit renowned national parks such as Yosemite, Joshua Tree, or Grand Canyon National Park. These natural wonders offer majestic landscapes, hiking trails, and breathtaking viewpoints, allowing you to connect with nature and create unforgettable memories.

12. Reflecting on the Tesla Road Trip Experience

As your Tesla road trip comes to an end, take some time to reflect on the incredible journey you’ve just undertaken. Capture the moments through photographs, journaling, or creating a digital travelogue. Share your experiences with friends, family, and fellow EV enthusiasts, inspiring others to embark on their own electric adventures.

Final Thoughts

Embarking on a long-distance road trip in your Tesla is an adventure like no other. By following these Tesla road trip tips, including strategic planning, utilizing Superchargers, connecting with the EV community, and making the most of your Tesla’s features, you can ensure a successful and enjoyable journey. Embrace the freedom of driving an electric vehicle, and let your Tesla’s navigation system guide you to new destinations and unforgettable experiences. So, grab the steering wheel, charge up, and hit the road with confidence!

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10 Smart Long-distance Tesla Road Trip Tips

Last Updated on January 24, 2024 by Rose Morah

Taking a road trip in a Tesla, whether for the first time or as an experienced Tesla owner, can both be exciting and daunting.

I mean, road trips with Teslas are amazing, but they can also be quite challenging, especially if it’s your first time.

But that does not necessarily mean that you can’t fully enjoy your Tesla road trip.

In fact, with just a few tips and tricks before and during the trip, you will be able to make your road trip with your Tesla as ‘normal’ as any other.

So, the following are tips for going on a road trip with your Tesla:

Related : The best Tesla trip planner app .

• 1. Choose your charging stations wisely

2. Inspect your tires before the road trip

3. install the right wheels.

• 4. Watch out for Tesla 'range anxiety'

5. Always have an extra buffer

6. take advantage of tesla features.

• 7. Use Tesla as 'plan B'

8. Install Tesla Sunshade

• 9. Don't Cold Battery Pack

10. Carry less

Frequently asked tesla road trip questions, 1 . choose your charging stations wisely.

First of all, Tesla Superchargers make a long road trip possible. Planning your charging stops well helps save you time and ensure that you enjoy your trip.

There are great apps that can help plan your charging stops wisely. The in-built tesla route planner app works well, but there are also other alternatives.

The following are some of the best tesla route planner apps available for long road trips.

Related : ABRP Vs Plugshare: Which One is The Best EV Trip Planner App?

We also have a detailed article about the best Tesla route planner based on the Tesla owners who have actually used these apps before.

Having a good charging stops plan gives you a better road trip experience. 

But what does it mean to plan wisely?

By taking a look at the Charging Locations on the map to your destination, you can start by choosing those with exciting detours.

Related : Smart Tips for Planning A Road Trip With An EV .

Reasons Why Your Tesla Is Charging Slow At A Supercharger .

Choosing great spots along the highway as your charging stops is fun when traveling as a couple but also with kids.

Another advantage of planning your charging stops is, you have the opportunity to choose/book a hotel or a vacation rental where you can freely charge overnight while you rest. 

Hence, you wake up the following day ready for your next leg and with a full charge.

Check out these 5 Tesla Supercharging Tips To Speed Up Your Charging Time On A Road Trip .

See also : Is Tesla Full Self Drive Worth It?

Before embarking on your journey, it is vital to inspect your tires for cuts, foreign objects, or bulges. 

First, you can do this by checking the Tire and Loading Information label on the center door pillar, visible when you open the door.

And should you notice any issues, schedule a service appointment via your Tesla app.

The label will also confirm the size of your tires and the correct tire pressure.

And if you’re looking to get an excellent pocket-friendly tire pressure pump, then consider checking out this one on Amazon.

See the Tire Pressure Guide: What is the Proper Tire Pressure For Vehicles?

You could consider installing aero wheels when going on road trips with a Tesla. This is mainly because aero wheels add about 3 to 4% efficiency, which adds more miles/increases range.

See also: Cool and Must-Have Tesla Model 3 and Y Accessories .

4. Watch out for Tesla ‘range anxiety ‘

While on your road trip, it is perhaps not uncommon to find yourself driving on a low charge.

This may sometimes trigger range anxiety.

To prevent this, you need to first identify some of the key contributing factors that will likely drain your battery fast.

For instance, here are a few essential factors:

• An uphill drive
• Weather conditions, such as snow, rain, and headwinds
• Driving speed

Therefore, you may need to, for instance, find out the type of terrain beforehand.

How to Maximize Tesla Range & Reduce Battery Drain on Tesla .

What if you realize that you might not have enough charge to get you to your next charging destination?

If you realize that you might not have enough charge to get you to your next charging stop, you should do the following:

• Drive behind semi-trucks (but not close).

This will help save the EV lot of energy because the truck in front will be taking the brunt of all the air resistance.

• Reduce your driving speed. 

Reducing your driving speed reduces the strain on the car which causes the battery to use less energy. This will make it possible to arrive at your next charging destination. 

• Turn off or reduce the HVAC system.

Turning off or reducing the HVAC system will help maximize the car’s energy efficiency.

This will thereby significantly help you deal with range anxiety when driving your Tesla on a road trip.

See the Longest Range Electric Car .

When going on a long Tesla road trip, I highly recommend that you always have an extra buffer (range).

You can do this by setting your charge limit to 100%. Why?

Because you never know what might happen on the road trip.

For example, encountering closed roads may force you to take longer routes which could end up messing with your original charging plan. This may also lead to range anxiety.

Before embarking on a road trip, you need to ask yourself, ‘Do I want to get to my destination as fast as possible, or want to create a memorable experience along the way at a nice leisurely pace?’

Here is how Tesla features can help you achieve either of that:

First, if you want to get to your destination on time, or rather save time than eat away all your hours on the road, you only need to enter your destination on your Tesla touch screen. The navigation will then automatically display the fastest route. 

Secondly, you can choose to use the traffic-based routing feature to help you navigate and escape traffic by rerouting you to your destination. Be sure to turn it on, on the map’s settings icon.

And thirdly, if all you want is to have the best experience on the road with your Tesla, then you can use the Go Anywhere feature to select and make stops on routes that have great scenic views.

• Use the Tesla energy tab for almost accurate range estimates

When driving, the best way to check your estimated driving range is by checking it at the energy tab on your Tesla navigation. 

It is more accurate than your standard battery display because it uses your driving data over the past 30 miles to estimate what your range remaining is.

• Take advantage of the Camp Mode Feature

The Tesla Camp Mode feature converts your Tesla into a comfortable, breathable, and relaxing cabin. So, if you are still wondering whether it is possible to camp in a Tesla, the simple answer is, yes, it’s possible . 

You need to put the car in camp mode to activate the heat if it’s cold. Alternatively, you can leave it on neutral to ensure that the A/C or heater is on.

The Camp mode feature takes care of:

• Airflow and temperature in the car. You can also adjust the cabin temperature depending on your preferences.
• The interior lighting. You may also choose to enable or disable music.

This, no doubt, makes Tesla great for camping.

How Do You Enable Camping Mode on your Tesla?

• First, ensure your car is in park mode, and your battery charge is above 15%.

Tesla will not allow you to use the camp mode feature if your charge is below 15% or not set to park mode.

• Tap the fan icon located at the bottom of the screen.
• Then tap the “Camp” icon.

How long can Tesla last in camp mode?

For as long as it has enough charge. It will remain in camp mode until you decide to turn it off. 

The camp mode does not consume a lot of energy. It mostly consumes about 10% of your battery in about 8 hours. This is typically the maximum time you need to sleep in a day. However, during winter , your battery consumption may rise by 5% in 8 hours.

7. Use Tesla as ‘plan B ‘

Depending on your destination and route, if you’re traveling on a tight budget or can’t find a good hotel for the night. The good news is, you can use your Tesla as plan B.

Can you sleep in the back of a Tesla?

Yes, you can! I have managed to convert my Tesla into a comfortable bed on several occasions when going on long road trips.

I started using this Tesla sleeping air mattress after getting tons of recommendations from friends.

The mattress takes me only about 5 minutes to pump. It is also easy to set up, fits perfectly, and is comfortable to sleep on. 

Since I own a Tesla Model 3, the back seats, which don’t fold completely flat were my main challenge. However, after watching a couple of helpful videos online, I finally learned how to remove the back seat cushions.

To my surprise, this made the Tesla air mattress even more comfortable and relaxing since I was now able to fit perfectly without folding my legs. I am 6ft, by the way.

I should also point out that apart from the comfort, the mattress is also very durable. I have used it on countless road trips and while camping for a good two years now, and I don’t think I will be throwing it away any time soon.

If interested, this air mattress is available on Amazon in all sizes for Tesla Model X, Model S, Model Y, and Model 3 SUVs.

It is worth noting that, Tesla Model S is known for its unique ability to provide a comfortable and good night of sleep. Its back seat can easily fold flat, creating enough space for a comfortable bed.

And another thing, you can use the RV Parky app to help you find car camping places for your overnight camping.

For more detailed content about Tesla camping, be sure to check out – How To Camp In A Tesla Like A Pro.

Are you going to be traveling mainly during the day and in sunny/hot temperatures?

If yes, then I would strongly recommend that you purchase a Tesla sunshade .

Sunshades help keep the heat out by reducing and blocking heat transmission.

From experience, I hated stopping for a charge when driving in sweltering temperatures. I would suffer from the heat inside the car while waiting for it to charge.

And even when I opted to go for a walk, I would come back to a hot, burning seat. That was not a pleasant experience.

Luckily, I discovered what I now consider an excellent sunshade for my Tesla.

It was surprisingly very affordable and has since made my road trips more relaxing and fun, even in hot temperatures.

How? Because it effectively blocks the heat!

And the good news is, it’s straightforward to install.

If you are interested, be sure to check it out on Amazon .

9. Don’t Cold Battery Pack

A cold battery pack charges relatively slower as compared to a warm battery pack. Thus you may end up taking longer to charge.

For a fast charge, you should hence allow your battery to heat up first. 

The battery heats up when:

• Precondition your car

Precondition the battery before arriving at your next charging stop .

The car should start pre-heating the battery 10 to 15 minutes before arriving at your next charging stop.

This means that, if you have set your next charging stop on the navigation, the car should automatically start pre-heating before you arrive.  

Preconditioning helps speed up your charging and get the battery ready to charge before you arrive at the next charging stop.

The more weight you carry in your tesla, the more energy it will use. 

Less weight = Less energy used.

This results in more charge consumption, which also means more charging stops. 

• Is Tesla good for long road trips?

Absolutely. Tesla being one the safest cars on the road, with chargers spread out strategically across different destinations, makes it suitable for long road trips. 

And additionally, Tesla as a company has always made continuous improvements, such as constantly re-engineering its models, new tire designs, and adding more charging stations, which has made it possible for drivers to enjoy and have smooth road trips.

• How accurate is the Tesla trip planner?

Unfortunately, the Tesla trip planner is not 100% accurate. And perhaps, this explains why most new Tesla drivers sometimes experience range anxiety. 

However, most drivers tend to get more accurate predictions with time, depending on their driving experiences. And besides, Tesla has also been working over the past years to make their trip planner more accurate for drivers.

Related : How Accurate Is The Tesla Trip Planner?

• How do I plan a Tesla road trip?

The Tesla Go Anywhere tool has made it easier for road trip rookies planning long road trips using a Tesla. 

The tool also provides you with supercharger locations, recommended charge times, and routes to take on your trip.

• What are the best Tesla trip planner apps?
• A Better Route Planner (ABRP) – it allows you to select your own stops, set your preferred charge and wait times, and easily find hotels that have Tesla charging stations.

This app also allows drivers to search the charging stations based on – high-power and public or residential stations. 

And speaking of residential stations, residential chargers can be a great alternative for travelers going on a long journey or where chargers are spread far apart. 

The app is free and available on both Android and iOS phones.

• ChargePoint – the app provides you with charging spots across parking garages, workplaces, homes, retailers, and multifamily dwellings.

And apart from that, you are also provided with the charging costs and status, charging history, and real-time updates that include busy charging times.

• EVHotels – this app provides drivers with over 250,000 hotels worldwide that have EV charger stations.

It costs $99 and is available on both Android and iOS phones.

Hello there! My name is Rose. I’m passionate about electric cars and clean energy. My adventurous spirit and journalistic pursuits make each day fascinating and far greater. I consider traveling not just about the grandeur moments, but the little elements that transform the whole experience.

