Is the Tesla Long Range Worth It for Daily Driving and Road Trips?

Very true! I experienced this last winter. My Long Range dropped from 350 miles to about 240 in the cold. It was a real eye-opener about EVs and climate impact. Have you all adjusted your driving habits in colder months?

I agree with bmills! Planning your route around charging stations is key for road trips. On my last trip, I learned the hard way about speedy driving versus battery efficiency. Going 75 mph on the highway drained my battery much quicker than I expected.

Exactly! I’m curious, though - what do you all find is the ideal speed for maintaining a good range? I usually stick to 65-70 mph but wonder if that’s optimal.

From my experience, keeping speeds between 60-65 mph seems to yield the best efficiency on long stretches. Plus, using features like regenerative braking helps a lot when stopping in traffic or going downhill. Amazing how that works!

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I’ve had mixed experiences. Sometimes I feel the Long Range performs well for daily drives but can struggle on longer road trips, especially during peak travel times when chargers are busy. I guess planning truly is everything.

Yes! Last trip, I had to wait at a supercharger for almost 30 minutes due to long lines. Talk about frustrating! It definitely made me reconsider my travel timings.

I usually set my climate controls to a comfortable level, but it’s true that AC and heating can drain battery life. I’ve noticed preconditioning the car while it’s plugged in helps keep the range intact for the drive.

Yeah! I do that too! It’s amazing how much range you can save. Also, turning off features like seat heaters when I can adds some miles back into the battery.

Funny that you mention seat heaters. I sometimes feel like I’m playing ‘range roulette’ with all these decisions. It’s like ‘Do I need the warmth or the extra miles?’ Haha.

Haha! That’s the perfect way to describe it! It’s definitely about balancing comfort and efficiency. How do you all handle it on really cold mornings?

Reflecting on past trips, the Tesla Long Range has transformed how I view road travel. Being able to see battery usage in real time really empowers you to be more efficient behind the wheel. I appreciate that aspect the most!

Absolutely, john46! The real-time feedback on battery and range is a game changer for daily drivers. It makes you more conscious of how your actions affect the battery life. It’s super informative and helps in planning trips.

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I completely agree! It’s almost like having a personal coach for driving efficiency. It makes a significant difference when planning those longer road trips!

I’ve had my Tesla Long Range for over a year, and the charging setup is a game changer! I installed a home charger, and it’s super convenient. Just plug it in overnight and I’m good to go!

That sounds great! Do you find enough charging infrastructure when you’re out on road trips?

Absolutely! Superchargers are quite frequent on major routes which makes road trips easy. Plus, they charge pretty fast too, so I rarely wait long.

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That’s reassuring to know! What about charging at home? Is it expensive?

Charging at home is usually cheaper than gas. My electric bill went up a bit, but it’s not a huge difference. The convenience far outweighs the cost!

I’ve been considering a home setup too. Did you all have to hire an electrician for the installation?

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Yes, I had to hire one since I wanted to make sure everything was up to code. It’s worth the investment for peace of mind.