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1246 Mile Roadtrip up and down California w/non-stock setup

derelict

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I wanted to share this because I think it is a unique data point for some. I have 2023 XLT ER with a 2.6 inch level running 305/55R20 Falken Wildpeaks on 20x9 Venomrex wheels. When I moved to this setup from my previous (295/60R20 on 20x9 Fuel Rebels) I thought I would gain some efficiency because of the lower weight of the combo. That assumption was wrong, I found that it was actually a little less efficient, I chalk that up to the wider tire which has more rolling resistance and also the wider poke which I believe causes some increased air drag.

Anyway, this is my 3rd EV, but I have always avoided long trips with my EV because I have read the horror stories of long queues for CCS L3 chargers, chargers not working, etc... I just didn't want to do that with the family in tow. But this trip I was doing solo so I thought this would be a great opportunity to learn without upsetting my wife in the process :teehee:.

I started with a 100% charge and left my home in North OC. Had to stop by East LA to drop something off then headed over the grapvine. Got to the Tejon Outlets at 41% and plugged in the Tesla chargers there. Effeciency was about 1.6M/k at that time. I should have charged to 80% but only charged to 70%. Figured I would get to Kettleman City and grab something to eat. Well running at a sustained 80MPH was getting me between 1.1m/k and went as low as 0.9m/k because there were extremely strong headwinds. I was amazed at how much the efficiency dropped with the wind. I was worried I wouldn't actually make it to KC so I topped off at Buttonwillow and then used the Tesla chargers by Bravoland. Next stopped at Santa Nella and used the Tesla chargers at the hotel there. Had a beer in the hotel bar then continued on my way to Oakland. Got there with ~ 20%. I found my average was 1.2 to 1.3 M/K without the wind while going 75-80Mph. So a total of 4 stops to charge and about 9 hours travel time. In my younger years I used to do that trip in about 6-7 hours with one stop to gas up, grab in-n-out and eat in the car while driving. What I found is that I needed to charge approximately every 100 miles.
The paranoia in me didn't want to get below 10% because I have read stories about sudden drops in that range. And if you charge above 80% the charging speed slows down. So I am looking at 100 miles for 70% of my (ER) battery with this setup. Also, traveling in the middle of the day, charging is more expensive (even with the Tesla subscription) so it wasn't super cost effective. But I also realized that as I am now older, my body appreciated (or demanded) more bathroom breaks.

Anyway, I went up to Sacramento, Could not charge at some magicdock chargers (I saw a thread on this in the charging section). I have personally been unable to charge at 3 different magicdock locations. Not a show stopper but thank God I did not run it down close to 0%.

All said and done the final efficiency for the trip was 1.5M/K but freeway efficiency was more like 1.2-1.3M/k. My overall feeling is that if you are not in a hurry, it's nice to take a break every 1.5-2 hours and charge and relax. But I prefer to fly instead of make that drive anyway :crackup:
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RickLightning

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Your efficiency was impacted heavily by driving 80mph. Then add in your lift and massive tires, and there you have it.

On a trip driving mid 70s, I average 1.8 or so.
 

Kit2874

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Yep speed kills (MPG and or KwH)
Going (70 mph to 73ish) speed limit here and neighboring states 70mph I get around 1.9 going from Southern Mississippi to Northern Alabama 390 miles one way if I do 68 mph I can get 2ish
 

pullinggs

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I'm a slow poke... I see about 1.9-2.1 when I'm tootling along at 65-ish. Hills, wind, rain, and cold will all lower that. If you're locked in to driving at 80 MPH, then you're going to be stopping. A lot.
 
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derelict

derelict

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Here is SoCal we have so much traffic that when the roads will allow it, we can't help but to drive it like we stole it...
 

Kit2874

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Here is SoCal we have so much traffic that when the roads will allow it, we can't help but to drive it like we stole it...
Yes and no. I mean, it's not that bad.
Minus the big cities...

LA Metro Traffic can be a pain in the ass during rush hour times. No worse than Dallas or Houston. Jesus, I hate Houston.

Otr truck driver That spends too much time going up and down the I-5.
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