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Planning for a long road trip in a Tesla

 

Route planning

How does one create an optimal driving route that touches all 48 lower states in US, while minimizing the distance covered? This was a problem Dr Randal Olson worked on in 2015 using genetic algorithms: Computing the optimal road trip across the U.S.  In 2016, he also created the Optimal U.S. National Parks road trip. Using these blog posts as the starting point, I investigated the plethora of online resources available for route planning. I had an additional constraint of mapping the route for an electric car, my Tesla Model 3.  Charging locations are still a problem off the beaten track, away from the interstate highways, especially inside some national parks.

The resources I found most useful and ended up utilizing for my route plan:

  1. A Better Route Planner Recommends supercharger stops for route, how long to stop to charge.

  2. PlugShare - Useful to identify chargers beyond Tesla in hotels, restaurants, RV parks, etc.

  3. Tesla Supercharger Map and Tesla Go Anywhere - Tesla's route planning tools

  4. Google My Maps - Great to mapping the complete route in a single page. 

  5. Google Maps - best for detailed day-by-day itinerary. Limited to 10 stops. 

 

Electric car charging

Almost all the charging for my road trip can be done using the extensive Tesla Supercharger network. I expect this to cover over 90% of my charging. For the remaining 10% and as a backup, I plan to carry the following cables and adapters for use at other locations:

  1. Tesla to SAE J1772 adapter for use at level 2 destination chargers.

  2. The Tesla mobile connector with NEMA 5-15 adapter for 110V charging at regular outlets

  3. NEMA 14-50 220V adapter  for use at RV campgrounds 

 

Staying in touch

The primary device to stay in touch with friends and family is my mobile phone. There should be mobile network connectivity in most places along the route.  It is also my camera for photos and videos, backup navigation while driving, navigating hiking trails using the AllTrails app, counting steps each day with the iPhone Health app. 

The second device is my laptop. I plan to use it during overnight stops to upload photos, post updates on the blog, check email, browse the news, etc.


 Lastly, but most importantly, I need something when there is no cell phone network or in an emergency.  I investigated various options like a personal locator beacon (PLB) or satellite messenger or satellite phone.   REI's article, How to choose between a PLB and satellite messenger is a useful reference.  I ended up getting the Garmin InReach Mini 2 satellite messenger device.

 

Entertainment

For the long hours of driving, I have loaded up on my Spotify playlists and Audible books. I plan to explore some Podcasts as well. There is also Pandora and Slacker radio for variety. While stopped for charging there are other Tesla entertainment options available - Netflix, Caraoke, video games.

I do plan to have many hours of quiet time, enjoying the drive through beautiful surroundings.

 

References: 

  1. Checklist for your first Tesla Model 3 cross-country road trip 

  2. Travel tips for your Tesla

 

 

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