It seems like every day you hear more and more of how big car manufacturers are shifting their focus from ICE (Internal Combustion Engine) to EVs (Electric Vehicle). Many Americans are wary on the idea of a vehicle powered solely with batteries compared to the traditional Gas-powered Engine. How far will it go? How long does it take to charge? What is the Maintenance schedule and who can work on repairs? With the advancement in technology and American Engineering, the once futuristic idea of a Battery-powered long-range vehicle is now a reality.
In the height of the 2020 Coronavirus pandemic, I was very fortunate to be able to purchase a Tesla Model 3 Long Range. The range has almost never been an issue for me as my daily work commute averages around 50 miles. The Model Trim I purchased gets an estimated EPA range of 354 miles. During this past year of ownership, I came to realize how many friends and family members had little knowledge about EV. When asked, many guessed that EVs can travel a maximum of 100 miles before needing to recharge, which sparked an idea in me.
I’m originally from California and have lived in Minnesota for the past 4 years. This Summer (2022) I plan to embark on a 4000-mile round trip from Minnesota to California. Using Tesla’s built-in navigation, my drive was pre-planned for me with the most efficient route and charging stops. I am expecting to make 13 stops for charging in 7 different states with a total driving time of 74 hours. I’ve made this trip before with a gas-powered vehicle and plan on writing a follow-up post when my trip is to compare the experiences I have. This post will cover Fuel cost, range predictions, and my overall experience between the two. Stay tuned!
Written by Noute Lor
Noute is a Counterpoint Hardware/Software specialist at LPA Retail Systems and is a technology enthusiast. He has spent the last decade in customer support roles. He has provided IT Support for many industries including amusement parks, financial institutions and academic campuses.
