And it has been at least since 2016 when I first discovered Tesla and bought my first Model S. Subsequently sold both my Porsche and Mercedes and will never go back to ICE.
A Friend of mine has a Model 3 and a Mach E, they love them both. But on their recent road trip (that that did multiple times with the model 3 without any issues) they took the Mach E and had a terrible charging experience, whether speed issues, app issues, availability or broken…
My parents leased a GM EV. They spent 3 hours trying to find a working charger for the first time. They went to a tesla charging station and were amazed they said you just pulled up back in, plugged in, and walked away in less than a min.
@elonmusk Absolutely agree, Gail! The Tesla Supercharger network is perfect ☄️ honestly, it’s what gave me the confidence to switch to an EV in the first place. I love how I can just use the Trip Planner, and it maps out all the stops for me, down to how long I need to charge.…
Thanks to Tesla Charging team rural areas are staying charged
Yea I agree. I’ve been a part of the Tesla owner community for about 4 years now and I’ve watched how dense many locales within the US has become with Superchargers. On a recent road trip through the states there’s an abundance of Superchargers, even throughout rural areas… I’m…
Supercharging so good, some owners don’t even think twice about it
It was a priority for me when I purchased my first Tesla 6 years ago, now it’s all about FSD since I realize charging locally and on trips is a non issue for Teslas
Kilowatt-hours (kWh) provide a consistent way to understand and compare energy usage across various devices and appliances, including your Tesla or other EV. Understanding kW/h helps you understand EV cost better, as it relates to all forms of charging.
A Universal Practice
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of electrical energy, measuring the amount of electricity consumed over one hour at a constant rate of one kilowatt (1 kW). This practice of measuring electricity in kilowatt-hours is widely accepted and used in many countries on Earth. Specific terms and pricing structures for electricity do vary, and the fundamental unit of measurement, the kilowatt-hour (kWh), remains a universal standard for understanding and managing electrical energy consumption.
Why Measured Per Hour?
KWh is measured per hour to quantify the total energy used over that time frame, similar to how you measure how quickly water flows from a faucet or how fast your car consumes gasoline. This standardized approach ensures consistency and uniformity in assessing electricity usage.
Comparison to Water
To help myself understand it better, I compared it to my water bill. My water meter measures how many gallons of water I use, and I pay based on the volume I consume. Kilowatt-hours (kWh) are similar but for electricity. They measure how much electrical “energy” is used, and my bill is based on the amount of energy consumed. Just as you pay for the water that flows through your pipes, you pay for the electricity that flows through your wires. Whether it’s water or electricity, the more you use, the higher your bill. And, like water, the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) can vary depending on where you live or where you charge your EV. Having solar and power walls to charge your EV is like having a natural spring nearby. Your water well, pump, and filters that you invest in save you money from having your water delivered by a water-tank truck.
My Thoughts
I pay attention to how electricity prices change, always looking for the best rates per kWh to charge my Tesla Model Y via the Tesla App. Understanding kilowatt-hours (kWh) allows me to plan my charging more efficiently. During road trips, I also consider the cost per kWh at each Tesla Supercharger I encounter because these prices can vary due to multiple factors. On my recent road trip to San Antonio, where I visited Six Flags, I managed entire drive without needing to charge while on the road. The night before the journey, I charged my vehicle to 100%, providing a range of over 300 miles, which was more than enough for a round trip from near Leander to Six Flags Fiesta. To conserve energy, I disabled both Sentry Mode and Cabin Overheat Protection. When I returned home, I still had 20% of the battery charged. It’s all about making informed energy choices and optimizing efficiency.
Image Courtesy Zach on X @blkmdl3
Informative article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly. Have a wonderful day and may you take many happy road trips in your Tesla.
(Austin, Texas) In October 2008, Elon Musk became CEO of Tesla and on June 29, 2010, Tesla made history by going public at a share price of $17. This move not only garnered attention from investors but also served as a turning point for the company’s growth trajectory.
Let’s look at some major milestones in the history of Tesla. I’ll share my insight on what I think are the next big things for Tesla.
“The smartest money in the world is betting on Tesla. They must have a reason for doing so.” – Elon Musk, Tesla IPO day (2010)
Elon Musk is a wonderful Technoking of Tesla!