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9 Tesla Road Trip Tips for Long Travel

October 30, 2020

Many rent RVs, minivans, and trucks to go on a road trip, can’t go wrong with that. Have you ever thought of doing so with an electric vehicle such as your Tesla?

Sure, electric cars are practical and efficient, but traveling long distances in one requires a little more planning. You will have to make sure that your batteries have enough juice to get you to the next charging station safely, and plan stops accordingly.

Tesla’s network of Superchargers makes long drives across the country feasible. Still, if you’re traveling along less-frequented routes, you may have to make use of traditional charging stations or even regular 120v plugs. Every time you stop for a recharge, you will have some exploring time, which can amp up your entire experience. With a little careful planning, a road trip with a Tesla could be the best thing ever.

Tips for Road Trips in a Tesla

1. Check the Tesla supercharger map!

So, you’ve got a final destination in your sights, but before you can get there, you have to plan your entire trip around recharging stations. You don’t have to worry about the range because there are charging stations everywhere, but you do need to learn about the boundaries of your car.

If you drive faster than you should, the batteries will lose juice quicker, and if you’re not careful, you might find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere. Head to Tesla’s official website and check the supercharger map between you and your final destination. Plan breaks on locations where your car’s batteries will be half empty. The vehicle will recharge faster, and you will never run out of juice.

Related: Getting the best range with your Tesla

2. Use the built-in trip planner

If you’re the type of person who likes to plan out every last detail of the trip, excellent. However, if you’re not so skilled at planning everything out, Tesla’s built-in trip planner will do everything for you. It’s a convenient feature that will make sure that you never run out of power, no matter where you’re going.

The planner will show you all charging stations along your route, with details like how long you need to drive between two stations and how long will it take for your car to recharge once you stop. You won’t have to check your maps all the time; just input your starting point and your destination, and the app will take care of everything else.

If you prefer to use a mobile device or a laptop to plan your trip, you can also use Tesla’s web-based road trip planner .

3. Arrange “car fill-ups” and “human fill-ups” to happen at the same time

Electric cars need a recharge as much as the people inside of it. The entire trip will revolve around recharging stations, so you should plan to take breaks based on your car’s battery levels. Since most charging stations are located near malls and gas stations, you should plan your meals and sightseeing to happen simultaneously while your Tesla is charging.

Hook your Tesla onto a charging station and stretch your legs a bit. Have something to eat if you’re hungry and take the time to see the town or go to the mall and enjoy a coffee or whatever else you want. By making sure that you satisfy your needs while your car is charging, you will save some time, and you won’t be sitting in your car bored for hours.

4. Have charging adapters ready

Even though Tesla’s app will show you a detailed route with the closest charging stations, you should bring a charging adapter along, or a charging extension cord , just in case. You never know if you’re going to have to take a detour at some point, so it’s always a good idea to have an adapter you can use to charge your car’s batteries anywhere. The adapter is not that big, so it won’t take up a lot of trunk space. If you don’t have one when you need it, you could end up being completely helpless far away from a charging station.

5. If possible, charge when the battery level is below 50%

Some Tesla owners prefer to keep their batteries above 50% at all times, and that’s fine, but the batteries charge faster when they are more than half empty. So, to save some time, it’s better that you allow the batteries to deplete to let’s say 30 or 35 percent, and then stop for a recharge, rather than doing so every time a station is close by.

It’s also a manner of personal preference. If you like making frequent breaks to stretch your legs, this might even cut your road trip charging time, depending on your driving.

6. Set driving mode to conserve energy

Electric cars have a tremendous amount of torque that allows you to accelerate very quickly. However, a heavy foot will make the batteries deplete sooner, leaving you with much less range than expected.

Turn the Range Mode on to limit the amount of power the car uses and increase efficiency. That means that you won’t be able to accelerate so quickly, but you will get a significant increase in mileage. Keep your foot off the gas, and you will be able to drive much further.

7. If driving in the winter, plan for a reduction in range

Winter road trips are sometimes even cooler than summer trips. The landscapes are often breathtaking, and there’s something special when you sit in a warm Tesla while everything around you is freezing cold. With that said, you should also know that batteries don’t perform the same in low temperatures and that heating the car will use a considerable amount of juice.

The batteries powering your car will become less efficient, so you will have to plan more frequent stops. Remember that before hitting the road. You don’t want to run out of batteries far away from a recharge station in the middle of winter. If driving in freezing sub-20-degree weather, you should prepare for a reduction in range of up to 40% .

8. Make use of 240V dryer plugs if renting Airbnb accommodations!

Road trips can last for weeks! That means that you’ll have to book hotels and apartments for several nights. Since many people use Airbnb to find a place to stay, it’s good to know if you’re allowed to use the 240V dryer plug to recharge your car during the night. That way, you’ll start the next day with full batteries, allowing you to get more range before you have to recharge. Make sure you have adapters ready!

Destination charging also offers charging at locations such as hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and other popular spots across the country.

9. Plan for activities while the car is charging

Even when using a supercharger, charging the battery sufficiently to continue the road trip can take 30 minutes or more. That’s more than enough time to use the facilities around and get something to drink, but what do you do for the remaining 20 minutes? Teslas have several on-board arcade games if looking for an entertaining way to wait. If traveling with family or friends, there are various car-friendly board games that don’t need a big table for you and your road trip partners to enjoy.

If you’re looking to make the road trip even more engaging and lucky enough to be traveling along a scenic route, you could even bring your trip to the next level by bringing a couple of bikes with you and equipping your Tesla with a bike rack .

Road trip tips to maximize range:

If you’re planning to take a road trip in your Tesla, you will be driving hundreds or thousands of miles. When your car runs on batteries, you must plan ahead and do some math. You should try and make slight changes to help you get the most mileage out of a single charge. Here are a few tips on how to do that.

Minimize aerodynamic drag

You might be tempted to carry external baggage, bike racks, roof racks, or even tow a small trailer. You should be aware that extra weight and roof racks affects the vehicle’s aerodynamic profile and will lead to a significant decrease in range.

Anything you add to the car that affects the original aerodynamics will create more drag, which will deplete your batteries faster. The same thing goes for standard petrol cars. If you want to bring your bikes along or need to expand your storage with a roof rack, expect to be making more stops to recharge your batteries.

Be speed-conscious

Teslas have an incredible aerodynamic profile and some of the lowest drag coefficients in a car. For example, if you drive at 75 miles per hour, the vehicle will have to provide more power to the wheels due to increased aerodynamic drag, which will lower your maximum mileage. On the other hand, if you keep the speed around 60 mph, your car will use less power due to less aerodynamic resistance, allowing you to go further on a single charge. Again, it’s a thing of personal preference, but that going faster will require you to make more stops on the way.

Use AC and heating conservatively!

No matter if you’re going on a road trip during the summer or the winter, your AC will work hard to provide the best possible temperature inside the car. As you can imagine, that requires power, too, so you must ration the use of the AC to get more mileage out of your Tesla. If you keep it on the entire time, you will drain the batteries sooner, which means you’ll have to stop and recharge the car more frequently.

The best method is to allow the AC to cool the car down for a few minutes and shut it down until the temperature rises again. The same thing goes for heating during winter road trips. With a little practice, you will be able to maintain a steady temperature without depleting the batteries too much.

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10 Tips for Your Long-Distance Tesla Road Trip 

Updated: June 29, 2023

Published: May 26, 2023

Taking a road trip in a Tesla is an exciting adventure, but it can also present some unique challenges, especially for first-time Tesla owners. However, with a little preparation and knowledge, you can ensure that your Tesla road trip is as enjoyable and hassle-free as any other. In this blog post, brought to you by Steer EV, we’ll provide you with 10 smart tips to enhance your long-distance Tesla road trip experience. Let’s dive in! 

1. Choose your charging stations wisely

To optimize your road trip, plan your charging stops strategically. Utilize apps like the Tesla in-built route planner or other alternatives to map out the Supercharger locations along your route. Consider selecting charging stops with exciting detours or near attractions, making your journey more enjoyable. Additionally, booking accommodations with charging facilities overnight allows you to wake up fully charged and ready to hit the road. 

2. Inspect your tires before the trip

Before embarking on your journey, ensure your tires are in good condition. Check for cuts, foreign objects, or bulges by referring to the Tire and Loading Information label located on the center door pillar. If you notice any issues, schedule a service appointment via the Tesla app. Confirming the correct tire pressure and size will optimize performance and safety. 

3. Consider installing aero wheels

For improved efficiency and range, consider installing aero wheels specifically designed for long-distance travel. These wheels can increase your mileage by approximately 3 to 4%, allowing you to go the extra mile on your road trip. 

4. Mitigate range anxiety

Range anxiety, the concern of running out of battery charge, can dampen your road trip experience. Be aware of factors that affect battery drain, such as uphill drives, weather conditions, and driving speed. Research the terrain and plan accordingly. Utilize navigation tools to identify charging stations along your route, ensuring you have adequate opportunities to recharge. 

5. Maintain an extra buffer

Always leave room for unexpected situations by setting your charge limit to 100%. Road closures or unforeseen detours may force you to take longer routes, potentially affecting your original charging plan. Having an extra buffer of range ensures peace of mind and helps alleviate range anxiety. 

6. Optimize regenerative braking

Tesla vehicles are equipped with regenerative braking, which converts kinetic energy into electricity, extending your range. Take advantage of this feature by adjusting the regenerative braking settings to your preference. Familiarize yourself with the different levels of regenerative braking and experiment to find the most efficient option for your driving style. 

7. Pack essential charging accessories

Before hitting the road, pack essential charging accessories such as a Tesla charging cable, adapters for various charging networks, and a portable charging connector. Having these items readily available will allow you to charge at different types of charging stations and ensure a smooth charging experience. 

8. Plan for entertainment and comfort

Long road trips require entertainment and comfort. Utilize Tesla’s built-in entertainment features, such as streaming music and videos, playing games, or accessing navigation for interesting landmarks along your route. Additionally, bring snacks, water, and necessary amenities to keep everyone comfortable throughout the journey. 

9. Utilize destination charging

In addition to Superchargers, Tesla offers destination charging at various hotels, resorts, and attractions. Plan your stops at locations that provide destination charging options, allowing you to recharge while enjoying your destination. Research and book accommodations that offer these facilities in advance to ensure availability. 

10. Join the Tesla community

Tap into the knowledge and experiences of fellow Tesla owners by joining online Tesla communities and forums. Engage with experienced road trippers who can provide valuable insights, recommendations, and advice specific to your destination. Learning from others’ experiences will enhance your road trip planning and enrich your overall journey. 

Embarking on a long-distance Tesla Road trip can be an exhilarating experience. By following these ten smart tips, you can optimize your journey, reduce range anxiety, and ensure a memorable and enjoyable adventure. Remember, careful planning, preparedness, and utilizing the available resources and technology will help you make the most of your Tesla road trip. So, buckle up, charge your batteries, and get ready for an amazing adventure on the open road! 

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A Guide to Planning a Tesla Road Trip

Prior to taking delivery of my Model S I was the guy who suffered from incessant thoughts of  range anxiety , which soon disappeared as I grew into my ownership experience. I charge daily to 90% in my 85 kWh Model S and drive about 100 miles a day commuting, running errands, etc. I return home with about 140 miles of range left every day which is enough to do it all again without charging. There have been a few longer round trips where I did about 180 miles round trip , and one intentional (but not required) visit to a Supercharger , but none of my trips have required charging en-route or at the destination. As the end of summer approaches I intend on taking two Tesla road trips – one to New Jersey, about an hour east of NYC, and another road trip taking me one hour northeast of Pittsburgh. The New Jersey trip will be taking place this week hence it’s the subject this post. The Tesla road trip to PA will be the subject for of a future post.

Tesla Road Trip Planning

Assuming I leave with a 90% state of charge, I’ll need to charge after depleting 160-190 rated miles just so I can maintain a comfortable buffer. Experienced Tesla road trip veterans are probably much better at estimating the amount of buffer needed based on time of year and weather conditions.

