Automotive

Tesla's online trip planner maps out life as an EV owner

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A more detailed version of the trip-planning software was already available through Tesla's in-car display
Tesla is expanding its Supercharger network in a big way
A more detailed version of the trip-planning software was already available through Tesla's in-car display

Although charging points are becoming more commonplace, buying an electric vehicle still brings some uncertainty with regard to how far and where you'll be able to travel. Tesla is removing some of the guesswork for prospective buyers, bringing a new trip-planning tool online to help you map out potential routes.

Tesla is expanding its Supercharger network in a big way. First launched in 2012, it now includes more than 5,400 outlets across the globe with plans to grow to 10,000 in the near future. These points provide up to 170 mi (273 km) of range on as little as 30 minutes of charging, and are billed as a way for Tesla owners to stay on the move when out on the road.

A more detailed version of the trip-planning software was already available through the in-car display, but now anyone with a web connection can imagine life on the road as Tesla owner. You simply put in your model, starting point and destination then the tool spits out a route, along with the stops you'll need to make to charge up along the way.

Tesla is expanding its Supercharger network in a big way

So let's say I've got a European vacation planned, including a road trip from Paris to Barcelona (thanks boss). After selecting the Model S Sedan with a 100 kWh battery, Tesla's trip planner tells me the 12-hour trip will be broken up by a 20 minute charge in Bourges, a 25 minute pit stop in Clermont-Ferrand, a 40 minute charge in Albaret-Sainte-Marie and then one last 40-minute top-up in Narbonne before hopping over the border to Barcelona.

It also offers an estimate of gas savings from electrifying your journey above, yes, a big red "Order Model S" button, along with a button to schedule a test drive, should that tickle your fancy.

Source: Tesla

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4 comments
MartinVoelker
I have friends who regularly drive their Model S from Colorado to Florida. It's a convenient route and on a long drive they need the recharge stops anyway (to recharge themselves and, em, discharge). They also tell me that the quiet, low vibration ride and the autonomous assist features make it much less taxing than when they still drove their Lexus.
Tommo
Its great showing you where to charge, however once you get to a charging station expect a hefty wait time to get a space. There is still nowhere near enough chargers.
Sisko
That 12 hour trip, would have been less thenergy 10 hours in a gas powered vehicle, and that does not include the extra wait time that Tommo pointed out. Even if you ad time for people stopping to buy food and use the restroom, that still would not necessarily have to take anywhere near 2 extra hours, for a 10 hour trip. And some in a traditional car, would drive the whole 10 hours straight through, without even one short stop.
Miner Bob
Test drove a Model X yesterday and it's the equivalent and the excitement of going from driving just an ordinary car to flying a helicopter or even a spaceship! I've always loved the idea of a zero gas car and the Tesla is the pinnacle of achieving that goal.
When I stepped on the accelerator just a little the X shot forward effortlessly and it was whisper quiet. And the car driving itself in highway traffic was fascinating and scary all at the same time.
Can't wait for mine to be built and delivered!