He’s optimistic, takes action daily to make the future good and lives with a sense of urgency. This sense of urgency was evident on one occasion when I had the rare opportunity to speak with him at Giga Texas in August 2022.
I can tell you that after meeting Elon Musk, what he shares on Twitter is essentially the same as what he talks about in person. He spoke about how important it is to get Starship into orbit and how important solving autonomy is. He is a highly technical and brilliant engineer.
“But I think what a lot of people don’t realize, is what I do 80% of the time in engineering. You know it’s actually quite rare for me to give a talk. My day-to-day work at SpaceX and Tesla is almost entirely engineering and design and also production. Production is key, although I consider that to be part of engineering.” – Elon Musk, Baron Conference ‘22
Battery Technology Advancements
Tesla’s expertise in battery technology has been a game-changer in the world of electric vehicles and energy storage. The company’s relentless focus on research and development has yielded remarkable results, with continuous improvements in battery efficiency, energy density, and longevity. I own a Model Y and never worry about the battery. Tesla’s software does the job of keeping the battery healthy by preconditioning it as I drive towards a Supercharger, or cooling it depending on hot weather, and making sure it conserves energy in a pinch.
Introduction of the Tesla Model S in 2012
I was very excited to see the Model S in Austin in 2012 and go on a test drive soon after! What an exciting time it was! The Model S showcased Tesla’s ability to create an electric vehicle that not only rivaled but surpassed its combustion-engine counterparts. With groundbreaking aerodynamics, innovative powertrain design, and advanced thermal management, the S demonstrated that electric cars could offer exhilarating acceleration, exceptional range, and luxurious comfort.
Recognizing The Importance Of A Robust Charging Infrastructure For All EVs
Tesla pioneered the development of the Supercharger network. These high-power charging stations, strategically placed along popular travel routes, offer Tesla owners and now other EVs a convenient and efficient way to recharge their vehicles, reducing range anxiety and promoting long-distance travel. The deployment of V3 Superchargers, capable of delivering up to 250 kW of power, further solidifies Tesla’s commitment to fast and seamless charging experiences.
Autopilot and Full Self-Driving Capabilities
Tesla’s advancements in autonomous driving have been a focal point of the industry and my personal favorite feature of my beautiful Model Y. I use Tesla FSD beta for 90% of my driving. Through a combination of hardware and software innovations, including the neural network-based perception systems, and machine learning algorithms, Tesla has made significant strides towards achieving full self-driving capabilities. The Autopilot feature, which comes with every vehicle at no extra cost, has revolutionized the driving experience, paving the way for a future with safer and more efficient transportation including future Robotaxis.
Gigafactories
Tesla’s relentless pursuit of scalability led to the establishment of Gigafactories, massive production facilities designed to manufacture big batteries, electric drivetrains, and vehicles on an unprecedented scale. These state-of-the-art factories, strategically located around the globe, optimize production processes, reduce costs, and accelerate the adoption of sustainable transportation on a global scale. At least three of Tesla’s gigafactories are expanding in size as you are reading this article! This includes Gigafactory Nevada, Giga Berlin, and Giga Shanghai. I am familiar with Gigafactory New York, and Lathrop’s Megafactory for big batteries.
Under the big, blue Texas sky is Giga Texas, an achievement that inspires and produces a sense of awe. The gigafactory can be seen from space as it is huge, with solar panels on the roof that spell out “Tesla.” The gigafactory and its surroundings buzz with activity and even driving near it fills you with exhilaration knowing this is the home of both Model Y and Cybertruck!
“Giga Texas is a $10B+ investment over time, generating at least 20k direct & 100k indirect jobs” – Elon Musk on Twitter
What is Next for Tesla?
This is not a full list, and there are likely many plans Tesla has which we do not know about. But here’s a few to get you excited!
Giga Mexico will build a next-gen (more affordable) vehicle. The gigafactory will likely attract the best of Mexico’s talent in automotive.
Tesla Lithium Refinery in Texas is being built and will strengthen the reliability and reduce the cost of Tesla’s batteries. The factory will bring needed jobs to the Corpus Christi area.
