Cross Country Road Trip in an Old Tesla Model 3

A seven-year-old Tesla Model 3, with 175,359 miles on the clock, recently completed a 1,535-mile cross-country journey from Northern Utah to Northern Wisconsin. Despite a notable reduction in battery capacity—from an original EPA range of 310 miles down to around 243 miles—the vehicle proved capable of handling the long-distance trip. The owner, Arthur Frederick Hasler, noted that the effective driving range with two e-bikes mounted on the rear was closer to 100 miles due to the added aerodynamic drag, but the route was well-served by Tesla Superchargers spaced approximately 100 miles apart, allowing for manageable charging stops. The trip relied on a network of 12 Superchargers spanning Wyoming, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin, with the longest stretch between chargers being 126 miles. Hasler explained his charging strategy, which involved topping up to around 80% for typical legs and up to 90% for longer stretches, while avoiding prolonged charging times above 70% to preserve battery health. He also adjusted driving speed based on the estimated battery charge upon arrival at the next charger, sometimes reducing speed to as low as 65 mph to conserve energy, especially given the extra drag from the e-bikes. Along the route, Hasler observed the coexistence of renewable and traditional energy sources, highlighting numerous wind turbines generating clean power in several states. However, he also noted the ongoing presence of coal mining and coal-fired power plants in Wyoming, including the large Dave Johnston plant near Casper, which is undergoing a partial transition from coal to natural gas rather than full retirement. This juxtaposition underscores the complex energy landscape in the US as it moves towards cleaner sources. The journey also illustrated some practical challenges of long-distance travel in an older electric vehicle with additional cargo. For example, parking at Superchargers was sometimes awkward due to the e-bikes on the rear, and the driver had to carefully monitor wind conditions and charging infrastructure gaps. Hasler suggested that additional Superchargers along the route would ease travel further, especially to avoid slower charging phases and to provide more flexibility. Overall, the trip demonstrates that even an ageing Tesla Model 3 with significant battery degradation remains a viable option for extended road trips, provided the driver plans carefully around charging stops and adjusts driving habits to compensate for reduced range and additional load. The experience also highlights the importance of continued expansion of charging infrastructure to support electric vehicle travel in less densely populated regions.