Ten Thousand-Mile Voyage Across America in a Tesla Model Y: An Enthusiastic Report
Janie Watkins Completes Successful 10,000-Mile Solo Trip in Tesla Model Y
Janie Watkins, a member of the Tesla Model Y Facebook Owners page, recently embarked on a 10,000-mile solo road trip from Washington to Pennsylvania, demonstrating that long-distance travel in an electric vehicle can be both practical and enjoyable.
To plan and optimize her journey, Janie focused on maximizing range, optimizing charging stops, and maintaining comfort throughout the four-week trip. Here are some key strategies she employed:
Maximize Range and Efficiency
- Keep tire pressure at manufacturer recommended levels.
- Remove unnecessary items to reduce weight.
- Improve aerodynamics by closing windows, lowering air suspension (if equipped), and removing roof racks when not in use.
- Drive smoothly with gentle acceleration and use regenerative braking to recover energy.
- Minimize climate control use by preconditioning the car while plugged in via the Tesla app.
- Maintain an efficient steady speed around 70 mph, which balances speed and energy use well for Model Y.
Optimize Charging
- Plan charging stops using Tesla’s Supercharger network, aiming to charge mostly between 20% and 80% battery state-of-charge for fast charging rates.
- Choose Superchargers located near amenities like restrooms and restaurants for comfortable breaks.
- Respect charging etiquette by moving your car promptly when done to keep chargers available for others.
Use Features for Comfort and Ease
- Use Autopilot for highway stretches to reduce driver fatigue.
- Precondition the cabin while charging to ensure comfortable temperatures without draining the battery.
- Accept a flexible mindset to enjoy the journey and take advantage of Tesla’s technology and routes.
Janie also recommends utilizing Superchargers and destination chargers for charging, checking weather and terrain ahead, and maintaining the car's efficiency by checking tire pressure, reducing weight, and minimizing energy consumption.
In addition, Janie suggests using Tesla's navigation or A Better Route Planner (ABRP) for route planning, and visiting states and places she had never been to before. Embracing the freedom of the open road and making the most of the Model Y's capabilities enhances the road trip experience.
Janie's story demonstrates that a solo female road trip in a Tesla Model Y can be fulfilling and safe. With proper preparation and mindset, long-distance travel in an electric car is feasible and enjoyable.
By integrating technology and a thoughtful lifestyle, Janie Watkins transformed her long-distance travel from Washington to Pennsylvania into an enjoyable journey. Beyond Tesla's Superchargers, she explored new destinations, broadening her lifestyle through technology-enhanced travel experiences.
