posted on February 22, 2022
No gas, all sass
Every year car manufacturers are producing better electric vehicles, so while the future may hold other uncertainties, rest assured that the quality of EVs, even non-Teslas, is only improving. We’re talking high-tech batteries that are lighter and carry greater charges, longer max ranges, much-expanded charging networks, and an inspiring variety of makes and models, that mean you no longer have to sacrifice your personal aesthetic and road identity to drive greener and cleaner.
That said, Tesla remains the leader in the EV world. Range anxiety and charging times are the prime concerns of EV drivers, and Tesla vehicles offer impressively long ranges, as well as a network of Superchargers that make charging faster and more efficient than your average electric vehicle. All of this means that it’s more convenient and fun — than ever before in the history of the world! — to drive a Tesla clear across the country, or on the scenic trip that has been calling your heart to the open road.
Charging networks and timing
The first step in planning an EV road trip is getting to know each type of charging stations available and the cost associated with each. There are three levels of chargers — L1, L2, L3 — and the Tesla Supercharger, differentiated by the amount of electricity delivered to the car, which massively affects the amount of time it takes to charge a battery.
Level 1 is the slowest and cheapest, giving drivers three to five miles per hour of charging, averaging 20+ hours to fully charge, but does offer the convenience of charging from your standard 120V AC outlet at home. Level 2 chargers are the most widely available public charger in the US, and they can give you 15–30 miles per hour, charging to full in about eight hours. The fee for Level 2 chargers ranges from $0.20–$0.30 per kW, which lands somewhere between $1-5 per hour.
Also called DC (direct current) chargers, Level 3 chargers are the fastest chargers and are primarily located in stations along highway routes. They can charge a battery to 80% energy in 20-40 min, and up to full in 60–90 min, depending on maximum charge rates. Most stations charge by the kW ($0.10–$1.00, with a US average of $0.30) or by the hour.
The Tesla Supercharger is a DC charger that can deliver an impressive 200 miles of charge in 15 min, depending on your Tesla model, and you can generally expect to pay $0.28 per kW. Tesla has the most robust charging network in North America — one of the many desirable features of owning a Tesla. Their network has over 30,000 Superchargers at 3,000 charging stops across the country, generally at convenient locations. Plus the app has a Tesla Supercharger map and a Tesla route planner, giving Tesla drivers a lot of freedom on a long road trip.
Tesla ranges and charge time
Among Tesla models, not all battery ranges and charge times are equal. Tesla Model S, in both Long Range and Plaid, offers some of the highest max ranges among Tesla models, at 405 miles and 396, respectively. The Model S also boasts a fairly quick charging rate, that varies based on the level of charger, but can charge to full in 30-40 min at a Supercharger.
On the other end, the entry-level Tesla Model 3, which has a lighter battery, is on the lower end of range at about 263 miles. However this model charges even faster than the Model S, in about 20-30 min at a Supercharger.
Tesla Model X and the Model Y offer a convenient mid-way point between the two — still maxing out around 300–350 miles. The Model Y charges at a similar rate to the Model 3, while the Model X, which offers a bit more range and power, can take 5–10 min longer. But remember, while the EPA generally has fairly accurate estimates for battery range, actual performance can depend on a number of factors like driving speed, road conditions, and traffic.
Tesla trip planner & driving routes
It’s time to hit the road! No matter what kind of EV you’re driving, you’ll still need to plan your stops carefully (this map is handy) and drive efficiently to get the most out of your battery power. There are several popular routes for getting across the country, and depending on the time of year and how much time you have, each one boasts some special gems, but these are a couple to get you inspired while route planning.
The Northern Route
For this one, we’re starting in the Pacific Northwest, then twisting through the mountains of the West, cruising the Midwest, and taking the scenic route to the final destination in Boston, MA. From Seattle, WA or Portland, OR, head east along Interstate 90 East as it snakes through the mountains and desert of Eastern Washington, through Idaho’s Coeur D’alene Forest, and then down into southern Montana, just north of Yellowstone National Park, if you like to swerve for elk. There are a number of regular and Superchargers along the way starting in Spokane, WA, and quite a number of Tesla charging stations in Montana, in Butte, Bozeman, and Billings.
