Is an EV the Perfect Road Trip Vehicle?
My 48-Hour Test Drive Experience
Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming increasingly popular, but are they practical for long-distance travel? I recently had the opportunity to drive a Tesla Model 3 for 48 hours and test it for a road trip to Washington state. The trip took me from Ridgefield, Washington, to Mt. Hood. There were a few excursions to the city of Portland, Oregon as well, allowing me to fully immerse myself in the world of Tesla EVs.
Here are my insights based on that experience.
What Is the Charging Process Like During a Road Trip?
Charging an EV on a road trip requires more planning than fueling a traditional gas-powered car. With the Tesla Model 3, you have a couple of charging options:
Tesla Superchargers
These are the fastest and most convenient options, charging the Model 3 from 20% to 80% in about an hour. However, even this fastest option significantly increases travel time compared to a quick gas fill-up. It's essential to factor in these charging stops when planning your itinerary.
Public Charging Stations
If Superchargers aren't available, you can use standard public charging stations. These chargers are much slower, often taking up to six hours for a full charge. This method is more suitable for overnight stops where you can leave the car charging while you rest.
During my 48-hour test, I found that planning around charging times was necessary. For example, scheduling meal breaks or work sessions during Supercharger stops can make the waiting period more productive and less of a hassle.
Verdict - Stick to Gas
Unfortunately, charging was one of my biggest hurdles throughout my trip. Charging will easily add more time to road trips, with proper planning to find Superchargers along the route a necessity. With the quickest option being an hour to fully charge your vehicle, I don’t think the juice is worth the squeeze.
How Easy Is It to Find Charging Stations on a Road Trip?
Finding charging stations largely depends on your route and destination. Tesla has an extensive and growing network of Superchargers, especially along major highways and in urban areas, making it relatively easy to find charging points during typical routes.
However, charging stations can be sparse in more remote or rural areas. This scarcity may force you to take less direct routes to ensure access to charging facilities, potentially adding significant time and distance to your trip.
Tesla’s in-car navigation system helps by mapping out routes with available Superchargers and estimating charging times, which is incredibly helpful for trip planning. Nonetheless, it's wise to research and plan your charging stops ahead of time, considering alternative options and backup plans in case a station is busy or out of service.
Verdict - Stick to Gas
While Tesla's charging network is robust, availability varies by location. Careful route planning is essential to ensure smooth and stress-free travel. You could manage it in more populated areas, but driving miles through remote wilderness will likely become a headache. I have to give this round to gas-powered vehicles.
How Does the Range of the Tesla Model 3 Hold Up on Longer Drives?
The Tesla Model 3's range depends on the specific model and driving conditions. The standard range is approximately 250 to 350 miles on a full charge under optimal conditions. In my case, the vehicle I rented had a range of about 206 miles at full charge.
Like gas-powered vehicles, this will change with higher speeds and driving habits. Planning for these variables is important. It's advisable to keep some buffer in your range estimation to avoid running low on charge in areas without immediate access to charging stations.
During my experience, I could usually drive back and forth between Portland, OR, and Ridgefield, WA, before getting to about a quarter of a charge on the battery. It is not horrible when I compare it to my gas-powered vehicle, but I drive a Jeep Wrangler, which is not known for its fuel efficiency.
Verdict - It’s a Draw
The Model 3 offers a decent range for moderate distances, but long road trips require frequent charging stops and careful monitoring of battery usage. Getting a vehicle with a higher range could remedy this. So, I will say this round is a tie.
What Are the In-Car Technology and Features Like on a Road Trip?
The Tesla Model 3 is packed with advanced technology that enhances the road trip experience significantly:
Central Touchscreen Display: This serves as the command center for the vehicle, controlling everything from navigation to entertainment. The built-in navigation system is intuitive and integrates Supercharger locations seamlessly, assisting in efficient route planning.
Autopilot: While I did not use this feature, which is unavailable on all vehicles, Tesla's driver-assistance feature can take over steering, acceleration, and braking under certain conditions. While it doesn't replace attentive driving, it can reduce fatigue during long stretches.
Entertainment Options: While charging, you can access streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Spotify directly from the car’s display, making waiting periods more enjoyable.
Mobile App Integration: The Tesla app allows you to monitor charging progress, pre-condition the cabin temperature, and even use your phone as a key, adding convenience throughout your trip.
Safety Features: Real-time monitoring of surroundings, collision warnings, and adaptive cruise control contribute to a safer driving experience.
Verdict - The Tesla is Victorious
Tesla's technology offerings make long drives more comfortable, entertaining, and convenient, turning charging stops into opportunities for relaxation and productivity. While it is not the end-all-be-all, these creature comforts do enhance the overall road trip.
Is an Electic Car a Good Choice for a Road Trip?
Electric vehicles can be a great companion if you're not in a rush and enjoy planning your journey with scheduled breaks. The driving experience is enjoyable, and charging stops can be used to rest, eat, or explore. There is a growing community of electric vehicle drivers, and the Tesla charging stations can be a place for this community to congregate while re-charging. But for the most part, I cannot recommend taking an electric vehicle as the primary road trip vehicle.
Covering long distances can be a hassle. Charging adds an additional layer of complexity you just don’t have with traditional gas-powered vehicles. Your trip time will likely be extended, and you will be routed to areas where charging is available. What comes across as a benefit at first will likely lead you away from remote, scenic areas.
Personally, I do not think those trade-offs are worthwhile.
Conclusion
After my 48-hour test drive, I found that while the Tesla Model 3 offers an impressive and enjoyable driving experience, its practicality for road trips hinges on your willingness to adapt to its charging needs and plan accordingly. It's excellent for daily commuting and shorter trips. For long-distance travel, it's viable but requires more effort and flexibility than a traditional gas vehicle.
Driving the Tesla Model 3 was an eye-opening experience that showcased the potential and current limitations of electric vehicles for road trips. With proper planning and the right mindset, taking an EV on a long journey can be a rewarding experience that combines comfort, performance, and sustainability.
