How Do You Plan a Road Trip With a Tesla Supercharger?

By Robert Palmer

If you’re a Tesla owner, you know that the Supercharger network is one of the biggest perks of owning an electric vehicle. With over 25,000 Superchargers across the globe and counting, there’s no shortage of places to charge up during long road trips. Planning a road trip with a Tesla Supercharger takes a little bit of extra effort, but it can be well worth it to save on gas and reduce your carbon footprint.

1. Plan Your Route

The first step in planning a road trip with a Tesla Supercharger is figuring out where you want to go. You can use tools like Tesla’s trip planner or third-party apps like A Better Routeplanner to map out your route and see where the Superchargers are located along the way.

Tip:

Make sure to factor in charging time when planning your route. It’s important to take breaks and stretch your legs during long drives, so try to plan stops at Superchargers that are near amenities like restaurants or parks.

2. Check Availability

Once you’ve mapped out your route and planned your stops, it’s important to check the availability of each Supercharger. While most stations have multiple charging stalls, they can get busy during peak travel times, so it’s always best to check ahead of time.

Tip:

You can use the Tesla app or website to check how many stalls are available at each location in real-time. If you’re traveling during peak times like holidays or weekends, consider making reservations at popular stations.

3. Monitor Charging

While charging at a Supercharger is generally faster than charging at home or other public chargers, it still takes time. Make sure to monitor your charging progress using either the car display or the Tesla app.

Tip:

Tesla recommends charging up to 80% for regular use and saving a full charge for emergencies or long stretches of highway with no Superchargers in sight.

4. Plan for Emergencies

Even with careful planning, it’s always possible to run into unexpected issues on the road. Make sure to have a backup plan in case a Supercharger is out of service or you encounter bad weather.

Tip:

Keep an eye on the weather forecast and plan accordingly. If you’re traveling in an area with extreme temperatures, make sure to factor in extra time for charging and cooling your battery.

Conclusion

Planning a road trip with a Tesla Supercharger may require some extra effort, but it’s well worth it for the convenience and cost savings. With careful planning and monitoring, you can enjoy long drives without worrying about running out of juice. So pack your bags, plan your route, and hit the road!