What Should I Charge My Tesla to for a Road Trip?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a road trip in your Tesla but not sure about the charging process? One of the most common questions asked by Tesla owners is, “What should I charge my Tesla to for a road trip?”

The answer is not as straightforward as you might think. Let’s dive into the details and find out what charging strategy works best for your next adventure.

Understand Your Tesla’s Battery Range

The first thing you need to understand is your Tesla’s battery range. The range varies depending on the model and year of your vehicle. For instance, a Model S Long Range has a range of 402 miles, while a Model 3 Standard Range has a range of 220 miles.

Knowing your battery’s range will help you plan how far you can travel before needing to recharge. It’s essential to keep in mind that several factors can affect your vehicle’s range, such as speed, weather conditions, and driving habits.

Plan Your Route

Before embarking on any road trip, it’s crucial to plan your route carefully. This includes identifying charging stations along the way and estimating how long it will take to reach each stop. You can use tools like Tesla’s Trip Planner or PlugShare to help you plan your route and locate charging stations.

Charge Up Before You Leave

It’s always wise to start with a full charge before heading out on a long journey. This way, you’ll have the maximum amount of battery power available for your trip.

Charge Up To 80%

When it comes to charging during your road trip, experts recommend charging up to 80% capacity at each stop. Charging up to 100% takes longer and can also contribute negatively to the battery life over time.

Charging up to 80% allows for optimal balance between charging time and total driving distance per charge.

Use Superchargers for Fast Charging

Tesla’s Supercharger network is designed to provide fast and convenient charging on long road trips. These stations can charge your vehicle up to 80% in about 30 minutes, but charging times may vary based on the battery size and current power capacity.

Final Words

In conclusion, the answer to “What should I charge my Tesla to for a road trip?” is up to 80%.

Understanding your Tesla’s battery range, planning your route carefully, and using Superchargers for fast charging are all critical components of a successful road trip in your Tesla. Happy driving!