My First Long Road Trip in a Tesla: What Worked, What Didn't, and What I'd Do Differently

What Worked Surprisingly Well

Supercharging Was Seamless (Almost Too Easy)

This was my biggest worry going in. Would I find chargers easily? Would they be working? Would I have to wait?

But Tesla's Supercharger network is the real deal. Every time I rolled up, the car had preconditioned the battery, the charging speed was fast, and the process took zero thought... just plug in and walk away.

Even better: the car told me exactly when and where to stop, how long to charge, and how much range I'd have when I arrived.

Autopilot Took the Edge Off Long Driving Days

I was surprised at how much Autopilot reduced driver fatigue. I still had to pay attention and keep my hand on the wheel, but being able to let the car handle speed and lane centering for long stretches really made a difference... especially on straight highways.

I stayed more alert, less tense, and felt better at the end of each driving day.

Navigation and Range Estimates Were Incredibly Accurate

Tesla's built-in trip planner was eerily accurate in terms of projected battery percentage at arrival. Even when driving through elevation changes or wind, it adjusted in real time and always kept me informed.

It's like having a co-pilot that's obsessed with efficiency.

Ride Quality and Cabin Comfort Impressed Everyone

My passengers (including one very opinionated relative) all commented on how quiet and comfortable the ride was. The large glass roof, soft seats, and absence of engine noise made the trip feel smooth and relaxing.

I'd argue that it's almost a better cabin experience than the luxury SUVs I've driven.

The Mobile App Was Incredibly Handy on the Road

Being able to precondition the cabin before getting back in, unlock the car remotely, or monitor charging status from the app was a lifesaver, especially when grabbing food during a charge.

It made everything feel more connected and convenient.

What I'd Do Differently Next Time

What Didn't Work (or Was More Frustrating Than Expected)

Final Thoughts: Road Tripping in a Tesla Is 100% Doable. Just Plan Smart

I'll be honest... I expected more friction. More stress. More "Uh oh" moments.

But instead, what I got was a smooth, quiet, and surprisingly enjoyable travel experience that made me appreciate my Tesla even more.

Yes, you'll need to plan a bit. Yes, you'll want to prep a little smarter than with a gas car. But with the right mindset (and a few power accessories), Tesla road trips are not just possible... they're awesome.

Next time? I'm going farther.

There's something a little intimidating about taking your first real road trip in an electric vehicle... especially a Tesla.

I'd done plenty of local drives, weekend getaways, and daily commutes in my Model Y. But this was different: a multi-state, 1,200+ mile round trip with passengers, luggage, unpredictable weather, and no gas stations as a fallback.

I read the threads. Watched the YouTube videos. Played with the trip planner.

Still, the questions lingered:

• Would I constantly be worrying about range?

• What if a charger was full, or didn't work?

• Would my passengers complain about long charging stops?

Spoiler alert: The trip went great... but it wasn't perfect. So here's my honest breakdown of what worked, what didn't, and what I'll do differently next time.

Confirm Hotel Chargers and Bring Backup Adapters

Now I call the hotel directly and ask:

• Is the charger free or paid?

• Is it Tesla-compatible or J1772 only?

• Is it first come, first served?

• Can I access it overnight without valet?

I also bought CCS and J1772 adapters just in case.

Plan Charging Stops Around Meals, Not Just Necessity

Instead of treating charging stops like a chore, I now use them to eat, stretch, and relax. It feels less like waiting and more like a natural part of the trip.

Bring a Mobile Charger and Extension Cord

There was one night when I stayed with friends in a rural area and didn't have charging access. I now keep my Tesla mobile charging cable and an extension cord in the frunk just in case.

It's not fast charging, but it's enough to get by when options are limited.

Add a Few Passenger Comfort Extras

After some mild complaints, I now bring:

• Neck pillows

• A small cooler

• Extra phone chargers and USB-C hubs

• Offline Spotify playlists (cell service isn't always great)

Charger Availability in Rural Areas Still Has Gaps

While most of the trip was covered, there were a few areas where I had to detour 20–30 minutes to reach a Supercharger. In remote regions, charging options were thin, and I learned quickly that not all "destination chargers" listed online are reliable.

Busy Superchargers Can Mean Unexpected Waits

In one city, I pulled into a Supercharger only to find eight Teslas already lined up. It was Friday at 5pm, and everyone had the same idea.

To be fair, I only had to wait about 15 minutes, but it added stress and messed with our schedule a bit.

Hotel Charging Was Hit or Miss

A couple of the hotels I called claimed to have EV charging, but couldn't specify if it was Tesla-compatible, functioning, or even accessible to guests.

One hotel had a charger, but it was in valet-only parking and locked at night. Lesson learned: Always call ahead, confirm the details, and ask if you'll need your own adapter.

Cold Weather and Hills Impacted Range More Than I Expected

Driving through some mountainous areas in chilly temps, I noticed faster battery drain, even with conservative driving.

Tesla accounted for it in the estimates, but I still felt a little anxious when the battery dipped faster than expected. Cabin heating is another big factor; preheating while plugged in helped.

Storage Space Was Tight with Passengers and Gear

While the Model Y is roomy compared to a Model 3, packing for four people plus road trip extras really tested the limits.

I had to get creative using the frunk, sub-trunk, and floor space. A roof box might be in my future for the next long trip.