Production will scale for Cybertruck and Semi. The roads will change, bringing the future to the present. Tesla will hold a Cybertruck Event!
The delightful and reliable Optimus Bot will charm both owners and co-workers!
More Stores, Galleries and ServiceCenters will be opened.
Supercharging will expand and so will Destination and Home charging.
Tesla Electric will expand Virtual Power Plants and, working with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) it will make sure all VPPs across the USA and Puerto Rico prove they can respond reliably and faster than traditional natural gas or oil power plants.
For more, study Tesla Masterplan Part 3, a framework that lays the foundation for a sustainable economy that will result in less mining and/or extraction than is currently done. People often worry about “rare earths.” In reality, zero rare earths are needed for the transition to sustainable energy. Have a great day and thank you for supporting my independent journalism!
Article written with pleasure by Gail aAfar, please credit accordingly. All images in article are Courtesy Tesla, Inc.
(Austin, Texas) In a significant move towards accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles and supporting sustainable transportation, Tesla and Ford have announced a strategic partnership.
Elon Musk shared his vision for the Tesla Supercharger Network on a live Twitter Space.
Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) has been described as an easily adoptable interface, positioning it as a potential public standard. This article looks at the details of this collaboration, highlighting Elon Musk’s statements and Tesla’s perspective on the NACS.
TESLA’S COMMITMENT TO COLLABORATION AND EQUAL FOOTING AT SUPERCHARGERS
Jim Farley announced that,
“In early 2024 all Ford EV existing and future customers will have access to 12,000 Tesla high speed Superchargers across the USA.”
Farley also said one year later, Ford EVs will have the North American Charging Standard (NACS) interface.
Ford has been working with the Tesla team and Farley thanked Elon for that.
EARLY NEXT YEAR YOU’LL SEE FORD’S EVS CHARGING ALONGSIDE TESLA VEHICLES
During the discussion with Jim Farley, CEO of Ford, on the Twitter Space, Elon spoke regarding the Tesla Supercharger Network. Elon emphasized,
“We don’t want the Tesla Supercharger Network to be like a walled garden, we want it to be something that is supportive of electrification and sustainable transport in general.”
Elon expressed appreciation for Ford’s interest in partnering with Tesla on this front and affirmed the Tesla team’s intention to provide full support to Ford, ensuring that they are on equal footing at Tesla Superchargers.
I can personally attest that in Texas there is plenty of room for more vehicles to charge at Buc-ee’s locations!
NACS: A STRAIGHTFORWARD AND POTENTIALLY PUBLIC STANDARD
Tesla’s North American Charging Standard (NACS) has gained attention for its flexibility and compatibility. Described as a purely electrical and mechanical interface, NACS remains agnostic to use case and communication protocol.
This versatility makes it straightforward to adopt across different EV models. Notably, Tesla has made the design and specification files of the NACS available for download, actively engaging with relevant standards bodies to establish its charging connector as a potential public standard.
This move reflects Tesla’s outstanding commitment to promoting interoperability and widespread adoption of charging infrastructure.
Is the Tesla-Ford Partnership Revolutionizing EV Adoption and Sustainable Transport?
Yes! The partnership between Tesla and Ford signifies a huge stride towards accelerating EV adoption and promoting sustainable transport.
Living in Texas, where pick-up trucks dominate the roads, I have firsthand experience that highlights the pressing need to accelerate the adoption of EVs. I drive across Austin daily, and am surrounded by combustion engine cars and pick-up trucks. Texas is known as Truck Country by some.
I can’t help but reflect on the tremendous work required to transition to a more sustainable transportation system. In light of this, the announcement of the partnership between Tesla and Ford struck me as a brilliant move.
From my perspective, Tesla, with its exceptional engineering talent, is demonstrating philanthropy by sharing its expertise to support Ford and advance the cause of electrification.
Tesla’s NACS offers a straightforward and potentially public standard that fosters compatibility and interoperability among different charging connectors. As these initiatives unfold, the future of electric mobility becomes increasingly promising, with shared efforts aimed at building a beautiful, greener and more sustainable economy.
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Article by Gail Alfar, please credit accordingly. Images Courtesy Tesla, Inc. and Ford, Inc.
