If you’re a Tesla owner, you know that driving one is an experience like no other. From the instant torque to the minimalist interior, everything about a Tesla feels futuristic and exciting.
However, if you’re planning a road trip, you might be wondering if a Tesla is the right choice for your journey. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of taking a Tesla on a road trip.
Pros of Taking a Tesla on a Road Trip
1. Zero Emissions
One of the biggest advantages of driving a Tesla is that it produces zero emissions. This means that you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint while enjoying your road trip. Plus, some states offer incentives for driving electric vehicles, such as access to HOV lanes or tax credits.
2. Supercharger Network
Tesla has built an extensive network of Superchargers across the country, making it easier than ever to take your Tesla on a road trip. These charging stations are strategically located near major highways and can charge your vehicle quickly (up to 80% in 30 minutes). Plus, many Superchargers are located near restaurants or shopping centers, giving you something to do while your car charges.
3. Autopilot
Tesla’s Autopilot feature can make long drives much less stressful by taking over some of the driving duties for you. While it’s important to remain alert and attentive while using Autopilot, it can make highway driving much more comfortable.
Cons of Taking a Tesla on a Road Trip
1. Range Anxiety
While Tesla’s Supercharger network is impressive, there are still parts of the country where charging stations are few and far between. This can lead to range anxiety – the fear that your car will run out of charge before you can reach the next charging station. Longer Charging Times
Even with the Supercharger network, charging a Tesla takes longer than filling up a gas tank. While you can get up to 80% charge in 30 minutes, getting to a full charge can take over an hour. This means that you’ll need to plan your stops carefully and be prepared to spend more time charging than you would at a gas station. Limited Cargo Space
While Teslas are spacious and comfortable for passengers, they don’t offer as much cargo space as some traditional gas-powered vehicles. This can be problematic if you’re planning on bringing a lot of luggage or gear on your road trip.
Conclusion
So, should you take a Tesla on a road trip? Ultimately, it depends on your priorities and preferences.
If reducing your carbon footprint is important to you and you don’t mind planning your stops carefully, then driving a Tesla could be an excellent choice for your road trip. However, if range anxiety or longer charging times are major concerns for you, then it might be better to stick with a gas-powered vehicle for now.
- Pros:
- Zero emissions
- Supercharger network
- Autopilot feature
- Cons:
- Range anxiety
- Longer charging times
- Limited cargo space
In summary, while there are certainly some drawbacks to taking a Tesla on a road trip, the benefits – such as zero emissions and the Supercharger network – make it a compelling option for many drivers.