• Top 5 Lessons from a First Tesla Road Trip
• Tesla Road Trip Battery Range Planning
• Reasons to Have a Tesla Tire Repair Kit and 2nd UMC

The next thing I researched are the number of Supercharger locations along my route. There are a many ways of doing this, so I’ll just mention two:

• Google maps – Enter your start and end addresses and then type “Supercharger” and have Google find Superchargers on the map along your route. Pick a good one (or more if needed) as waypoints.
• EVTripPlanner.com – This is a useful EV trip planning site put together by an enterprising 16 year old. Enter your start and destination addresses, select the type of car you’ll be using, and click the “Route through Superchargers” button. This will guide you to your destination through routes that have access to Tesla Superchargers. It’s not perfect and it can add more pit stops than needed so be sure to validate the results and adjust accordingly.

I used EVTripPlanner and found that while it wanted me to stop at both the Milford and Darien, Connecticut Superchargers, I technically would still have plenty of range and be able to skip Milford. From my home to the Darien Supercharger it’s 147 miles but EVTripPlanner estimates 161 rated miles needed. Considering we’re charged to 90% (240 miles), we’ll have plenty of buffer to fulfill the 1st leg at 147 miles.

How Much Charge Do I Need?

The rate of charge in an EV taper offs quickly as it approaches a 100% state of charge. This may add a significant amount of time to your charge. Also EVs charge faster from near empty than they do from half full. When you look at charge times and rates on Tesla’s site, those are generally based on ideal conditions assuming you’re using the latest Supercharger technology and you’re not splitting the charge with someone else that’s in the same Supercharger bank.

ALSO SEE: Top 5 Lessons Learned from a First Tesla Road Trip

In summary, I start with 240 rated miles on a 90% charge. I drive to the Darien Supercharger and use 161 rated miles. I have 79 miles of rated range left. Not enough to get me to my destination hence the reason for my stop. EVTripPlanner estimates 93 miles needed with no safety factor. Safety factors are generally added to standard (not rated) mileage. I need to add some safety factor so lets take the 2/3 approach. 93 x 3/2 = 140 miles of rated range needed to arrive at my destination. So I need to add 61 miles of rated range at the Supercharger to get to my destination and still have a good safety margin.

Tesla claims 170 miles of rated range added in 30 minutes, but as we’ve mentioned above they might be overly optimistic with this. Even so, planning for a 30 minute stop is very reasonable.

Destination Charging

I’ll definitely poke around when I get there to see if I can find a better charging station / wall outlet, but nevertheless I need to plan for the worst. If I charge the minimum at the Supercharger to get to 140 miles of rated range, drive and use the estimated 102 miles of rated range i’ll arrive at my destination with 38 miles of rated range left. On the way home I need to go back the same route and I need that 140 miles of rated range for the distance plus safety. Oops — I can’t get home.

So I need to add 102 miles of rated range while i’m there. More if I plan on doing things with my car while I’m there like showing it off with test drives, going to dinner, etc. Lets say I need 50 miles to use while I’m there, plus the 140 to get back to the Supercharger. I need to add 152 miles of rated range. At a charge rate of 3 miles/hour, it’ll take approximately 51 hours of charging to regain 153 miles of rated range.

• Find a Supercharger near my destination – NJ only has one and its more than an hour away. No good.
• Find a faster charger nearby – A local college has a J1772 reported at 30A/240V which would give 18miles rated/hour added. But I’d have to leave my car there or sit there for the charge. Better, but not great.
• Charge more at my Supercharger stop on the way down and arrive with more left.

Charging up more at the Supercharger seems like it would be the best option. I’ll charge back up to 90% (240 rated miles), use 102 rated miles to get to my NJ destination and have 138 rated miles left. If I don’t go anywhere while there, that leaves me with plenty  of charge to get back along with a safety margin. If I want to drive around while I’m there, I figured an additional 50 miles of charge will suffice which equates to 16 hours of charging (from a wall outlet) or two overnights. That’s doable.

Planning Complete

The return trip home should be pretty uneventful assuming I did all of my Tesla road trip planning correctly. One last thing to consider is detours along the way. On our way down to NJ we pass by a favorite Sushi place we like to visit in CT. The restaurant is a bit off  route and will add a couple miles so I planned for this as well.

I also considered the unlikely scenario where the Darien, CT supercharger was offline when I arrived. What would I do? Fortunately there’s another one on the Northbound side of I-95 and then another only a few miles away on the Merritt parkway. Unlike MA and NJ, CT is pretty blessed with Superchargers!

This will be my first real EV road trip. Relative to the the epic 12,000 mile Tesla road trip  taken by the Recargo folks, and many others that are happening daily, mine will be tiny but just as fun. As a new owner that still occasionally struggles with  range anxiety , it has been an eye-opening experience having to think about options and and fall back plans – things I never once thought about in an ICE car. A Tesla road trip takes a little more planning. Thanks to the growing Supercharger network “filling up” my Tesla along the way is a minor inconvenience. Oh, and did I mention that using the Tesla Supercharger is free for life?

Tags: road trip , battery

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Checklist For Your First Tesla Model 3 Cross-Country Road Trip

Below is a list of what not to forget when you make your first long road trip in your Tesla car. Note: many of the suggestions would apply for any EV road trip and some suggestions would apply for any vehicle at all .

• The Tesla-to-J1772 adapter: If you use one all the time in your garage like I do for the charger I bought for my first Nissan Leaf, buy a second one and keep it in your car. You may need this for non-Tesla destination chargers and emergencies.
• The Electric Service Vehicle Equipment (ESVE) cable that came with your car: Again, if you use this in your garage like I do, don’t forget to take it with you.
• A NEMA 14-50 220V adapter for your ESVE cable: Be sure to leave the 110V adapter that came with the car in the frunk as well. Most RV campgrounds have NEMA 14-50 outlets that could come in handy in an emergency. Also, since I am traveling from one garage to another with a NEMA 14-50 outlet (one in Utah, one in Wisconsin), I don’t forget to take the EVSE and NEMA 14-50 adapter with me.
• Small air compressor (battery powered or 12V) in the frunk: You don’t have a spare tire. Monitor tire pressure every few hours and watch for an orange low-pressure warning light.
• Fill windshield fluid, Windex, and rag: Stop at a gas station to clean off the bugs hardsplatted on the windshield.
• An insulated bottle that fits in your drink holder filled with ice and diet coke cans or other caffeinated beverages to help stay alert.
• Snacks/emergency food: Cheese and Wheat Thins, COSCO Kettle Chips, bananas, apples, peanut butter, and a knife. Also, a gallon of water in trunk. Additionally, I pack a bag of sunflower seeds to shell and a cup for the shells to help stay alert. They cost $1.72/bag at Walmart and $5+/bag at typical Quick Stops en route.
• Aero hubcaps: I think the aero hubcaps are ugly, so I take them off. I purchased a kit from Tesla that has covers for the bolts and a small round cover for the center of the wheel. I only put the aero hubcaps back on for long trips since they add a few percent to my range.
• For very cold and snowy weather: Warm coat, ski pants, balaclava, ski gloves, boots, and a reflective sleeping bag for each traveler.
• My brother and my sister-in-law have owned a silver Model S for several years now. His suggestions: I also take candle/matches, de-icer spray, hand warmer packs in case charger port is iced shut, shovel to get into remote superchargers.
• Kate and Bob own a red Model S named Scarlett. Kate’s suggestions: Have a bag for garbage. Phone holder. Checkweb sites for new gadgets being offered. Some coolers plug into your 12V outlet between the front seats. For older Tesla models, a wireless phone charger that also plugs in between the front seats that you just lay your phone on. Wet wipes.

Planning Your Trip

• Get the free PlugShare app for your Phone : It’s the best way to search for chargers when planning your trip. Insert the make and model of your car and it will automatically filter out the chargers that are not compatible. You can set the filter for Superchargers only, J1772 L2 chargers, Tesla Destination Chargers, etc.
• Get the free A Better Route Planner app for your phone: ABRP lets you input the exact make and model of your car. Typically, you select your current location and enter your destination. ABRP then maps your route, giving you your recommended Supercharger stops and length of charge at each stop considering your car’s range as well as the current air density and wind forecast along your route.

Note: The Tesla Supercharger system is fabulous . We never had to wait for a stall at any of our stops on several cross-country trips, including from the East Coast to the West Coast. A typical Supercharger has 8 stalls, but we have seen Superchargers in California with 40 stalls on busy routes (See Figure 2). You back in or park parallel, open your charge port, grab the cable head, and stick it in the charge port. When you have reached the desired state of charge, stop the charging on your screen or by pushing the button on top of the cable head. Unlike any other charger I have used, Tesla automatically bills your credit card.

Superchargers: In my experience, there is a Supercharger every 120 miles or fewer along every major Interstate Highway route. However, rarely you might need to go up to 20 miles out of your way to find a Supercharger on your route.

Also, I have found Superchargers on major non-Interstate routes — like between Rawlins, Wyoming, on I-80 through the Black Hills to I-90 near Rapid City, South Dakota. Tesla recently added a Supercharger station that makes the direct diagonal non-Interstate route between Worthington in far west Minnesota on I-90 to Minneapolis easier. In another case, driving directly between Minneapolis to Wausau, Wisconsin, there is no longer a small detour needed at Eau Claire, Wisconsin. A number of new Superchargers in Northern Wisconsin and Michigan now make more trips to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan possible.

A little about Supercharging strategy: Don’t charge above 80% unless absolutely necessary . Making frequent stops and charging to 80% or less will save you time. Again, from my brother: Your most time-efficient strategy is to leave the Supercharger when the charging rate drops to 56 kW, assuming you can reach the next charger.

Once I am plugged in, I enter the next Supercharger into the navigation. The easiest way is to search for nearby chargers on the screen and push the button on the bottom. If you scroll up, you will see the Estimated Charge Upon Arrival (ECUA). It may be blank or negative to start, but as the charge proceeds, you will see the ECUA increase. I like to charge not leaving until arrival battery consumption reaches 15 to 30%. Be conservative at first. I have two bikes on the back and you may have a roof rack or a headwind, which will make the estimate too optimistic. I believe the estimate accounts for elevation change and soon will also account for air density and wind.

If you always put the next Supercharger in the navigation, the car will precondition the battery for fast charging starting many miles before arrival. Again, from my brother: When you are stopping for the night, always charge up on arrival rather than waiting until morning. If not, when it’s a cold night you will regret it when you see how slow a cold battery charges.

On a V3 250kW Supercharger, I am charging above 200 kW from 5% to 40% state of charge (SOC), then the charging speed starts to drop to avoid damaging the battery. Above 60% you drop below 100 kW, above 80% below 50 kW, and as you approach 90% the charging slows to ~15 kW.

This works fine for Supercharger spacing up to 120 miles with no bikes on the back of my Long Range Tesla Model 3. With the bikes, I sometimes need to charge to 90%. As my wife and I are about 80 years of age and we travel with our small dog Zuni, the frequent stops are actually welcome. We visit the bathroom, walk the dog, stretch our legs to prevent thrombosis, grab a bite if needed, and before you know it we have enough charge to continue our trip.

More of Kate’s suggestions: Get food before you start to charge, download Netflix — you can eat, charge, and get in an episode of your favorite show or watch a movie at each stop. The time charging then goes so fast.

Happy Trails!

Please let me and the readers know your tips in the comments section.

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Arthur frederick (fritz) hasler.

Arthur Frederick (Fritz) Hasler, PhD, former leader of NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Scientific Visualization & Analysis Laboratory (creator of this iconic image ), and avid CleanTechnica reader. Also: Research Meteorologist (Emeritus) at NASA GSFC, Adjunct Professor at Viterbo University On-Line Studies, PSIA L2 Certified Alpine Ski Instructor at Brighton Utah Ski School.

Arthur Frederick (Fritz) Hasler has 121 posts and counting. See all posts by Arthur Frederick (Fritz) Hasler

Nomad Life. Full-time Travel

My First Long-Distance Road Trip in a Tesla Model 3

I’ve done a lot of road tripping. I’ve also owned an electric vehicle since 2011. But I’ve never done a long-distance road trip in an electric vehicle. Until now. I had to learn how to plan a roadtrip in a Tesla. Because road tripping in a Tesla is a different animal. Once you figure out the secrets to roadtripping in a Tesla, your trips will be that much more fun.

Last week I said goodbye to my third Nissan Leaf, sold the Toyota Rav4, and purchased a Tesla Model 3 . Our new electric vehicle has become our sole family car for daily commuting, teen taxiing, shopping, and long-distance travel.

