Summary
- Two lightly modified Tesla Cybertrucks completed an 11,000-mile journey from Florida to Canada’s Dempster Highway
- Trek involved donating six Level 2 chargers to help EV owners on the same route
- Cybertrucks faced criticism but proved reliable during the challenging road trip
- Trek mostly used Tesla Supercharger network, with some issues at third-party chargers
- In Canada’s Northwest Territories, no Tesla Superchargers were available, so alternative charging methods were needed
Article
The Arctic Cybertrek: An Epic 11,000-Mile Journey
An epic 11,000-mile journey was undertaken by a pair of lightly modified Tesla Cybertrucks, traveling from Florida to the end of Canada’s Dempster Highway. The team behind this inspiring trip included Justin Damaree, known as The Bearded Tesla, Rafael Santoni and Nancy Santoni, known as Teslatino and Teslatina, and professional kite flier and Tesla investor Gary Mark. The team used a pair of Cybertrucks modified with some goodies from Unplugged Performance and a custom roof rack from Urander. The trip was completed without the use of any gasoline or diesel to recharge the EVs, showcasing the capabilities of electric vehicles for long-distance travel.
Challenges and Solutions Along the Way
The team predominantly used the Tesla Supercharger network to charge their Cybertrucks on the way to Canada, but also had to rely on DC fast chargers from other providers at times. While the trek was mostly stress-free, there were instances where third-party chargers wouldn’t work initially, requiring the team to contact tech support to resolve the issue. In the remote regions of Canada’s Northwest Territories, where there are no Tesla Superchargers, the team had to plan ahead and utilize mains hookups at shops and facilities to keep their EVs running. To make the journey easier for future EV drivers, the team donated six Tesla Level 2 wall chargers along the route, with plans to have them all operational soon.
Impressions of the Tesla Cybertrucks
The Tesla Cybertruck has faced criticism for its looks, range, and reliability issues, but none of these concerns impacted the success of the Arctic Cybertrek. The two Cybertrucks proved to be great adventure vehicles, showing their durability and versatility on this challenging journey. With modifications from Unplugged Performance and Urander, the Cybertrucks were well-equipped to handle the long distance and varied terrain encountered along the way. The Arctic Cybertrek highlights the potential of electric vehicles for long-distance travel, showcasing the capabilities of EV technology in challenging environments.
The Importance of Charging Infrastructure
The installation of six new Tesla Level 2 chargers along Canada’s Dempster Highway will make life easier for EV owners who want to embark on a similar journey. While only one of the chargers is currently operational, the rest are expected to be online soon, providing more charging options for EV drivers in remote areas. The Arctic Cybertrek serves as a testament to the growing infrastructure supporting electric vehicles, with companies like Tesla expanding their charging network to enable more sustainable transportation options.
Future Possibilities for Electric Vehicle Travel
The success of the Arctic Cybertrek demonstrates the potential of electric vehicles for long-distance travel, challenging perceptions of range limitations and infrastructure availability. As EV technology continues to evolve and charging infrastructure expands, more adventurous journeys like the Arctic Cybertrek may become increasingly common. With the support of companies like Tesla and the dedication of EV enthusiasts, the future of sustainable transportation looks promising, with electric vehicles playing a key role in reducing emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. The Arctic Cybertrek serves as an inspiration for future electric vehicle adventures and showcases the capabilities of EVs for challenging journeys.
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