HOW MISERABLE IS A WINTER TESLA ROAD TRIP? -18°C & BROKEN SUPERCHARGERS

EV Channels Review

This video details a 2,500-mile winter road trip in a 2018 Tesla Model 3 Performance, comparing it directly to a summer trip. The reviewer found that cold temperatures (-18°C / 0°F) increased energy consumption by approximately 19% (338 Wh/mile vs. 285 Wh/mile in summer), resulting in about a 20% reduction in range (212 miles vs. 250 miles on a full charge). Despite the increased energy use, the reviewer highlights that the overall trip duration remained similar due to a revised charging strategy: taking more frequent, shorter stops (25 minutes average vs. 40 minutes) allowed for charging at lower battery percentages, which is faster. This strategy, combined with the ability to drive at higher speeds (80 mph vs. 75 mph), compensated for the reduced range. The reviewer also encountered a broken Supercharger, emphasizing the importance of availability and redundancy. Overall, the experience was surprisingly relaxed, debunking fears of miserable winter EV road trips, though the reviewer notes that a Tesla is not primarily purchased for cost savings over gasoline vehicles.