We Head to Montana in our Tesla

We had a trip already scheduled for our 50 Hikes 50 States Projec t to Montana and Wyoming where we had prepaid our hotels. The logistics for the trip revolved around driving the Rav4. But our Tesla came in earlier than expected; I purchased the Model 3 with the long-range battery. At full 100% battery charge, we can travel 310 miles. So I set the battery to full charge and off we went on the previously determined Rav4 itinerary.

Gas Logistics vs Battery Logistics

We started our trip at 3 pm on a Thursday to arrive at our pre-purchased hotel room in Casper, WY. In the Rav4, we would have driven until we needed gas, perhaps stopping for dinner at the same time (or not), and arriving at the hotel with no concern for whether the gas tank were full, empty, or somewhere in between. We had planned our road trip traditionally with a gas car versus needing to plan our road trip with an electric vehicle.

With the Tesla, we had to consider when we would charge, where we would charge, and how long it would take. With the combined networks of Tesla Superchargers, Tesla Destination Chargers, ChargePoint Chargers and EVGo Chargers, we didn’t worry about the opportunity to charge; we had to focus on how long it would take to charge.

See the table below which reflects some assumptions about how the trip would have gone in the Rav4 versus how it did go in the Tesla.

In addition, we had to consider the breaks along the entire route, not just the day’s itinerary . It took some thinking. Fortunately, the Tesla did much of the thinking for us. We’d punch in the day’s destination, it would calculate the miles and the range, and Tesla would tell us where we needed to stop to use a Supercharger so we would make it to our destination. We would plan to eat lunch when the Tesla needed to charge.

Tesla Long-Distance Strategies

We quickly discovered several Tesla road-tripping strategies. Here are some strategies to help you plan your trip in your Tesla.

Tesla will point us to Superchargers first. Then to Destination Chargers. And ignore non-Tesla options.

The Tesla routing map took us off the route we originally designed (and had non-refundable hotels), so we had to look for ChargePoint and EVGo options in order to make it to our hotels. Next time, I’ll be sure to look at the Tesla routing first before I book hotels!

Not All Chargers Are the Same

Tesla Supercharger : A Tesla-owned and branded charger. These are strategically placed along Tesla’s charging network, have proprietary technology, and can “fill up” a Tesla in about 45 minutes. The cost varies and is billed directly to the Tesla owner’s Tesla account. A fill-up costs around $10. They can only be used with Teslas.

Tesla Destination Chargers : Also Tesla-branded, these chargers are slower than Superchargers and are often found at hotels and are often reserved for hotel guests. To fill up takes about 4-5 hours and the hotel usually pays the charging bill. They also have Telsa proprietary technology and can only be used with Teslas.

Non-Tesla Chargers : There are several networks of electric vehicle chargers. ChargePoint and EVGo are two major ones. They often have two types of chargers; ones that charge at about the same speed as the Superchargers. (Nissan Leafs love these, but Teslas can’t use them.) These stations often have slower chargers that most all electric vehicles can use, and they take about 4-8 hours to fill up a Tesla. Tesla provides a converter to attach to these power plugs. Costs vary by time and by charger type.

I didn’t know much of the above until we headed out in the Tesla. Life in the Leaf had been simple; charge where Tesla isn’t. I spent lots of time at ChargePoint and Nissan Dealer chargers in my previous EV life. But I never traveled long distances so I never had to plan out a long-distance road trip.

We Modify the Route to Adapt to our Tesla

We punched Billings, MT, into the Tesla navigation map, and immediately, I started seeing the error of my pre-planned ways. Instead of routing us to Casper, Tesla wanted us to go through Gillette where we’d find a Supercharger. But since we had prepaid our hotel, we had to go to Casper. We’d have to do an extra charge in Casper to ensure we’d make it to Billings.

None the less, we left Denver, put the car in the amazing and wonderful Autopilot, and casually relaxed our way out of the Denver traffic and into high-speed travel. Soon, we arrived at the first place to charge, Wheatland, WY.

Wheatland is a spot in the road. It’s now a spot in the road with a Supercharger. We followed etiquette and pulled in backwards into the charger, then we headed to the local restaurant: an A&W.

I haven’t been to an A&W for 40 years. At least. I’m not sure how many Tesla owners eat A&W food. But it was nice to have a place to stop, regardless of the food.

I don’t think I’ll be back any time soon.

But at least it was a place to grab a bite, charge up, and get us to Casper.

Hotel Destination Chargers

In Casper, we learned the hotel secret of Destination Chargers. We discovered that the Hilton Garden Inn had several chargers we could use, but we had to be guests. Our hotel, where we were guests, was two miles away. Being long-time Elite Status members at Hilton, we figured we’d been customers many times elsewhere and felt ethically that it was okay to use the destination chargers.

We plugged our car in and walked to our hotel for the night. It would need a six-hour charge. In the morning, we walked back, picked up the car, thanked Hilton, had some great breakfast grub at Eggington’s , and sped off to our next stop, Sheridan, WY.

Next time, I’ll just book the Hilton .

Note to self: plan overnights at hotels with chargers. And, another note to self: The Tesla makes me walk more (that’s a good thing.)

Fun Times in Sheridan

If we had been in the Rav4, we probably wouldn’t have stopped in Sheridan. But we weren’t 100% confident in Tesla’s prediction of its range and we were wanting a cuppa, so we made the stop.

We had a blast in Sheridan. The Superchargers were conveniently placed in the middle of downtown. While charging, we wandered the main street, stopping in the roping museum (don’t miss it!), and grabbing a delicious chai at Bison Union . My daughter loved several of the vintage shops. Our 45 minutes zipped by.

Note to self : whereas in the Rav4, we would have zipped by Sheridan. We loved the stop and realized that Tesla vacationing isn’t about getting from A to B, it’s about enjoying the route along the way. Because you have to charge, you’ll find yourself exploring more off-the-beaten places while you await your electric vehicle.

Two Days in Billings, MT

In the late afternoon, we rolled into Billings and spent the next two days enjoying the hikes and sites of this riverside town. We also checked off Montana for our 50 Hikes 50 States Project by hiking Four Dances . On Sunday, we charged at the Billings Telsa SuperCharger and pointed the Tesla to Lander, WY.

More Miles in the Tesla

If we had been in the Rav4, we would have taken the shorter route directly there through Greybull of 267 miles. I didn’t feel comfortable arriving Lander with less than 5% charge left on the battery. So we took the longer route (368 miles) by going back through Sheridan. This made my daughter happy, as there were a few stores she’d missed in Sheridan. Thus, we stopped in Sheridan again, charged, and ate a cowboy-sized breakfast at the Silver Spur Cafe .

Lander exists to provide access to Yellowstone National Park (see my tips on how to avoid the crowds at Yellowstone .) Prior to arriving, I had been a bit worried about the charger in Lander. It showed up on ChargePoint as a J1772 (a slower charger.) Fortunately, I had called ahead, and the local who answered assured me the charger worked and was readily available. We arrived to our pre-paid hotel on Sunday afternoon; Lander was a modern-day ghost town.

Luckily, our hotel was coincidentally next door to the charger. We found it in the rear lot of a sandwich place. It looked much different than any charger I had ever used now or in my Leaf time. It had a credit card charger that I immediately wondered if there was a skimmer on it. Attached to it was a power cord that was twisted like a spring. Attached to that was a typical plug. Skeptical as all get out, but with no other choices in town and only 25 miles left on the battery, we were a bit desperate.

I pulled out my Tesla adapter. It attached and worked perfectly. For whatever reason, my credit card wouldn’t register a swipe on their machine. My husband tried his, and voila, everything worked. My Tesla’s blue charging light started blinking, turned green, and a charge began.

Then we looked at our interior screen of the car. It was going to take about 8 hours to charge at $5 an hour. $40 for a fill up! We quickly did some arithmetic.

How Much EV Charge Did We Really Need?

Our next destination was South Pass City, WY to hike for our 50 Hikes 50 States Project. The closest Supercharger was in Laramie. We did some math just like we’d do if we had rolled into a gas station where the price per gallon is out of the norm. (Think the gas station at the exit to Moab where they charge a good $2 more per gallon!) We would need about 175 miles to complete our trip to South Pass City and get us to Laramie. Thus, we wouldn’t need a full charge. We could charge for about 4 hours, pay $20, and get 200 miles of charge. So we left the car, walked around town, got some pizza, chilled out in the hotel, then picked up our Telsa, and stayed the night.

South Pass City, WY–Put it on your list

Rested, we grabbed our Tesla, now named Journey , and zipped over hill and dale to South Pass City, WY. If you haven’t been to South Pass City, make sure you put it on your must-do list. It’s a super stop in/out of Yellowstone and well worth the time. The state of Wyoming has created a state park out of a ghost town, providing a network of trails to enjoy the culture and history of the gold rush. Bonus: you’ll visit the first place that suffrage passed and where women could first vote in the U.S.

We hiked, read, learned, and enjoyed South Pass City immensely.

And On to Laramie in the Tesla

Next stop: Laramie, WY. Journey scooted her way easily to Laramie. We were a bit anxious that we had calculated our mileage correctly in Lander, so we found ourselves constantly checking the energy consumption graphs on the car’s display. Tesla was a bit worried as well and started recommending that we manage our speed and not exceed 70 mph.

Being on a straight road where we could see infinitely, it was painful to not drive super fast and pass everyone we wanted. But wanting to arrive in Laramie exceeded our desire to see how fast Journey could go, and we obeyed Tesla’s recommendations so that we could get there. We did. With 20 miles to spare.

A quick Supercharge in Laramie with a bite at Subway put us back on the road. The last leg to Denver invited us to again use the fabulous Autopilot in traffic. We arrived home safely and with plenty of charge.

The Biggest Differences?

Comparing a road trip in a Rav4 to a Tesla Model 3, we definitely had unexpected consequences of our trip. Planning is the biggest difference when trying to figure out your Tesla road trip.

• Even though we had to stop every 300 miles or so to charge, we would combine a meal with the stop. Thus, the extra  charging time really did not add extra time to our trip.
• We walked more. The chargers, although usually convenient, weren’t at the exact place we wanted to go. So we had to walk, which was nice.
• We drove more. Because it was our first trip in the Tesla, we weren’t exactly sure exactly how exact the range finder was. Having had a Leaf for a decade, we knew there was such a thing as “Leaf math.” The range might say 100, but we would only be able to drive 80, for example, due to air conditioning, speed, heat, etc. But with the Tesla, we found during our trip that the range is about as true as it can get. Next time, we will play it a bit more liberal on the range and not feel like we need to necessarily go out of our way to charge.
• Electricity certainly costs less than gas. Our total “fuel bill” was $50 to Tesla plus $20 to the third-party charger, for a total of $70 for about 1600 miles of driving. In the Rav4, 1500 miles would have cost us about $130 (at $2.75/gallon.)
• The Tesla forces us to enjoy places we might have missed in the Tesla (see Sheridan and Casper, above.)
• The total cost for our vacation was much less because of the EV Tesla and not having to buy gas.

My daughter hasn’t learned to drive yet; it will happen shortly. I like to think I’m raising the first generation of people who will never drive a gas-fueled vehicle. I’m feeling good about the future.

See ya at a charger!

Chris Englert, the Walking Traveler, believes walking is the platform for life. Wanderlusting since the age of 5, she's since traveled all 50 US states and 62 countries. Chris shares her love of walking while traveling via blogs, books, and presentations. A natural storyteller, she invites you along as she explores the world, one walk at a time.

Currently, Chris and her husband, Steve, travel the world, full-time as nomads, with just their two carry-ons. They've been traveling since May, 2021.

Electric Tech Explored

Are Tesla’s Good For Long Road Trips? (You Judge)

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We’re thinking about driving across the country with kids, plus the dog, and wondered if a Tesla would be up to such a long road trip? 

Yes, Thanks to its innovative design, and styling, advanced Lithium-ion battery technology, and dedication to making the world’s most advanced electric vehicles. Tesla can travel unprecedented distances without needing to recharge, that said – don’t expect to achieve the same mileage you’d get from a traditional gas-guzzling ride .

Best-in Class Range

The current Tesla model line up of Model S , Model X SUV, and Model 3 achieve across their standard range, long-range, and performance models an average of over 300 miles on a single charge – equivalent to driving from Los Angeles to San Francisco or London to Glasgow.

But Consider Charging Time

While Tesla is dramatically more efficient than any other production EV on the market and is a great car to enjoy a long road trip, there are some drawbacks that you need to consider; particularly the amount of additional time your journey will take when compared to a petrol-driven car. 