Electric vehicles need to stay charged, and Tesla is making sure they do! Tesla is working to ensure that cars, the Semi, future Cybertrucks, and even non-Teslas stay charged. This article celebrates the progress Tesla is making and also looks ahead to where Tesla Supercharging is headed.
INCREDIBLE PROGRESS IN CALIFORNIA, TEXAS AND WORLDWIDE
In California in 2022 an astonishing 49 Superchargers were built from January to December. This amounts to an incredible 639 new supercharger stalls! (see Tesla Charging) Most recently another Supercharger station went live on December 8 in Visalia.
In Texas, 23 new Supercharger stations were added in less than 6 months from June to Dec 8, 2022, adding 284 more V3 Supercharger stalls!
Dallas-Fort Worth and metro areas are offering more options for charging than ever before. New Supercharging stalls have been added in McKinney, Allen, Addison, Ennis, Plano and in Dallas to already existing Superchargers for a total of 14 around the area! But the real surprise is how many more are slated to open in the Dallas-Fort Worth area! 11 more supercharging stations, reaching from Arlington to Plano to Frisco and Denton will be opening in 2023.
Dallas-Fort Worth and the metropolitan area have the largest population (second to Houston) in the state of Texas.
Newly opened Superchargers in Allen, Texas. Photo Courtesy Vi Gold.
My hometown of Austin and its surrounding metropolitan areas all the way from near San Antonio up to Waco have seen tremendous Supercharger growth. If you travel between San Antonio and Georgetown, Texas, there are 17 supercharger stations available with an 18th planned to open in Q2 2023 in Georgetown.
Tesla is adding Superchargers all across the USA. California may welcome one of the largest Supercharger stations ever in Coalinga with 164 stalls, according to Tesla filings cited by Drive Tesla Canada.
This map by Tesla gets updated every day and gives you an idea of the many V3 and V2 fast charging stations in the USA. For the latest locations, see Tesla | Charging.
MAKING SUPERCHARGING A PLEASANT EXPERIENCE
Occasionally, Tesla mobile tire service visits superchargers to offer free air/tire checks. Zach from Twitter encountered this recently. “Super nice technicians going around asking people if they want their tires filled while they charge.”
Tesla Mobile Tire Service at Rancho Cucamonga, California Superchargers filling up customers’ tires with air. Photo Courtesy Zach BLKMDL3.
Some Superchargers like Kettleman City, California, serve beverages, provide restrooms and even offer limited merch for sale. My take is that as people need to Supercharge more, Tesla may offer conveniences like this in other locations.
FUTURE GROWTH: CHARGING SEMI, CYBERTRUCK, AND NON-TESLAS
Dan Priestley, Sr. manager of Semi truck engineering, spoke at the Tesla Semi delivery event, saying that in 2023 chargers that will support both the Semi and the Cybertruck will be coming to already existing superchargers. Tesla has built Superchargers at Buc-ee’s in over 26 stores in 7 states and can be expected to expand rapidly. These and more may become places where you’ll see Cybertrucks charging. If you plan to buy a Cybertruck, this is welcome news!
Tesla plans to grow Superchargers to allow non-Teslas room to charge. Don’t be surprised if you supercharge alongside a Rivian or a Ford Lightening pickup truck next year!
From California to Maine and all around the world, there are more Superchargers being installed every day. You can make requests for your area directly to Tesla. Tesla says, “Vote on Tesla’s next Supercharger site. Every 3-month voting cycle, you can cast multiple votes to help us decide on new Supercharger locations. Cast a total of 5 votes (1 per location) for proposed Supercharger sites.”
My take is that it’s so much easier to build Tesla supercharger stations than any other type of charging infrastructure. And much much easier than building petroleum stations!
Incredible progress and expansion of superchargers is taking place worldwide, I gave specific examples of this happening in Texas and California.
Tesla works to make supercharging a great experience. Tesla mobile tire service offered customers tire air checks at one Supercharging station, and KettlemanCity offers customers a lounge, restrooms, beverages, and even merch for sale!
