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• What's it like to drive a Tesla?

  Driving a Tesla is an exhilarating experience. While the basic driving principles remain the same as in a gas-powered car, the available torque, technology and braking methods are driving features which distinguish Tesla and other EVs.

• How does charging work? How much does it cost? Is it hard to find charging stations?

  Charging Teslas is easy. The Tesla Supercharging network has over 1400 locations in the US, including several around Charlotte. Most Tesla superchargers do charge you for charging, but this should only be approximately $5-15 depending on the amount you top up. These charges will be billed to my Tesla account directly and I'll ask for reimbursement after the trip. Superchargers are by far the fastest charging option, and should only take about 15-20 minutes on average. You can also find a J1772 adapter in the trunk that works with most third party chargers (some of these are free, some charge you but they will be cheaper than superchargers in general), as well as a Tesla Mobile Connector that allows you to plug straight into a wall outlet for the cheapest rates (but slowest charge). These options are particularly well suited for overnight charging. Superchargers and Tesla Destination chargers can be found by using the in-car navigation (there's a shortcut on the right side of the map that will find chargers for you), and third party chargers can be found via Google or sites like plugshare.com.

• How does Regenerative Braking work?

  Tesla vehicles use regenerative (regen) braking, a braking mode that increases battery charge and available drive time by automatically applying the brakes when you take your foot off the gas. Rather than rolling to a stop, the car will rapidly slow down. While this will feel different than traditional braking methods, most people adjust after just a few miles.

• Is this car good for road trips?

  Absolutely! My husband and I have taken this car on many road trips, and I find it a much more pleasurable experience than taking a road trip in a gas car. BUT...there are some important strategies to make it work for you, and it's possible to have a negative experience if you don't follow these tips: 1) Pre-plan your route, including which superchargers you plan on using •Tesla hosts a helpful tool for trip-planning here: https://www.tesla.com/trips •The in-car navigation can also be used; it will automatically route you through superchargers as needed 2) Try to use the fastest superchargers to minimize charging time •Superchargers come at different power levels, usually either 150kW or 250kW; a higher power will give you a faster charge •This can turn a 35-40 minute charge time down to 15-20 minutes 3) Keep the battery between 20-90% at all times •Draining the battery below 20% before reaching a charger can be stressful, so avoid this if possible •Charging past 90% slows the charge rate down dramatically; charging from 20% to 90% may take 15 minutes, but getting all the way to 100% might take an extra 10 minutes 4) Take advantage of Autopilot for easy driving •This feature works really well, and automates speed changes according to traffic and keeps you in your lane •PAY ATTENTION TO THE ROAD; you are still responsible for the control of the car 5) Take advantage of destination chargers at your overnight stay • Many hotels have free chargers as amenities, which can top you up in a few hours • Even just plugging into a 110v outlet at your friend's house will gain you up to 50 miles overnight If you follow these strategies, this is what your road trip will look like: • The driving cadence should be about 2-3 hours of driving followed by a 20 minute supercharge (on our most recent trip, Google Maps estimated 9hr15min to drive directly, and we did it in 10 hours flat with charging) • While supercharging, you take advantage of nearby amenities to grab a bite, use the restroom, go for a short walk and stretch, or just watch an episode of Big Bang Theory on Netflix on the touchscreen • While driving, you take advantage of the premium sound system, comfortable and spacious interior, Autopilot, and fun built-in features like Caraoke to pass the time easily • The trip will take a little longer due to charging, but you will be much more relaxed mentally and physically upon arrival • You will spend less than 1/3 of the amount you'd pay for gas You won't catch me making another road trip in a gas car, not if I can help it!