Depending on the circumstances, charging time can take anywhere between 30 – 45 minutes, which could increase your journey time by about one third – so it is something to consider before thinking about making your trip.

How does Tesla achieve such an impressive range?

With its philosophy of continuous improvement, Tesla is constantly refining and re-engineering its model lineup to add to the range, ride, and steering experience. 

Recent improvements have included faster charging times, the introduction of new tire designs, an all-new Drivetrain design for the Model S, and Model X SUV, that helps increase the range substantially, a revised adaptive suspension system that presents an ‘ultra-cushioned feel’ when cruising at speed or using the Autopilot. 

There have also been improvements to the leveling system to help maintain the optimized aerodynamic drag.

The Key Considerations

There are various things you need to consider when planning a long road trip, including the route, driving conditions, weather, and weight load amongst others.

1. Route Planning

When deciding on the itinerary for your trip, and planning the route, you need to decide, is your trip all about getting from A-B as quickly as possible, or is it about making the trip at a nice leisurely pace?

Once you’ve agreed on this, you then need to consider the driving environment along your chosen route, and how this might impact on your daily driving habits.  

Before leaving for your road trip, perhaps map out the entire journey, using something like Google maps , this will give you an indication of your total drive time, but it doesn’t add any time for recharging – which is an important consideration, if your trip is time-sensitive, eating, comfort breaks, etc.

Tesla Go Anywhere tool

But if that’s not for you, and you’re all about throwing caution to the wind, you can dive in your Tesla, input your destination address into the Go Anywhere tool , and off you go.

The Tesla Go Anywhere system, removes any anxiety from your trip, as it will guide you to your destination while making use of Superchargers along the way. 

Not only does it show you the nearest stand-alone Supercharger location, but it also tells you the total number of open stalls, status updates, and maximum charge rate available, plus it allows you to explore Destination Charging, which are chargers that are conveniently situated at hotels, restaurants, and shopping malls. 

It also detects real-time traffic conditions and automatically adjusts the estimated driving, and arrival times so you don’t have to worry.

Before you set off

Before starting your trip, take a tour around your car to make sure everything is all okay, also be sure to check your tire pressure (psi) with the Tire and Loading Information label located on the center door pillar; low tire pressure can impact on the way the car handles. 

Also inspect your tires for bulges, foreign objects, cuts or wear, if you notice anything, you can self-schedule a service appointment, using your Tesla app before you set off.

2. Tesla in Extreme Weather

Not only can extreme weather conditions impact your speed, and decrease your range, cold weather can also put additional demands on your battery; as cold batteries use more energy to maintain their optimal operating temperature. 

You’ll also find that in severe cold-weather, cold battery packs, don’t charge as fast as warm battery packs, so you may have to allow for increased charging times. 

If you’re stopping overnight, then you might want to consider charging your battery while it is still warm.

To help improve range in cold weather, Tesla recommends that you consider the following: maintain a regular, everyday charging routine using a low-voltage charger. 

It’s best to only rely on high-voltage Supercharging when necessary. Whenever possible, don’t let the battery go above 90%, or below 20%. 

Set your regenerative braking to “Standard” to maximize the energy you get back while decelerating, and, if possible, park your Tesla somewhere with warmer temperatures.

As a tip, keep your Tesla plugged in whenever possible as this will help the battery retain some heat – the onboard computer will automatically prevent over-charging. 

Also, in the cold weather, try to limit the use of heat, and air conditioning – perhaps use the seat warmers instead to help keep the cabin warm.

3. Charging your Tesla

Even by using Tesla’s leading DC fast-charging capabilities; which can recharge a battery to half-full in less than 30 minutes, or 80% in about 45 minutes, your charging habits, including how often you charge, what voltage charger you use, and how long the car stays plugged in, can all have a direct impact on your range, and on the overall trip.

Because you want to spend more time enjoying your trip, and less time waiting, at the charging stations, you might want to think about stopping more often, and charging to just over 50 percent. 

By stopping more often, and only filling up to around 60-70%, you’ll spend more time exploring, and less time charging the battery.

Quick tip – if your trip includes staying with friends or family, don’t forget to take your Tesla mobile connector, which plugs into any standard outlet, and gives you about 5 miles of range per hour charge.

4. Your Driving Style

During your trip, you’re going to face different driving challenges, and conditions to what you might come across, during your daily drive or commute. 

For example, increased driving speeds, stop-go driving, uphill, and over rough terrain driving, along with inclement weather conditions, such as rain, snow, cross, and headwinds. All of these can take a toll on your battery and impact your overall range.

The Right Speed

Speed is one of the biggest items that can affect your range, simply put, the faster you go, the more aerodynamic resistance will come into play, so to improve your range, watch your driving speed, limit your top speed, and enable regenerative braking whenever possible.

Using the Autopilot

On a long, monotonous road trip, using the Tesla Autopilot system the way it was intended, would seem to make a lot of sense.

However, remember it’s not designed as a substitute for driving, or as an excuse for you to become a passenger; you still need to keep your eyes on the road, and your hands on the steering wheel.  

But by using the cameras, and sensors, to keep the car in its lane, maintain a safe distance from other cars, and assist with lane changes, it will help to make you a less tired driver.

5. Take a rest

If you get tired, take a rest, and then carry on the next day.

The best way to monitor your personal range is with the Energy App , located on the Tesla touchscreen, it analyzes your driving patterns, and helps you maximize efficiency and range while you drive.

Taking your best friend with you

If you’re taking your best friend with you on a long road trip, the last thing you want them to be is uncomfortable, if you have to leave them in the car while you run a quick errand or take a comfort break.

With the Tesla Dog Mode , you don’t have to worry, as you can set it to maintain a selected cooling and heating temperature. 

Plus Dog Mode also notifies passersby of the safety of your pet by displaying a large message on the center touchscreen – so you know they will always be safe.

6. Lighten the Load

To make your drive more efficient, and conserve range, remove all unnecessary cargo to help lighten your load; more weight requires more energy to move the vehicle. 

Remove any roof racks or rear cycle racks when they are not in use. Reduce the aerodynamic drag by raising all the windows, and changing the air suspension (if equipped) to Low or Very Low when driving at speeds.

Use Aero Wheels

If you’re driving a Model 3 with aero wheels, then perhaps think about installing lightweight aero wheel covers , not only do these help reduce turbulence, and wind resistance, but they can also help to improve battery consumption and range by up to 3% at speed.

Likewise, if you’re traveling with a group of friends, or you need to carry bulky items such as camping equipment, you might consider making your trip in the more spacious, and super comfortable  Model X SUV as opposed to perhaps, adding additional weight, and reducing the range of the smaller Model S or Model 3.

The Conclusion

If planned properly a long road trip is a great way to get out, and explore the country. By taking a Tesla, on a long road trip not only are you a friend to the environment, but your journey is also efficient and you’re saving money while all the time arriving at your destination is relaxed.

That said be aware that the range will be less than a typical gas gar – any you can’t fill-up at any garage so route planning is essential so you don’t end up on the side of the road.

Enjoy your trip.

Tesla Road Trip FAQ

1. can a tesla tow a trailer.

Yes, it can – but only if a tow hitch has been fitted – which is now an optional upgrade at time of purchase.

The Model X, 3 & Y are all rated for towing and have nearly as much capacity as that of a standard gas car at 5,000 lb.

Read more about how towing affects battery range over on my full piece: Can A Tesla Tow

2. Can Teslas Be Stolen?

We Teslas are much more secure than most cars – there are still cases of thieves gaining access and getting away. Read my full guide to see how to protect yourself and how Sentry Mode works over on: How Secure Are Teslas .

3. How Much Room is There For Luggage?

Teslas have a range of models, here they are ranked in terms of luggage space:

Internal space from highest to lowest:

The seats fold down in all models. Here’s my most recent guide to the interior space of the Model 3 .

4. Can a Tesla Be Towed?

The short answer is yes, but there is a massive caveat to that. Teslas will overheat is towed for more than 35 miles (55km) because the wheels power energy back into the battery through regenerative braking.

So to avoid damage to your carload it onto a flatbed truck if you ever need roadside tow assistance.

Read more on my full Guide To Towing a Tesla

Are Tesla Good for Long Road Trips? Yes. Here Is Why

If you have ever wondered about the particularities of taking an electric car on long trips, Tesla’s would have surely crossed your mind; after all, Tesla cars are well-known for their ranges and advanced battery technologies – seemingly very convenient for riding for long. But are they worth it?

Absolutely! Tesla’s are good for long road trips for several reasons: they offer long-range, charging station availability, self-driving feature, economical charging cost, safety, comfort, user-friendly experiences, and enough cargo space.

What Makes a Car Good for Long Distance Driving?

1.  Comfort: The more a car is good at providing comfort, the better control its driver will have, and road disturbances will not matter. Hence, the passengers keep feeling fresh.

2. Charging Time: Lesser charging time means a shorter duration of trips.  

3. Range: Long drives are often fraught with the possibility of getting no replenishment for a car’s fuel or charging, making the range matter much.

4. Safety: Odds of severe accidents are high on long drives as they often entail high speeds. Therefore, the safer the car, the better it is.

5. Space: Cars used for long road trips must be spacious enough to fit all journey provisions.

Are Tesla’s Good for Long Road Trips? 7 Reasons

1. tesla ranges are no big deal.

Tesla has always been up to introducing marvelous ranges in their cars – not to mention. The Model S can now hit a whopping 752 miles in a single charge ! And for the user’s convenience, the company operates more than 35,000 supercharger stations – the largest network of fast chargers in the whole world!

Thanks to these amenities, Tesla is no less than any other vehicle on the planet when it comes to getting the best range during long-distance driving. Tesla users are happy with the supercharger experience, as per a study and different reviews. It only takes about 15 minutes to add 200 miles while the travelers have coffee and stretch their legs which have been dormant for a while.

2. Tesla’s Have Autopilot Mode

Autopilot seems to be an out-of-this-world feature due to its hassle-free, relaxed driving, especially on long trips. And thanks to the company’s decision, all new Tesla’s come with autopilot , unlike conventional cars.

Various users have shared their joyful experiences of using this feature on highways: They do not have to continuously put their eyes on the road, easing the journey considerably.

3. Tesla’s Long Trips Are Economical

Tesla cars do not need that much money when charging compared to refueling gasoline-powered vehicles, making the former an excellent choice for short- and long-distance driving.

On average, charging a Tesla is 3.6 times cheaper than refueling a conventional car. An amazing real-life case study comes from Australia. A couple embarked on a  3,700 miles round trip in their Tesla Model 3. The charging cost them only AUD 186 (USD 120) – had the journey been made on a gasoline car, the figure could have hit AUD 700!

  4. Tesla’s Are Safe

Teslas guard their passengers much better than most cars, making them super safe, especially for highway driving with high speeds. The secret lies in their extraordinary engineering. For instance, even when driven very fast, these cars are far less likely to overturn because of their low center of gravity. The Model Y takes the lead by having a rollover risk of just eight percent !

In November 2020, a man miraculously walked away safe after crashing his Tesla Model S at 100 miles an hour. The impact was highly severe: the car hit a pole, two trees, and a telephone box, almost destroying it, but the driver only received minor injuries.

5. Tesla Offer First-Rate Comfort

Tesla cars are exceptionally comfortable, especially on long trips. Thanks to the design leading to a low center of gravity, the floors are low, giving a spacious and airy feel. Likewise, the seats are soft and cozy and can easily adjust taller adults.

The accelerations are smooth and fast but not jerky in terms of driving. Furthermore, even at high speeds, they make minimum noise and are nearly silent.

6. Tesla’s Are Quite User-Friendly

Tesla interacts with their riders and supports them well throughout the journey . Once the destination is entered in the computer, these cars update the drivers about how much battery is remaining; how long they can keep going; and where the nearest charging station lies, making it fairly easy to plan long trips.

  7. Got Luggage? No Problem for Teslas!

Tesla offers more cargo capacity than conventional cars of similar size. The reason? Electric cars do not have an engine on their front end, making them a good luggage space. But Tesla is special: the Model 3 can have five 24 inches sized roller-bags in the rear trunk alone! But the leads belong to hatchback variants: the Model X and Model Y. With enough seating and cargo space, various reviews indicate that they are the best choice to travel with the load.

Which Tesla Models Are Good for Long Road Trips?

