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Should you take a long road trip in a Tesla Model Y or another Tesla vehicle?
If you are thinking of embarking on a solo cross-country adventure, this article details how one woman, Janie, completed a 10,000-mile solo road trip in her Tesla Model Y. Her journey offers invaluable insights for anyone considering a similar trip, particularly those asking, “Should I take a long road trip in a Tesla Model Y?”
Janie Watkins, a member of the Tesla Model Y Facebook Owners page, recently returned from her epic four-week journey. Starting with a trip from Washington to Pennsylvania to visit her sister, she then expanded her travels to explore parts of the U.S. she had never seen before.
“Many people have asked if I was by myself. Yes, but I had the Lord’s constant presence and protection, a self-driving Tesla, my husband’s advice whenever I needed it (plus he tracked my every move), and many wonderful family and friends checking in with me,” she says.
Her story is a testament to the fact that a solo female road trip in a Tesla Model Y is not only possible but can be a fulfilling and safe experience.
Here is what road-trippers traveling in an electric vehicle need to know.
Janie says, “Just a few days ago, I got back from a 4-week, 10,000+ mile road trip around the U.S. in my Tesla Model Y, and loved it!”
“I first decided to go from Washington to Pennsylvania to visit my sister in the hospital. Then later I chose to visit states and places that I had never been to before.”
“Many people have asked if I was by myself. Yes, but I had the Lord’s constant presence and protection, a self-driving Tesla, my husband’s advice whenever I needed it (plus he tracked my every move), and many wonderful family and friends checking in with me.”
For those wondering about the practicalities, Janie’s tips for a long-distance road trip in a Tesla are essential. She emphasizes three key areas: maximizing range, optimizing charging, and ensuring a comfortable journey.
Focus on maximizing range, optimizing charging, and ensuring a comfortable journey. Plan your route with Tesla’s navigation or A Better Route Planner (ABRP), leverage Superchargers and consider destination chargers, and maintain your car’s efficiency by checking tire pressure, reducing weight, and minimizing energy consumption.
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Route Planning and Charging:
- Utilize Tesla’s Navigation: Input your destination into the car’s navigation system to identify optimal routes and Supercharger locations.
- Consider ABRP: Use A Better Route Planner (ABRP) to refine your route further, especially if you want to customize charging stops or consider different charging strategies.
- Supercharger Strategy: Arrive at Superchargers with a low battery (but above 20% for battery health) for faster charging speeds.
- Destination Chargers: Look for hotels or accommodations with destination chargers to save on charging costs and time.
- Charging Limit: Set your charging limit to 80% for faster charging and avoid Supercharger idle fees, unless you need the extra range.
Maximizing Range and Efficiency:
- Tire Pressure: Maintain proper tire pressure as indicated in your owner’s manual to improve efficiency.
- Reduce Weight: Remove unnecessary cargo to lighten the load and improve range.
- Aerodynamics: Close windows, lower the car’s air suspension (if equipped), and remove roof racks when not in use to reduce drag.
- Driving Style: Avoid aggressive acceleration and braking. Use regenerative braking to recapture energy during deceleration.
- Climate Control: Minimize the use of heating and air conditioning, or precondition the car while plugged in to save energy.
Other Tips:
- Preconditioning: Use the Tesla app to precondition your car while plugged in to optimize battery temperature and cabin comfort.
- Autopilot: Utilize Autopilot for long, straight stretches of highway to reduce driver fatigue.
- Rest Stops: Superchargers are often located near amenities like restrooms and restaurants, so plan your charging stops accordingly.
- Enjoy the Journey: Embrace the freedom of the open road and make the most of your Model Y’s capabilities.
In The End
Janie’s experience shows that long-distance travel in an electric car is not only feasible but can be a fun and comfortable experience. Her journey provides a fantastic roadmap for anyone who wants to take a cross-country Tesla road trip, proving that with the proper preparation and mindset, the open road is an incredible place to be.
Taking a road trip in a Tesla Model Y alone is an adventure Janie will never forget.
How About You?
Have You Taken A Long Road Trip In a Tesla?
If so, click the red Add New Comment link below and let us know about your experience and offer any tips for road warriors. We value your experiences and insights.
Check out my Tesla Model Y story: My Wife Was Driving Our Tesla Model Y and It Unexpectedly Lost Power, and Stopped In the Middle of the Freeway During Rush Hour, Then Panic Set In
I am Denis Flierl, a Senior Torque News Reporter since 2012. My 30+ year tenure in the automotive industry, initially in a consulting role with every major car brand and later as a freelance journalist test-driving new vehicles, has equipped me with a wealth of knowledge. I specialize in reporting the latest automotive news, covering owner stories, and providing expert analysis, ensuring that you are always well-informed and up-to-date. Follow me on X @DenisFlierl, @WorldsCoolestRides, Facebook, and Instagram
Photo credit: Denis Flierl via Janie Watkins
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Source: torquenews.com
