How Do I Plan a Road Trip With My Tesla?

By Anna Duncan

Are you planning a road trip with your Tesla? Here’s a guide on how to plan your trip and make the most out of your electric vehicle.

Plan Your Route

The first step in planning a road trip with your Tesla is to plan the route. You can use the built-in navigation system in your car or use third-party apps like ABRP (A Better Route Planner) to map out your journey. ABRP takes into account factors like elevation changes, weather conditions, traffic, and charging station availability to provide you with an accurate estimate of how much time and battery charge you’ll need for each leg of the trip.

Charging Stops

Once you’ve planned your route, it’s time to figure out where you’ll need to stop for a charge. Tesla’s Supercharger network is expanding rapidly, but it’s important to check the map for Supercharger locations along your route and ensure that they’re open 24/7.

You can also use third-party apps like PlugShare or ChargePoint to find other charging options along the way. It’s always a good idea to have backup charging options in case a station is down or occupied when you arrive.

Pack for Your Trip

When packing for your road trip, remember that electric vehicles are more efficient without extra weight. Pack only what you need and try to keep the weight down as much as possible. If you’re traveling with passengers, make sure they know what they can bring and pack light as well.

Optimize Your Driving

To maximize range on your road trip, there are some driving habits that can help:

  • Regenerative Braking: Use regenerative braking by lifting off the accelerator pedal instead of using the brake pedal whenever possible.
  • Cruise Control: Use cruise control to maintain a steady speed and reduce energy usage.
  • Avoid High Speeds: Driving at high speeds consumes more energy and reduces range. Keep to the speed limit to maximize efficiency.
  • Use Range Mode: If you have a Model S or Model X, turn on Range Mode to save energy by reducing heating and cooling.

Enjoy Your Trip!

With careful planning and driving habits, your Tesla road trip can be a fun and stress-free experience. Take advantage of the autopilot features, listen to some great music or podcasts, and enjoy the journey. Happy driving!