Model 3: It has a good range of 267 miles. Though the model is the smallest of all Tesla, it still provides a good space.

Model S: This model is specifically known for the best ranges. Moreover, Tesla also claims it is the safest electric car on the road. It also has 28 cubic feet of rear cargo space – far more than an average luxury car of the same size.

Model Y: It has about 330 miles in range. It also holds a 5-star rating for safety by the NCAP. Furthermore, being an SUV, the car has good luggage space.

Model X: Having an impressive 370 miles range, a 5-star rating from the NCAP, and an SUV-sized space, the Model X is a good choice for road trips.

Which Other Electric Cars Are Good for Long Road Trips?

Hyundai Ioniq 5: Having won various design awards, the vehicle is famous for fast charging (10 to 80 percent in 18 minutes) and up to 300 miles range. It also has highway assistant software similar to that of Tesla.

Mustang Mach-E: A n SUV with impressive range (315 miles) and acceleration (Zero to 60 mph in 5.2 seconds). It also has BlueCruise, an autopilot mode rivaling that of Tesla.

Rivian R1T: It is a camping-oriented long-trip car. Its imposing features include 400 miles range and the capability to tow up to 11,000 pounds.

Some Tips for Long-Distance Tesla Road Trips

• Make sure you take a route with enough charging stations. More particularly, the fast-charging stations.
• Use temperature controls wisely to add to the range. This will also reduce your ‘range anxiety.’
• To enhance your battery longevity, park the car in the shade whenever you take a break.
• To not carry unnecessary loads and luggage.
• Inspect the tires before embarking. Keep checking the tire pressure regularly.

Concluding Remarks: Are Tesla’s Good for Long Road Trips?

Teslas are great for long-distance driving because they not only fulfill the prerequisites of good cars for driving far away but also exceed them. You might lose a few hours due to the required charging time compared to if you choose to ride an internal combustion engine car, but you will certainly not regret the pleasurable journeys Tesla’s put forward!

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Tesla Model Y

Tesla model y road trip review: a no-compromise electric suv.

We finally got our hands on a Tesla Model Y and tested it on a road trip as a first drive experience with the electric SUV.

Here are my thoughts on what I think could be a very important vehicle for the electrification of the auto industry.

Due to the Model Y launching amid a global pandemic, it took us a while to get behind the wheel of the new electric vehicle, but we finally did it.

Electrek’s Seth Weintraub is taking delivery of his own Model Y in the coming days and we plan to deliver a full review of the new electric SUV in the coming weeks after putting some miles on the car.

In the meantime, I took a Model Y on a road trip from Oakland, California to Sonoma and Napa over the last week to get a first impression and road trip test.

Below you will find my written report and here’s a quick video about my experience with the Tesla Model Y on the road trip:

Tesla Model Y Quality Issues

Let’s get this one out of the way.

Over the last few months, we have been reporting on new Tesla Model Y owners having quality issues on their new cars – often leading to them having to refuse delivery.

In this case, the owner told us that he had two issues with the car. There was a scratch on the backseat big enough that Tesla replaced the whole seat and there was a misalignment of the trunk.

Tesla adjusted it, but it is still not perfect.

The trunk will sometimes not close completely and you have to press on it a little for the sensor to detect it’s closed. The owner said that Tesla is expected to fix it soon.

Other than those two issues, the car was in great condition. I took a good look at the panel gaps and they were consistent around the vehicle.

Tesla Model Y vs Model 3

A big theme with the Model Y is that it is “just a taller and slightly bigger Model 3”.

I am definitely looking at the car through that lens to a degree since I’m a Model 3 owner, but I think there’s more to it.

Of course, the two vehicles have very similar designs and they apparently share about 70% of the parts, but there are subtleties in designing an SUV based on a sedan.

I think Tesla executed very well on that front because while the design is reminiscent of Model 3, I think Model Y stands on its own as an SUV.

Then, it fixes some of the biggest complaints about Model 3 – mainly the trunk opening.

Model Y is equipped with a full hatch and features impressive cargo storage capacity. We easily fit luggage for 4 people for a weekend plus our bounty from wine country:

We didn’t even have to use the large compartment under the floor of the trunk nor the front trunk.

For a sedan, the Model 3 has impressive cargo capacity, but you wouldn’t be able to fit four adults and luggage as comfortably for a weekend road trip.

Tesla Model Y Interior

As a Model 3 owner, the interior of the Model Y is extremely familiar. Looking out from the driver’s seat, you’d think you are inside of a Model 3.

But once you got over how similar the experience is to Model 3, you start noticing some subtle differences that can make a big difference for some people.

First off, the slightly higher ground clearance makes it a little easier to get in and out of the car.

The interior is also a bit roomier and while the difference is not that big compared to Model 3, it feels a lot more spacious thanks to the lack of a beam separating the glass roof:

For a second, I thought I was discovering that Tesla actually updated the center touchscreen in Model Y compared to Model 3, but I later found out that the owner applied a matte transparent screen protector on the center display.

I have a screen protector on Model 3, but I was shocked by how big of a difference a matte protector makes. It significantly reduces glare and it even gives a different feel to the screen.

I bought one for my Model 3. Here’s the link on Amazon if you want one for your Model 3 or Model Y.

Tesla Model Y Driving/Road Trip Experience

That’s where you want Model Y to be like Model 3. A sedan is generally more fun to drive than an SUV – although many people like the feeling and visibility of being higher up.

You definitely feel that in Model Y, but it’s only one more inch off the ground than Model 3.

Thanks to the low center of gravity enabled by the battery pack, the electric SUV is super stable and feels connected to the road.

The version I was driving was the Long Range Dual Motor All-Wheel Drive and coming from a Model 3 Performance, which is a little more powerful, I still felt like I could have some fun with the car on the country roads in Sonoma. It certainly doesn’t drive like an SUV.

My only complaint is that I felt the suspension to be a little stiff in more spirited driving, but I might be just nitpicking.

As for the road trip experience, this is the perfect electric car for a road trip. The level of comfort and cargo capacity you get in this relatively small package is impressive.

Then you add to that the car has 316 miles of range based on the EPA rating and you can easily get a good day of driving without having to charge.

If you do stop to charge, the 250 kW charging capacity is going to make a quick stop:

We had still 20% capacity left, but we needed to stop for groceries. There’s a large Supercharger station right next to a Whole Foods in Santa Rosa so we stopped there.

Since we still had 20% capacity left, we didn’t quite reach a charge rate of 250 kW. Instead, it topped off at 180 kW, but the car was almost 80% charged within the 25 minutes that it took for us to get the groceries and we were ready to go.

Overall, it was a super easy road trip experience with no range anxiety and no compromise.

Electrek’s Take

Again, this is just a shorter first drive/road trip review. We are soon taking delivery of our own Model Y and we are going to come back with a more extensive review in the coming weeks.

But my first impression of the Model Y is that Tesla executed brilliantly with this car.

While the aggressiveness in bringing it to production has resulted in quality issues during the early ramp up, I am confident that Tesla is going to fix those issues as production stabilizes and the company is going to end up with a successful vehicle program.

The size, functionalities, range, and driving pleasure all in a beautiful package is going to make Model Y a hard benchmark to beat.

The affordability is going to be the limiting factor for many – especially in places where Model Y doesn’t qualify for EV incentives.

It currently starts at $50,000 in the US, but a cheaper version without all-wheel-drive is supposed to arrive in the coming months and it should bring the price down closer to $45,000.

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How to Use the Tesla Trip Planner

Tesla’s Trip Planner can be used on a computer to plan a road trip ahead of time, with the advantage of finding food, lodging, and other stops near chargers. It can also be used on the go to adjust plans. Here’s what you should know.

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What Is Tesla’s Trip Planner?

Tesla’s trip planning tools can be used both before you embark on your trip, as well as when you’re already on the road. Though specific features vary by manufacturer, all electric vehicles have ways to help the owner locate chargers on the go, see chargers’ status, and plan routes to destinations to balance optimizing the car’s range while finding the most convenient available chargers. In that way, Tesla’s trip planning tools are not unique to Tesla vehicles .

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Key Takeaways

• With computer-based and in-car features, Tesla’s Trip Planner can be used well in advance or on the go
• The trip planner helps find the most efficient route to your destination
• Tesla’s tools also help you find chargers along your route.

However, Tesla does have the advantage of being an early innovator in the segment, as well as having access to the formerly proprietary Tesla Supercharger network, widely regarded as the best of its kind in terms of reliability and efficiency.

An EV Road Trip

Warren Clarke Sept. 28, 2023

Tesla’s Trip Planner can be used on a computer to plan a road trip ahead of time, with the advantage of finding food, lodging, and other desired stops near chargers. It can also be used on the go, to adjust plans if needed or desired. Here’s what you need to know.

Get Ready to Go

Use Tesla’s Trip Planner Go Anywhere tool from the comfort of your home, at any or all stages of planning your trip . Whether it’s an overnight or a cross-country jaunt, the Trip Planner can optimize your route, find and recommend Tesla Superchargers, and even suggest Destination Charging . The latter are charging locations specifically located near points of interest, such as restaurants, hotels, and shopping, so you can charge overnight, while eating, or while restocking your road trip supplies and provisions.

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Using the Trip Planner ahead of time means you can ensure you’ll hit your desired points of interest and know where you’ll be spending the night, so you can head out confidently. Yet, if your plans change along the way, Tesla’s got you covered there, too.

On the Road

Whether you’ve planned in advance or it’s more of a last-minute or short trip, Tesla’s Trip Planner is also available behind the wheel. If you’re already in your car, your Tesla’s navigation system will show you the fastest route to your destination, and will highlight Tesla Superchargers along the way. This strategy can help you plan your charging to take advantage of nearby sites so you can explore, rest, or grab something to eat.

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The lightning bolt icon on your Tesla’s navigation screen will instantly find the nearest Supercharger to your location, along with its current availability and charging rates . Tesla advises using the trip planner during a trip to stay informed of nearby Tesla Superchargers and your car’s recommendations for charging.

Other Tips and Advice

Tesla offers advice to optimize your charging and range while on a trip. When driving, make sure braking is set to the regenerative setting, which means that the car will recapture energy from braking and send it back to the battery pack, which helps maximize range. Also check your tires and ensure they’re set to the proper pressure, which also helps conserve battery power and reduce how often you’ll need to charge.

Whenever possible, park in the shade to keep the vehicle as cool as possible, and leave the air conditioning running while parked. This way, you can come back to a cool and comfortable vehicle. You can monitor and adjust the car’s cabin temperature remotely through Tesla’s smartphone app.

Note that Tesla advises leaving your vehicle plugged in whenever possible when you’re on a trip. Tesla says this will not degrade the battery or battery life over time.

Planning ahead of time will help ensure peace of mind for an extended road trip, but a combined approach of using Tesla’s trip planner tools both beforehand and on the go can help ensure you’re well prepared for your journey with room for some spontaneity and last-minute surprises. After all, what’s a road trip without the opportunity for a little adventure?

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• How It Works

How to Plan a Lengthy Tesla Road Trip

Electric vehicles have been growing in popularity for years now. People are looking for more sustainable options, and they are tired of paying expensive, fluctuating gas prices. While electric cars have been around for a while, it’s no secret that Tesla changed the electric car industry in a big way. 

If you’ve followed millions of others in the allure of a car that can help save the planet, kind of looks like a spaceship, and can drive on its own, then you are most likely a Tesla owner already. Still, road trip lovers may be on the fence about this futuristic supercar, as America’s infrastructure was not built with electric cars in mind.

It may feel overwhelming to embark on a lengthy road trip with your brand new car, but Teslas have plenty of features that can actually make a lengthy trip easier and more enjoyable — and there are resources throughout the country that can ensure you stay safe (and charged!) for the duration of your trip. 

If you are ready to get started on an exciting, lengthy cross-country road trip with your Tesla Model S, 3, X, or Y, you have come to the right place! We are here to give you Tesla-specific tips and tricks for exploring the country in style.

How Do I Plan a Long-Range Road Trip in a Tesla?

The first step in any road trip is to plan where you are going (and how you’re going to get there). There are countless sightseeing options between any two points in this beautiful country, so you need to be strategic with which ones you pick. Plus, you’ll need to consider where you’ll stop to sleep for the night, whether it’s a swanky hotel or an au naturel campground. 

If planning your stops from Point A to Point B (and leaving room for unexpected explorations) feels challenging, we’re here to help!

