Tesla owners share their best tips for taking an EV on a road trip

Grace KayAug 19, 2023, 16:21 IST

Tesla owners told Insider some of the best practices for taking the EV on a road trip.Getty Images

Tesla owners and a renter described their experience taking the EV on cross-country road trips.
Some Tesla owner highlighted the benefits of taking the EV on long trips

While some EV owners have shared horror stories about taking an electric car on a road trip, some Tesla owners say those drivers probably just haven't mastered the learning curve yet.

Eight Tesla veterans and a first-time Tesla renter shared some tips on how to execute a successful EV road trip in a series of conversations with Insider — from avoiding certain routes to planning ahead and getting creative on the road.

Range anxiety and a lack of charging infrastructure are key hurdles when it comes to EV adoption, but Tesla owners say it's possible to ditch concerns about charging on the road and even lean into some of the benefits of taking an electric car across the country, including saving on gas and enjoying Tesla amenities like Autopilot. Still, some drivers say road trips in a Tesla can be a major headache.

Here's what Tesla owners say about their experiences taking the car on a long road trip.

Most people's first road trip can be anxiety-ridden, but learn to trust the car, owners said.

Tesla owners said it's common to feel anxious on your first EV road trip.George Rose/Getty Images

It's best to start out with smaller trips and stay near interstates, drivers said.

Tesla owners say don't go to a rural location on your first EV road trip.Courtesy of William Scholtz

Most Tesla owners agree the Supercharger network is a major advantage.

The Tesla Supercharger network in North America is expansive.Tesla Motors

Some Tesla owners said charging on your road trip isn't too bad if you use it as a natural break to eat lunch or stretch your legs — so long as you're at a Supercharger.

Tesla owners said Superchargers are often located near restaurants and shopping centers.George Rose/Getty Images

Some Tesla owners said charging on your road trip isn't too bad if you use it as a natural break to eat lunch or stretch your legs — so long as you're at a Supercharger.

Some Tesla owners said it's best to plan where you will charge on the trip well in advance.

Ken Vizena said he likes to plan ahead with A Better Route Planner.Courtesy of Ken Vizena

Other Tesla owners said they feel comfortable relying solely on the car's internal navigation system.

Ken Vizena took a trip from Houston to Los Angeles in his Tesla.Courtesy of Ken Vizena

Though, sometimes the internal navigation system can lead you astray, some Tesla owners said.

Ken Vizena said Tesla's internal navigation system once led him to a random turnoff with no chargers in sight.Courtesy of Ken Vizena

Some rural routes you might want to avoid altogether, some Tesla owners said.

Some Tesla owners said there are road trips they wouldn't take their EV on.Travis Woolford for LIV Sotheby’s International Realty

Even so, It's not the end of the world if you can't find a Supercharger.

Leonard Zuga said he trickle-charged along his road trip.Courtesy of Leonard Zuga

Don't be in too much of a hurry; just enjoy the journey, some Tesla owners said.

Some Tesla owners said it's important to relax and enjoy the journey.Courtesy of William Scholtz

There are also some perks to taking a Tesla on a road trip. Owners said they have fewer worries about maintenance issues on long trips.

A Tesla will never need an oil change.Hum Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

Tesla owners also enjoy not having to spend money on gas during long road trips.

Tesla owners also enjoy saving by not having to buy gas during long road trips.AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar

The car can also be ideal for camping, one owner said.

David Craig says all he needs to do is recline his seat, grab a pillow, and put the car in Camp Mode.Courtesy of David Craig

Autopilot and Tesla's Full Self-Driving beta feature are also a major plus for relaxing on the road, some drivers said.

Tesla owners said Autopilot can help relieve some of the stress of driving.Chris Walker/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

Despite the perks, some road trippers say they'd still rather stick to a traditional vehicle.

Scholtz wasn't fully sold on buying a Tesla after he rented one through Hertz for his road trip.Peter Cade/Getty Images

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Tesla owners share their best tips for taking an EV on a road trip

Most people's first road trip can be anxiety-ridden, but learn to trust the car, owners said.

It's best to start out with smaller trips and stay near interstates, drivers said.

Most Tesla owners agree the Supercharger network is a major advantage.

Some Tesla owners said charging on your road trip isn't too bad if you use it as a natural break to eat lunch or stretch your legs — so long as you're at a Supercharger.

Some Tesla owners said it's best to plan where you will charge on the trip well in advance.

Other Tesla owners said they feel comfortable relying solely on the car's internal navigation system.

Though, sometimes the internal navigation system can lead you astray, some Tesla owners said.

Some rural routes you might want to avoid altogether, some Tesla owners said.

Even so, It's not the end of the world if you can't find a Supercharger.

Don't be in too much of a hurry; just enjoy the journey, some Tesla owners said.

There are also some perks to taking a Tesla on a road trip. Owners said they have fewer worries about maintenance issues on long trips.

Tesla owners also enjoy not having to spend money on gas during long road trips.

The car can also be ideal for camping, one owner said.

Autopilot and Tesla's Full Self-Driving beta feature are also a major plus for relaxing on the road, some drivers said.

Despite the perks, some road trippers say they'd still rather stick to a traditional vehicle.