You’ll continue on I-90 south into Wyoming and alongside the Black Hills National Forest in South Dakota — where you can pop in to catch the spikes of Cathedral Spires and take in the Mount Rushmore National Monument, where you can also charge up, just outside of Keystone, SD! Keep heading east past the aggressively advertised roadside attraction, Wall Drug in Wall, SD (you can’t miss the signs and you will be amused), toward the moon-like environs of Badlands National Park, and then onward along I-90 through Minnesota. Make a detour up I-35 north to Minneapolis, especially in warmer seasons and especially to see Prince’s unique home and studio, Paisley Park. You’ll find charging stations in Sioux Falls, SD and Rochester, WI, plus a host of options in Minneapolis.
Continue south on I-90 to Chicago, IL — where you can stop for a million reasons, but deep dish pizza, pro sports, Lake Michigan, the Obamas, and charging stations, including Superchargers, all over town, might be a few. Next, you’ll take I-90 east to Cleveland, OH, where the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the renowned art museum make worthy pit stops, and you can stop along the way to charge in Elkhart, IN or Perryberg, OH if you need a charge before Cleveland.
Head north along the edge of Lake Erie on I-90 to Buffalo, NY, where you can skip across the border to experience the magnificence and heavy spray of Niagara Falls. In your last stretch, drive through the glittering, romantic Finger Lakes of upstate New York, before heading into the scenic mountains of Western Massachusetts and into Boston, MA. Get your charge up along the way in Rochester, NY, Albany, NY, Springfield, MA, and Cambridge, MA — and you, my friend, will have made it across the entire country in an EV.
The Southern Route
This route starts in sunny Los Angeles, CA and takes you through the desert of the Southwest before riding along the Southern Gulf Coast and landing in Miami, FLl. To begin, take Interstate 10 East out of LA, which will quickly take you into the desert. Detour for a scramble up the boulders at Joshua Tree National Park and get your charge on at regular and Supercharger locations in the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to Indio, CA.
Continue eastward on I-10 to Tucson, AZ, where you can explore Saguaro National Park, take in a show at a restored theater, and vibe with the murals in town — plus hit-up the East Skyline Dr Supercharger or any charging stations throughout the city.
Next, take a detour on Interstate 35 North for Albuquerque and Santa Fe, NM. The beauty of the desert greenery will take your breath away so stop frequently for hikes, and in town, you’ll find a myriad of wonderful places to relax with a beverage, look at art, and eat, including lots of local green chili options and Superchargers in both cities. Make your way back down south to Roswell, NM on US-285 to get your fix of alien encounters at the International UFO Museum, and pick up a charge in Fort Stockton, TX before taking I-10E and a quick jig on US-290 east to get to Austin, TX.
Take it easy in Austin and give yourself time to catch exciting live music, BBQ and tacos, a swim, or a pair of cowboy boots. Downtown Austin is home to several chargers and a Supercharger on South Congress past the beautiful bridge. Keep on trucking down I-10E through Houston, TX, where you might pause for more BBQ (or frankly, any of the food), the iconic Space Center Houston, the James Turrell Twilight Epiphany Skyspace at Rice University, or a charge station.
Continue to take in the sights and glory of I-10E out to New Orleans, and charge up along the way in Lafayette or Baton Rouge, LA. Step out into the Big Easy for wonderful live music, a cemetery tour, or to visit the New Orleans Art Museum. Once you get your fill of the bon temps, get back on I-10 E for the home stretch to Florida. Head south on either the more coastal US-98 south to make a pit stop in St. Petersburg, FL or stick to I-75 S, and make stops in Jacksonville or Orlando, before you arrive at the sparkling beaches and endless swag of Miami, FL.
So while it may take a bit of plotting and planning, it’s not only possible to drive a Tesla, or any other EV across the country, it can be a fun adventure! Some tips to make it even better: get to know your car and the variables that can affect its mileage, from climate control to terrain, stick mostly to Interstate highways so you’ll have access to Tesla charging stations or other more powerful chargers, and get to know the cities you visit — most have options for charging at malls, grocery stores, and hotels. As EV infrastructure continues to improve, so does the experience of driving one, so if you haven’t already, prepare yourself for the future and give a Tesla a try.
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Kamala Puligandla
Kamala Puligandla is a writer, editor, and bon vivant in LA. She is the author of two books, Zigzags and You Can Vibe Me On My Femmephone, and is always on the look-out for strange stories, excellent eats, and relaxing locales.