Tesla Supercharger Map

One guide you should frequently reference when planning your road trip is the Tesla Supercharger map. As the name might have implied, this map will tell you where you can charge your Tesla , either at Supercharger or Tesla-brand destination charger locations. Downloading a third-party app like Plugshare as well can be helpful if you want to include non-Tesla chargers as options along your trip.

The amount of charge your battery holds depends on the specific model of your car, but it usually varies from 250 to 300 miles of range. However, you should plan to encounter a supercharger roughly every 100 to 200 miles to be safe. Make sure to factor EV charging time into your overall trip length.

While you are looking for your various lodgings, it may be a good time to reference the supercharger map and overall charging network and find somewhere you can charge up while you hit the pool. Plenty of hotels have EV chargers and even supercharger stations available to guests for an easy pit stop on a long-distance road trip.

Stay Somewhere You Can Charge Up Start With a Full Charge

Another reason it’s great to choose hotels or Airbnbs near with supercharger locations is that it’s always best to start your day with a full battery. Unlike certain electronic devices that require a battery to be fully depleted before recharging (here’s looking at you, iPhones), Tesla batteries do not have a similar charging memory. 

You can charge your battery as often as you’d like without risking any damage to your car. In fact, it’s recommended that you start charging your Tesla battery anywhere from 20% to 80% full because getting to a full charge can take a while. That’s why staying somewhere you can charge overnight is such a useful road trip hack — plus, it’s healthier for your car battery to charge it slowly (like while you sleep). 

Having your car start the day with a full battery will also eliminate the risk of getting stranded on the road if you get lost or need to make an unexpected detour. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to charging your car!

Plan Your Route in Advance 

There are a few ways to plan an EV road trip as a Tesla driver. First, you can plug your desired destination into the touchscreen inside of your car’s navigation system and it will tell you the fastest route to get there. However, Elon Musk hasn’t come up with an update that provides options for spontaneity and exploration — yet. 

The best and easiest way to plan your trip before hopping in your supercar is to use a tool that’s second nature to many of us: Google Maps . If you type in your first and last destination, Google will give you an estimate of how long your trip will take. This can help you plan how many times you’ll need to stop for a charge and visualize all of the possibilities for exciting stops.

Once you have picked your detours, figure out how long they will take, add them onto your road map, and factor in the added time. Once you have added the times of all of your detours, take the total time and add 25 percent. This will account for traffic, breaks, and unplanned stops. 

Book your hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and campsites around your points of interest in advance. You can try to squeeze in two to three activities in a day, but you want to be sure that you have a place to stay at the end of the day when you’re done sightseeing. 

What Are the Benefits of a Road Trip in a Tesla?

There are so many benefits to taking a Tesla on a road trip that conventional cars just can’t beat. Although learning all of the special features may take some time to get used to, we have listed out our favorite qualities of this car that can make road trips more enjoyable. 

Road Safety

While you’re on a long road trip, you’ll probably encounter some environments that make driving difficult. Of course, we don’t recommend off-roading in your Tesla — there are better cars for a rough and tumble adventure. However, you won’t have to worry about your safety when driving a Tesla on the interstate or down country roads. Every Tesla model has a five-star rating in every safety category. 

Teslas are designed to keep the driver and any passenger safe during a crash, but they are also designed to avoid crashes as well. With a combination of well-placed cameras and blind-spot detection, they will automatically brake if they sense a hazard around your car. 

Part of the beauty of road trips is the long stretches of driving on highways or interstates in between points of interest. 

Still, you’ll want to be able to take in the beautiful sights of America’s untouched country roads while still driving safely. It’s hard to keep your eyes on the road and on California’s unique Joshua trees, after all, or on the beauty of cities like New York and San Francisco. 

Luckily, Teslas have an optional Autopilot feature that can take care of the driving for you without touching the steering wheel or worrying about the speed limit. 

It seems too good to be true that your car can drive itself , but it is able to do so with eight external cameras and a powerful vision processing system. This enables the car to navigate other cars on roads, change lanes, and park itself. 

The way you enable Autopilot will depend on which Tesla model you’re driving — but it’ll most likely be switched on by pulling twice on your gear selector stalk after enabling self-driving in your settings menu. 

What Are Tesla’s Autopilot Features?

There are multiple awesome aspects of Tesla’s Autopilot functionality. These features include: 

• Lane Keeping : Using a variety of cameras — as well as proximity sensors — will allow your car to remain driving safely inside of your lane. 
• Collision Avoidance : Once again, Tesla uses cameras and proximity sensors to create a map of what is around the car. If the vehicle senses a collision (by what it sees in the cameras and sensors) it will make evasive maneuvers or alert the driver they are in danger. 
• Traffic-Aware Cruise Control : While cruise control is a common feature in cars, Teslas have a near-perfect cruise control system. The car is able to take vehicle spacing into account and ensure you are at a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. 
• Auto Lane Changing : If your car senses another car that is right in front of you that is going slower than you, it can find open space in lines beside you and change lanes safely and automatically.
• Auto Parking : Using cameras and sensory processors, Teslas have the ability to parallel park without the help of the driver. 
• Navigate on Autopilot - This allows the car to make the changes necessary to arrive at the destination at an efficient pace. If you plug in a destination and navigate on Autopilot, you will be guaranteed to arrive at your destination by the estimated time. The car will do this by making lane changes when necessary and keeping pace with the set speed.
• Full Self Driving: This is the most sophisticated Autopilot software that Tesla offers. Full self-driving includes navigating on Autopilot, auto parking, and city street driving. This is the total package of a self-driving car. 

When Shouldn’t You Use Tesla Autopilot?

Even though your Tesla can do the work for you, remember that you’re always responsible for your car. While you can take this opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds around you, it’s not the time to take a nap or make a snack. 

Part of this is because the car itself won’t let you completely disregard road safety (thankfully) — it will start chirping at you if your hands are off the while for more than a few minutes. If you insist on staying hands-free, your car will slow down until your hands are back where they’re supposed to be.

Beyond that, Autopilot can shut off without warning. This usually happens when it can’t detect lane markings or if you push down too hard on your wheel. Above all, remember not to use Autopilot on side streets or country roads. While this is an awesome feature to help prevent road fatigue or give you an opportunity to enjoy the landscape around you, it’s only meant for highway use. 

Even on the freeway, some stationary cars or sudden movements won’t be detected with autopilot — and that’s where you come in. Always be prepared to intervene in case of a technological slip up (like drifting into oncoming traffic in a two-lane road) or human error (like another car suddenly appearing). 

Make the Trip Exciting

Now that you have your road trip planned (and you have some Tesla tricks up your sleeve), it’s time to think about entertainment. No matter how many special features you use on your Tesla, you will be spending a lot of time in the car during your lengthy road trip. Autio helps you make the most of your time on the road with bite-sized stories to help you get to know the world around you.

Autio is a location-based audio platform that shares stories about the people, places, and history of the land they are traveling through. This will allow you to learn about the landscape you are driving through during your road trip, making every space you pass through even more exciting. 

Autio connects generations by bringing the landscape to life through sharing stories that surprise, inform, and delight the listener. 

If you’d like to learn about the history and related stories about the highways, cities, towns, and spaces you are driving through, sign up to gain access to thousands of bite-sized, location-based, audio clips here ! 

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Long-distance Tesla Model 3 test proves its mettle

Mainstream carmakers have unleashed a stream of new electric vehicles in the past year, some with relatively attractive prices. But it’s wise to look a little closer.

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Tesla is embarrassing its EV rivals on the sales charts, accounting for almost half of all electric car deliveries in Australia.

Why? Because, as we discovered on a 2000km interstate road trip, the American brand simply does things better than the rest.

While other carmakers were lobbying governments to subsidise a national charging network, Tesla simply went ahead and built one for itself.

That bespoke network takes the hassle out of recharging on long distance trips, while continual improvements to its vehicles widen the gap to its rivals.

We took the updated Tesla Model 3 Long Range from Sydney to Melbourne and back to test its range and get an idea of the challenges of road tripping in an EV.

The claim of 629km is achievable in city driving but 110km/h stints sap the range. We found we needed to recharge after about 500km of freeway driving.

Polestar and Hyundai can match the Tesla’s range but a lot of rivals fall short by 100km or more. On the road, extra range means time and convenience.

The size of the Tesla charging network took a lot of stress out of our journey – there were 11 supercharger stations and 89 chargers on the route.

At Albury, for example, there are 16 charge bays.

Another advantage of the Tesla is its ability to take on charge quickly. It can charge at up to 250kW, while the recently launched Toyota bZ4X accepts only 150kW.

Tesla claims the Model 3 can add 282km of range in just 15 minutes, while the Toyota takes almost twice as long, taking 30 minutes to add 305km. Cheaper models from Chinese makers such as BYD and MG4 are slower again. The MG4 51kWh model, for example, takes a claimed 33 minutes to add 210km of range.

On long trips, that makes a difference.

Tesla also scores point for the ease of charging. You simply pull up to a charger and plug it in. If you own an EV from a rival brand, you’ll need up to half a dozen apps to pay for your charging.

Finding the right app and scanning a code to authorise payment all takes time.

Toyota has promised to make charging easy for customers, but currently only seven of its dealers – three in far north Queensland, one in Brisbane, one in Sydney and two in the ACT – are offering up to 50kW.

Thankfully Tesla is opening up its charging infrastructure to other brands, although it is charging a premium for the service.

Reliability

Toyota may own the reputation for reliability in cars, but Tesla owns it with chargers.

Whereas it’s common to find many universal access ultra rapid chargers out of order, Tesla’s network delivers.

Of the 89 Supercharger bays available between Sydney to Melbourne only one was out of order on our trip.

The Model 3 also displays the availability of all its chargers through the maps on the central touchscreen, making it easy to decide.

Those maps even give you advice as to projected wait times at chargers, although we had no issues with that on our trip.

Time flies when you’re having fun, and Tesla has entertainment options while you’re charging. Aside from Netflix and YouTube, you can play arcade games using the car’s steering wheel.

Tesla also regularly updates its software over the air and those updates can add features. A car we drove recently had its matrix headlights upgraded to allow it run permanently on high beams without dazzling oncoming drivers.

Tesla has one of the best sound systems on the market, including those offered by luxury brands.

The Model 3 Long Range has 17 speakers, including two subwoofers for some serious punch.

Some buyers will be put off by the lack of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, which are default on all rivals these days.

But the in-built apps – including Apple Music and Spotify – are easy to set up and personalise.

Teslas aren’t cheap, but they justify the premium.

The Model 3 Long Range accelerates to 100km/h in a claimed 4.4 seconds, which is comfortably quicker than most luxury cars its price.

This Model 3 Long Range costs about $76,500 drive-away and comes well equipped with 18-inch wheels, electric front seats, a panoramic sunroof, powered tailgate, heated seats front and rear and matrix LED headlights.

By comparison, Hyundai’s long-range, all-wheel-drive Ioniq 6 Dynamiq costs almost $88,000 drive-away.

It’s not all rosy for Tesla.

As with all electric sedans, the Model 3 does without a spare wheel, something that can ruin a road trip.

And the much-hyped driver-assistance technology doesn’t always do a great job.

On four occasions we had the auto braking system activate aggressively on the freeway when it wasn’t required.

Fortunately there were no vehicles close behind, but it’s something that catches your attention.

Not everyone needs a hulking seven-seat SUV to transport the clan. There are some more compact options that still have enough room for growing kids.

A car retailer has recalled 20,000 cars over a safety concern that could result in injury or death.

Used car prices are beginning to return to more sensible levels, which means there are better options out there for buyers on a budget.

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Your Road Trip Close to Home adventure guide for April 25

Here's a look at all the great spots to hit in this week's episode of road trip close to home..

Brian Heyman

Apr 25, 2024, 12:00 PM

Updated 13 hr ago

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GUIDE: National park sites in the tri-state area

• 50 W 34th St. | New York, New York 10001
• Visit website for ticket options.
• 40 Somerstown Rd, Ossining, New York 10562
• 9 Old Post Road S | Croton-On-Hudson, New York 10520
• 2344 Arthur Ave. | The Bronx, New York 10458
• 1502 NJ-37 | Toms River, New Jersey 08753
• Open 4-8 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 4-8 p.m. Friday and 2-9 p.m. Saturday.
• 263 Main St. | Wethersfield, Connecticut 06109
• Open 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 7 a.m. - 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Sunday.
• 1 Leddon St. | Millville, New Jersey 08332
• Open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday.

