Summary
- The author shares their Supercharging adventures on a long-distance EV road trip with two ebikes on a receiver mounted tray-type bike rack
- They explain their Supercharging strategy, including stopping for fast food and bathroom breaks while charging
- The author estimates that charging over 80% SOC costs a lot of time, so it is more efficient to stop more often
- They met interesting Tesla drivers and encountered challenges like strong headwinds and parking with bikes attached
- The author provides insights on using CCS chargers with a Tesla adapter and discusses Tesla’s referral program and the future of charging infrastructure
Article
This article recounts the Supercharging adventures of an 84-year-old couple on a long-distance EV road trip from Three Lakes, Wisconsin to Lindon, Utah. Despite the challenges of traveling with two large ebikes on the back of their Tesla Model 3 Long Range, the couple managed to make it to their destination with minimal charging stops. The author shares their Supercharging strategy, which involved making multiple stops to charge to avoid the time-consuming process of charging over 80% SOC. Throughout the trip, the couple encountered interesting fellow Tesla drivers, including a man towing a U-Haul trailer and a woman with a Model S delivered in 2012.
The couple’s Supercharging route covered a total of 1,601 miles and included 21 Supercharger stops. Despite the frequent stops, their Supercharger cost was zero due to referrals from readers. The author estimates that driving a gas vehicle of similar size would have cost around $192 for the trip, making the savings from driving a Tesla significant. The author also discusses the importance of Tesla’s Supercharger network and the convenience it provides for long-distance travel. Through interactions with other Tesla drivers and observations on the road, the author highlights the growing popularity and accessibility of EV charging infrastructure.
The article delves into the challenges and benefits of using Tesla Superchargers, including the impact of factors such as headwinds on range and charging efficiency. The author emphasizes the importance of planning charging stops strategically to optimize travel time and battery efficiency. Additionally, the article discusses the potential for using a CCS-to-Tesla charger adapter to access non-Tesla charging stations in areas where Superchargers may be scarce. The author anticipates the expansion of charging infrastructure and the standardization of charging connectors across different manufacturers in the future.
In conclusion, the author reflects on their Supercharging experience and highlights the cost savings and convenience of driving a Tesla on a long-distance road trip. The article serves as a guide for EV drivers looking to navigate long-distance travel using the Tesla Supercharger network and provides insights into the evolving landscape of electric vehicle charging infrastructure. The author also encourages readers to support CleanTechnica and the CleanTech Talk podcast by providing tips, advertising, or guest suggestions.
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