Recently completed a 10,000-mile drive across the U.S. in a Tesla Model Y, a ride filled with delight.
Janie Watkins, a member of the Tesla Model Y Facebook Owners page, recently completed a 10,000-mile solo road trip from Washington to Pennsylvania in her Tesla Model Y, providing a fantastic roadmap for anyone considering a cross-country electric vehicle (EV) journey.
The four-week adventure was filled with new experiences, as Janie visited states and places she had never seen before. Yet, her journey was not just about exploration; it was also about demonstrating that a solo female road trip in a Tesla Model Y can be a fulfilling and safe experience.
Janie's journey was supported by several practical tips that enhance comfort, efficiency, and convenience. Here are some key takeaways:
- Precondition the car while plugged in: Using the Tesla app to precondition the car before driving optimizes battery temperature and cabin comfort, saving energy during travel.
- Use Autopilot: Utilizing Autopilot on long straight highway stretches reduces driver fatigue and improves safety.
- Maintain proper tire pressure and reduce unnecessary weight: Proper tire pressure and reducing unnecessary weight help maximize range and efficiency.
- Manage aerodynamics: Keeping windows closed, lowering air suspension (if equipped), and removing roof racks when not needed can reduce drag and save energy.
- Drive smoothly: Driving with gentle acceleration and braking, utilizing regenerative braking to recapture energy, improves efficiency.
- Minimize climate control use: Minimizing the use of heating and air conditioning, or preconditioning the car while plugged in, saves energy.
- Plan charging stops strategically: Tesla Superchargers, often located near amenities like restrooms and restaurants, facilitate rest breaks and recharging.
- Use EV route planning apps: Tesla navigation or third-party apps like A Better Route Planner can optimize charging stops, avoid range anxiety, and ensure efficient routing on cross-country trips.
- Sleep comfortably inside the Model Y: Using the fold-flat rear seats and Tesla’s Camp Mode, which keeps climate control running safely and efficiently overnight, allows for comfortable sleep inside the Model Y. Bringing a mattress or sleeping pad enhances rest quality, supporting extended solo travel without needing hotels.
Slowing down from highway speeds can increase range by 10–15%, providing a simple but effective efficiency tip.
Janie's journey highlights that a long-distance Tesla Model Y road trip can be not only feasible but enjoyable, efficient, and comfortable with proper preparation and mindset. Embracing the freedom of the open road and making the most of the Model Y's capabilities enhances the road trip experience.
[1] Tesla Model Y Owners Manual [2] https://www.tesla.com/support/camp-mode [3] https://abetterrouteplanner.com/ [4] https://www.tesla.com/supercharger [5] https://www.tesla.com/support/energy-efficiency-tips
- Janie Watkins' solo cross-country trip in her Tesla Model Y showcases how technology and lifestyle can merge seamlessly, turning a long journey into a comfortable and efficient experience.
- By combining the adventure of travel with the convenience of electric vehicle technology, Janie demonstrated that a fulfilling lifestyle can be achieved while embracing the freedom of the open road.