Interested in more adventures? Check out last week's destinations close to home .

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2024 BMW iX xDrive50 Long-Term Test: A Road Trip Champ, Even With A Flat Tire

Spotting the sun meant covering a lot of miles, and sacrificing one tire to the gods..

I 'm six months and just over 6,000 miles into owning a BMW iX , and while the smiles still outweigh the groans by a healthy margin, for the first time, we've hit a real headache on the road. It wasn't, though, necessarily the car's fault.

If you missed our introduction , I'm leasing a 2024 BMW iX xDrive50, purchased with my own money and without any friendly discounts offered due to my position in the industry. I paid what any other customer off the street would have paid.

I'm charting my impressions of the thing, an SUV that is generally held to be among the best cars that BMW makes—but also perhaps the ugliest. At this point, I'm genuinely over the looks. In fact, I've come to like it, but as a former owner of a bugeye Subaru WRX , I've never been one to shy away from a great-driving but, funny-looking machine.

Since last month, my wife and I engaged on our biggest road trip in the iX since we picked up the thing, a drive that turned into something of an adventure. It was all in pursuit of the eclipse. Or, more specifically, clear skies through which to view that celestial moment. 

Following The Sun

With our bulky GSO Newtonian telescope and Sky-Watcher mount secured in the back to the iX's handy tie-down points, we headed off on the 180-odd mile journey from our home near Albany, NY, to see family who live near Watertown, NY. Watertown happened to be right smack dab in the middle of totality for the event. 

Our route was a mix of back-way and highway, and while I usually use Google Maps via Android Auto for navigation around town, for longer drives, when I want to monitor range accuracy, I use BMW's integrated navigation.

The BMW nav is good enough that I should use it more, but lately, it's been getting extremely slow to chart routes. While the voice recognition is quick to enter an address, the infotainment system takes upwards of 60 seconds to figure out which way to go, plus another solid 30-second delay before alternate routes show up.

It certainly wasn't that sluggish before, and I'm not sure if it's a software update or something else at play here. I'll keep an eye on it going forward.

Once the route was calculated, the iX showed an estimated 38 percent charge remaining upon arrival in Watertown. And that's precisely what we got when we arrived. This thing is yet again providing world-class accuracy on range estimation. And solid efficiency, too. That 180-mile trip was completed at a reasonable 2.8 mi/kWh despite the chilly 45-degree day and a fair bit of time on the highway.

Knowing that we might have to change venue based on the weather forecast, while in Watertown, we used a 150 kW EVolve NY charger to bring us back to full. Well, to 95 percent, anyway.

The iX preconditioned itself so that we were getting 144 kW almost as soon as we plugged in, but that, of course, tapered off as the battery capacity increased. The charge to 95 percent took about 45 minutes.

While the car was charging and I was trying to make a little headway on the never-ending struggle to conquer my email, my wife was comparing a dozen different forecasts. The news wasn't looking good. Where Watertown had previously been showing clear skies, the clouds were coming, and their timing looked terrible.

We had the choice of staying there and hoping for the best, or making a run through northern New York, an area with barely any chargers, on a weekend when absolutely everyone was heading north. It was a risky decision, and with a car with less range, we wouldn't have tried it. 

But try it we did.

Still A Range And Efficiency Beast

We topped up the car to 100 percent on a level one charger overnight and then headed east again in the morning. This time, our journey would take us through the Adirondack Park on some of the most scenic country roads the Northeast has to offer. 

Scenic, but hilly. From Watertown's elevation of just 466 feet we climbed up through the park, winding around the High Peaks, then back down again as we made our way to Lake Champlain. 

I was curious to see what the terrain and the still-chilly temperatures would do to the iX's range, but neither I nor the car expected the journey to be as efficient as it was.

The car's navigation predicted we'd make the 200-mile journey with 28 percent remaining. We actually rolled in with 41 percent. This was by far the biggest miss the SUV's nav has delivered yet, but it's hard to fault the thing for under-promising and over-delivering.

Anyhow, the terrain and temperature were countered by the relatively low, 50 mph average speed, resulting in 3.2 mi/kWh for that leg of the journey. That equates to over 350 miles of theoretical range.

Going that far through a land barren of chargers was a risk, but it paid off. Vermont is a stunning place at the worst of times, but beautiful weather made for a spectacular eclipse. 

The iX VS. The Flat Tire

When the sun stopped hiding it was time for us to head home. As you've likely seen, the crowds vacating the path of totality on Monday evening were intense. Thankfully, we had access to a level-two charger at my brother-in-law's, so we were fully charged well before the sun did its disappearing act.

But we still needed to dodge the traffic. One stretch of Rt. 22A was particularly jammed, so we decided to take a scenic detour around some pasture land on less-used routes.

One of those was Class 4, Vermont's category of barely maintained roads, intended for proper 4X4 machines. Despite still being in the throes of an extended mud season and despite the road being sloppy and rutted, the iX did fine, pulling us through without issue.

Its Goodyear tires, however, didn't fare so well. We picked up a puncture in the left-rear, a half-inch gouge right in the center of the tread. The tire thankfully held pressure long enough to get back to the family we'd stayed with in Vermont, but it surely wouldn't survive the drive home.

It took two patches to plug the hole, a process made more complicated by the iX's use of BMW's customary recessed jack points. The iX does not include the requisite adapter to enable the use of a standard floor jack. It also features neither a spare tire nor a scissor jack, offering only an emergency can of sealant.

But the patch held, and by the time we'd finished the job, the worst of the traffic had passed. We managed an average of 41 mph on the journey back to Albany, a 155-mile trip that saw the iX deliver an impressive 3.3 mi/kWh. 

The BMW was still showing an estimated 209 miles of range on the dash when we got home, for a theoretical total range of well over 400 miles, about a third higher than the SUV's EPA rating. Maybe being stuck in traffic isn't so bad.

While the journey wasn't without its headaches, the iX was a perfect companion. It delivered stellar range through an EV-charging black hole, had plenty of cargo space for two telescopes plus a weekend's worth of food and luggage, and was calm and smooth the entire way. 

Coming soon: More updates as the iX heads into warmer weather.

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Pair these L.A. road trips with a hike and a lunch

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In April 2020 — only a month or so into the COVID-19 pandemic — my wife and I were running out of things to do. The novelty of Zoom calls with friends was wearing off. We’d watched lots of movies and TV. We were itching to get out of our apartment, but with the virus still raging, we couldn’t risk being around other people. Then we had an idea: Why not go for a drive?

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For our first trip, we drove the length of Little Tujunga Canyon Road in the Angeles National Forest. After that, we were hooked. In the ensuing months, we crisscrossed the Santa Monica Mountains and made trips into Los Padres National Forest and beyond.

My wife bought me a California road atlas, and it became part of our scenic drive ritual: We’d consult its pages for inspiration, looking for two-lane roads and state highways that squiggled through mountain ranges or meandered through deserts. After returning home, I’d highlight our route. Four years after our first drive, the atlas is full of highlights documenting our travels — and there’s still a lifetime’s worth of backroads we haven’t covered yet.

No matter where we go, each drive gives me a deeper appreciation for the incredible range of landscapes in Southern California. And these journeys have led to many rewarding discoveries, from out-of-the-way diners to new trailheads for hiking and biking.

If you’re tired of visiting the same places, it’s time to hit the road. These two trips — all within a three-hour drive of the city — will get you started.

Los Padres National Forest and Carrizo Plain National Monument This route traverses winding mountain roads through Los Padres and spits you out near the southern entrance to Carrizo Plain — a vast preserve of native grassland and a hotspot for wildflowers (at least on some years ) and birdwatching . From Interstate 5, take Exit 205 and head west on Frazier Mountain Park Road. This two-lane road changes names several times as it ascends into the San Emigdio Mountains, passing forested slopes and epic canyon views along the way.

After about 42 miles, you’ll meet California 166. Take a right here and then a left on Soda Lake Road to enter Carrizo Plain National Monument. Drive northwest for 35 miles to the parking lot for the Soda Lake Trail, a short boardwalk that gets you up close to the park’s salt-crusted lake. If you plan ahead, you can also book a guided tour of Painted Rock, a sandstone outcrop with Native American rock art.

Hungry? Head back the way you came, take a right on California 166, and drive west 15 miles to the Cuyama Buckhorn , a renovated ’50s motel, restaurant and bar. The eatery’s Santa Maria-style tri-tip is superb, and if you grab a room, you can turn this scenic drive into a full weekend escape .

Volcan Mountain and Julian This route will take you to Julian , a mountain town famous for its apple orchards and delicious pies. From Interstate 15, take Exit 58 for California 79. Take a right on Pechanga Parkway and head south. The road becomes Pala Temecula Road and emerges into a wide canyon with mountains towering on either side. Take a left at Pala Mission Road and continue east on California 76, which hugs the San Luis Rey River before ascending more than 1,000 feet up a chaparral-covered ridgeline.

After some hairpin turns, the road levels off and skirts Lake Henshaw, a picturesque reservoir. Take a right on California 79, and after 10 miles, take a left on Wynola Road. Follow that road for about 3.5 miles, then take a left on Farmer Road to arrive at Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve. Stretch your legs on the Five Oaks Trail , a 1.2-mile path that ascends the western flank of Volcan Mountain and offers sweeping views of the orchards below.

With your appetite revved up, head south on Farmer Road into Julian and make a stop at the Julian Pie Co . Grab a well-deserved slice of apple pie and some apple cider and rest your feet at a picnic table while you chow down.

3 things to do

1. Race plankton in Manhattan Beach In celebration of Earth Day, the Roundhouse Aquarium will hold a day full of educational activities inside and outside its facilities. Highlights include dolphin spotting, a fish feeding, crafts, games, a “shark shack” and, yes, plankton racing. The festivities kick off at 10:30 a.m. Saturday and go until 4 p.m. The event is free, but be sure to register ahead of time at roundhouseaquarium.org .

2. Go gardening in San Pedro Give back to the land by planting native species, removing weeds, mulching and watering the White Point Nature Preserve’s garden with the folks at Palos Verdes Peninsula Land Conservancy. You’ll also have the chance to enter a raffle and take a guided nature walk. As a bonus, refreshments will be provided by Starbucks to keep you cool and hydrated. The three-hour event begins at 9 a.m. Saturday. All volunteers under age 16 should be accompanied by an adult, and all volunteers under age 18 must have a parent or guardian sign a waiver at the event. Register at pvplc.com .

3. Stretch your legs on Venice Boulevard CicLAvia is back. And this time it’s shutting down a 5.75-mile stretch of Venice Boulevard that connects Palms, Mar Vista and Venice Beach for walkers, joggers, bikers, roller skaters, unicyclers, penny-farthings, pogo sticks — anything as long as it’s completely powered by humans. There will be three local hubs along the route where you’ll be able to partake in family-friendly activities, pump air into your bike’s tires, refill your water bottle and use the restroom. Be sure to reference CicLAvia’s digital map so you can scope out the local businesses you’d like to visit along the way. It all takes place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For more information about the event and the area it covers, visit ciclavia.org .

The must-read

The Klamath River in Northern California has turned brown and muddy, but that’s a good thing. As Times writer Ian James reports , it’s a side effect of the largest dam removal project in history, which aims to restore the river to its natural state. Four dams are being removed along the Klamath, and the river is passing freely through tunnels in three of them, draining reservoirs and churning up an estimated 2.3 million tons of sediment that had settled along the bottom of those man-made lakes. Although the turbid water might look ugly, restoration advocates and tribal leaders see it as a sign of healing. The muck is passing out of the Klamath, and new life — everything from salmon heading upstream to native plant seedlings along the riverbanks — will soon take its place.

Happy adventuring,

Want to try birding but don’t have binoculars? Head to the Audubon Center in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park. The center is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, and you can borrow a free pair of binoculars (as well as a birding guide, backpack and other gear) to help you spot the 140 species of birds that call the park home.

For more insider tips on Southern California’s beaches, trails and parks, check out past editions of The Wild . And to view this newsletter in your browser, click here .

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Michael Charboneau is a freelance writer covering gear and the outdoors, and he’s writing The Wild newsletter for a few months. He has written for a variety of publications, including Men’s Journal, Runner’s World and InsideHook, and he lives in West L.A. When he’s not writing, he can be found running, hiking and biking around Los Angeles and its mountains.

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