Should there be a separate section for road trips

[Rob G]

I'm thinking that we all like reading about owners taking road trips for a variety of reason, none the least of which is to learn about planning, etc. As more people are getting Lightnings delivered to them it makes me hope we will read more of those threads and perhaps consolidating them to one place would be beneficial? Anyway, just a thought.

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[Amps]

Good idea.

One of the most helpful videos and threads I've seen is of the road trip to Hilton Head. It's what I have in mind for the Lightning–regular trips with two big Labs, knowing I won't be willing to putt-putt along. They demonstrated it's possible to get decent routing, decent chargers, and decent efficiency and be normal.

 

[Rob G]

I'm taking mine from NJ to Tallahasse, FL, back to Amelia Island, FL hanging out for a bit then back to NJ. The thought was overwhelming enough that I thought about letting a friend buy my Lightning and getting a diesel F250 Tremor. . Talk about a complete difference but watching a bunch of YouTube videos and looking at plugshare made me think it won't be too bad.

It just takes some thought rather than just jumping and saying let's go.

 

[Administrator]

Good idea. Made!

 

[RickLightning]

I'm taking mine from NJ to Tallahasse, FL, back to Amelia Island, FL hanging out for a bit then back to NJ. The thought was overwhelming enough that I thought about letting a friend buy my Lightning and getting a diesel F250 Tremor. . Talk about a complete difference but watching a bunch of YouTube videos and looking at plugshare made me think it won't be too bad.

It just takes some thought rather than just jumping and saying let's go.

Use ABRP (A Better Route Planner) to plan the trip, Plugshare to check each location.

 

[greenne]

I'm taking mine from NJ to Tallahasse, FL, back to Amelia Island, FL hanging out for a bit then back to NJ. The thought was overwhelming enough that I thought about letting a friend buy my Lightning and getting a diesel F250 Tremor. . Talk about a complete difference but watching a bunch of YouTube videos and looking at plugshare made me think it won't be too bad.

It just takes some thought rather than just jumping and saying let's go.

FWIW I don't have an EV yet, but have a Lightning on order. I do travel from upstate NY to coastal NC several times a year (775mi) to visit family. After watching multiple videos, I do believe a road trip in the Lightning is completely doable. As long as you plan, you can negate most of the negatives of EV travel including charger availability and wait time(charging speed).

Just plan your food stops around EV charges. Plan other stops(if possible) with a quick top up charge--a 10-15min bathroom break, a 20min dog walk break, etc. As long as you can plan, it seems like a reasonable way to travel.

In my case I know about where I need to stop. I know the travel plazas, the gas stations, most of the eateries, etc. I tend to stop at the same places most trips in search of a clean restroom or good road food. I think for these trips with planning EVs can be the way to go.

Where people will run into problems, IMO..if if they want to pack up the kids and travel to Yellowstone. Or drive "on a whim" to visit a friend in the Rockies, etc. We're blessed with multiple chargers along the East Coast--that will only get better when/if Tesla opens up this year giving us multiple options. IN my opinion, Tesla does have better locations with respect to food stops. Wal Mart parking lots and Sheetz locations can only go so far (I'm talking to you EA!!)

 

[Rob G]

Wow, ask nicely and sometimes you’ll receive. Thanks to the mods for making this happen.

 

[Rob G]

Use ABRP (A Better Route Planner) to plan the trip, Plugshare to check each location.

I’m gonna do that and actually create a sheet from PlugShare of all the locations along the route and their capability, distances between, etc. I find PlugShare details and photos to be very helpful.

 

[RickLightning]

I’m gonna do that and actually create a sheet from PlugShare of all the locations along the route and their capability, distances between, etc. I find PlugShare details and photos to be very helpful.

Tip: ABRP allows you to create a spreadsheet extract, which you can then put on GoogleDrive, accessible by all people driving.

Tip: In the spreadsheet, put the link to the location on Plugshare because things always change. Then click on the link anytime.

Tip: Only use EA locations if at all possible. Faster, and standardized price.

 

[Rob G]

Tip: ABRP allows you to create a spreadsheet extract, which you can then put on GoogleDrive, accessible by all people driving.

Tip: In the spreadsheet, put the link to the location on Plugshare because things always change. Then click on the link anytime.

Tip: Only use EA locations if at all possible. Faster, and standardized price.

Thanks for this tip will save me a bit of work. I’d give you two likes, at least, for this time saving tip.

 

[Amps]

My broken record PSA: PlugShare works better if you leave check-ins with good as well as bad experiences. Extra credit for posting charging speed.

 

[Pioneer74]

Use ABRP (A Better Route Planner) to plan the trip, Plugshare to check each location.

I'm doing my research now for a trip in October from Toledo to Baltimore that the wife and I will be taking after we (hopefully) get our Lightning in September. Is there any benefit to ABRP Premium?

 

[Oneand0]

Great idea.

September late, Im taking a trip from Lake Tahoe to Missoula Montana. Will document.

 

[RickLightning]

I'm doing my research now for a trip in October from Toledo to Baltimore that the wife and I will be taking after we (hopefully) get our Lightning in September. Is there any benefit to ABRP Premium?

I have driven over 10,000 highway miles and never used anything but the free one, so probably not...

 

[V8BoatBuilder]

Use ABRP (A Better Route Planner) to plan the trip, Plugshare to check each location.

Thanks for the tip - just downloaded the app.

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