Road trips are a fun way to explore new places and create lasting memories. And with the rise of electric vehicles, more and more people are opting for eco-friendly road trips.
Tesla, one of the leading electric car manufacturers, has made it easier for drivers to travel long distances without worrying about running out of charge. In this tutorial, we’ll explore how to charge a Tesla on a road trip.
Plan your route
The first step in planning a Tesla road trip is to plan your route. Tesla has an extensive network of Supercharger stations across the United States and other parts of the world. These stations are strategically located along major highways and interstates, making it easy for drivers to charge their vehicles quickly.
To plan your route, use the in-car navigation system or the Tesla website. The navigation system will automatically calculate the distance between your starting point and destination and suggest Supercharger stops along the way.
Use Superchargers
Superchargers are Tesla’s proprietary charging stations that can charge a vehicle up to 80% in just 30-45 minutes. These charging stations are free for most Model S and Model X owners, while Model 3 owners have to pay a small fee.
To use a Supercharger station, simply pull up to an available stall and plug in your vehicle using the charging cable provided. Once plugged in, you can monitor your vehicle’s charging status on the touchscreen display inside the car or through the Tesla app on your smartphone.
Plan for other charging options
While Superchargers are convenient and fast, they may not always be available or practical depending on where you’re traveling. It’s important to have backup options in case you can’t find a Supercharger station.
Tesla also has a network of Destination Chargers that are located at hotels, resorts, and other destinations. These chargers may take longer to charge your vehicle, but they can be a great option if you’re staying overnight at a hotel or resort.
You can also use third-party charging stations that are compatible with Tesla vehicles. These stations may require an adapter, which you can purchase from Tesla’s online store.
Maximizing your range
To maximize your range and minimize charging stops, there are several things you can do:
- Drive at a steady speed
- Avoid rapid acceleration and hard braking
- Use the car’s regenerative braking feature to recharge the battery while driving
- Avoid extreme temperatures as they can affect battery performance
Conclusion
With Tesla’s extensive network of Supercharger and Destination Charger stations, it’s easier than ever to take a road trip in an electric vehicle. By planning your route and having backup charging options, you can travel long distances without worrying about running out of charge. And by following some simple tips to maximize your range, you’ll spend less time charging and more time enjoying the journey.