Tesla plans to grow superchargers to allow non-Tesla’s room to charge as well. Don’t be surprised if you go to charge your Tesla next year and pull up next to a Ford Lightning or a Rivian pick up truck.
2023 will be an incredible year as megachargers will be built to support both the Semi and the Cybertruck.
Don’t worry if there’s not a Tesla Supercharger location right near you, just vote on it, at Tesla Supercharger Voting. You can vote for five locations!
Photo of downtown Austin by Spencer Davis on Unsplash
Gail Alfar, author. Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – December 11, 2022. All Rights Reserved. My goal as an author is to support Tesla and Elon Musk in both making life better on earth for humans and becoming a space-fairing civilization. Header image Courtesy Bennett on Twitter.
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I’m planning a little Telsa summer travel trip to the Texas Hill Country. I hope the ideas I share will be helpful to you when you plan your trip. So relax, imagine where you might drive to, grab an ice-cold Southern Sweet Tea, and enjoy!
On the road again in a Tesla [credit: K. Paquette]
Maximum Comfort
I love tinted windows and window sunshades. Tesla Fixed Glass Roof Sunshades work great in the summer to keep the car cool and block bright light when you want to rest or watch a movie during Supercharging.
When Supercharging, it is also great to get out of the car and check out the area, eat, and use the restrooms. Most Supercharging locations in rural Texas and elsewhere are near conveniences such as restaurants and bathrooms. At the Superchargers in Three Rivers, Texas, the Love’s Travel Stop welcomes Tesla owners by placing windshield cleaning buckets and squeegees by the Superchargers and providing clean bathrooms for free.
In some rare cases, you may need to be prepared to kindly ask to use the bathroom or buy something first. In one rural town, for example, I was happy to buy a fresh cookie to get the bathroom key.
Tesla Car Camping
If you plan to car camp in your Tesla, many RV parks offer nice bathrooms, showers, a dog park, a swimming pool, and washers & dryers. Bason RV Resorts in Belton, Texas warmly welcomes Tesla owners, and that wasn’t always the case because most patrons arrive with an RV. Be sure to have a discussion with the RV Resort you want to stay at first, you may be the first Tesla owner to stay there without an RV. A little kindness can go a long way, creating a great experience for you and future travelers.
With advance planning, you can also make a reservation for a spot with an electric hookup at a State Park. (They are often booked a year in advance).
Tesla explains the “Camp mode” setting,
Camp allows you to power electronics through the USB ports and low voltage outlet in addition to maintaining the cabin temperature.
The touchscreen remains on so you can play music, browse the internet, play games in the arcade, or watch shows in Tesla Theater.
You can also control media and climate settings from a paired phone.
Camp is ideal for remaining inside your vehicle, such as camping or staying with a child.
While active, Sentry Mode and the vehicle alarm system are disabled.
You can also control Camp from the mobile app, by swiping up from the gray bar on the Climate screen.
Staying Charged
Tesla provides an automatic navigation route that works very well. Tesla Superchargers are plentiful, and you can travel anywhere in the USA.
“PlugShare” App helps find hotels with destination charging. This app allows people to leave helpful comments, like the condition of the chargers and if they work.
Tesla NEMA 14-50 adapter can allow you to wander far away from the supercharger network without much range anxiety because the adapter turns most RV park spaces into a charger. At about 28 miles of charge an hour, you can sleep and wake up to a full charge.
Catching sunrise on a cross-country trip [credit: K. Paquette]
Tesla’s Official Website Has Important Summer Driving Tips
Climate Control Features, Accessories, and Tires are all critical factors when traveling in your Tesla in hot weather. Be sure to check out Tesla’s Support page titled “Summer Driving Tips.“
I recommend traveling in your Tesla. I think that travel is one of the best investments a person can make in their lifetime. I think it enriches the soul. You cannot take material things with you when you pass away, but it may be possible to take an enriched soul with you. I love this quote from Mark Twain,
“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” – Mark Twain
Gail Alfar, with special thanks to Jordan Greene, Benjamin Greene, and Kim Paquette for their valuable insight on travel in Teslas. [Edited by Sarah Alfar] Exclusive to What’s Up Tesla – This blogpost was created utilizing STARLINK satellite services. All Rights Reserved. June 11, 2022
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