biers
Well-known member
- First Name
- Thomas
- Joined
- May 21, 2021
- Threads
- 10
- Messages
- 244
- Reaction score
- 357
- Location
- SW Washington
- Vehicles
- eGolf
I’m with you. SR Pro is great for road trips. Perfect cadence of 2 hours driving 30 min charging (assuming available full speed working charger). Just did 400 miles Portland to Shasta. First stretch was 198 miles, second 150 up to 3,000 feet then the last stretch of 50 to 4k feet. Truck did awesome.I just finished my SIXTH 1500+ mile trip of the year in my 2023 Pro SR. Almost all of those miles were on interstate highways. Except for my interactions with Electrify America charging stations - which are next to worthless and are becoming rip-offs - I’ve loved every quiet, smooth and sure-footed mile.
Let me apologize in advance if this comment is snide and dismissive, but I really don’t understand the mindset and driving method of the OP. The way he approaches long trips deliberately sets up the Lightning SR for failure (or at least disappointment).
I usually drive 130 to 165 mile legs on long trips because I don’t want to sit for more than 2 or 2.5 hours without a break. I find that range is EASILY achievable by assuming a usable SOC of 10% to 85%. I keep my speed between 67 and 72 mph unless there are favorable factors such as a downhill, tailwind or high altitude (6500+ feet). When I make a stop, I immediately put the truck on the charger, then use the restroom, get coffee or other drink, and sometimes a bite to eat. Add in the inevitable conversation with either another EV owner or a curious ICE driver, and it is time to unplug and get back on the road.
Since my trips are not short 400 or 500 mile hops, I also take advantage of hotels that offer overnight and often free L2 charging. I’ll usually let the Lightning go to 100% so I have some extra range to start the day. Pro Tip: get yourself an 80 amp Tesla to J1772 adapter; it will significantly increase the number of properties where you can charge (and Tesla destination chargers are often faster than the usual 6.6 kW L2s).
Look, if you’re going to treat every highway trip as a Cannonball Run, you’re just setting yourself and the truck up for failure. Traveling long distances in an EV today becomes a vastly more pleasant experience if you adapt your driving style to the realities of both the vehicle and the charging landscape.
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