Thanks to all the great advice on Hypermiling our Tesla we made the 200 mile leg Monument Valley route from Page to Blanding with 18% charge remaining. Weather was 50's & 60's so we turned off the AC, winds were nominal (0-5 mph), roads were super smooth 90% of the way so we lowered our SAS, Range Mode ON, used AutoPilot 95% of the way with TACC set at 60 mph at the beginning, dropped to 55 mph for about 20 minutes when estimated arrival SoC dropped below 20%, then back up to 65 & 70 the last 50 miles.
We definitely would have had to stop if:
• headwinds incurred
• AC or heat running constantly, especially during extreme temps
Both Gouldings and Cadillac Ranch confirmed by phone we could charge there for $10.00. Great "back up plan" but we drove 20% slower than normal for the 1st 70% of this trip leg to eliminate an hour charging stop.
NOTE: there are LARGE areas where there is ZERO cellular coverage... so if you run out of power you're not going to be able to call roadside assistance. We always carry a SPOT Satellite GPS locator / emergency for "no cellular" areas like this just in case.
Supercharger at Blanding has 24 hour restrooms at the Visitor's Center next door staffed by a fascinating WWII veteran named Harold. Made the 1 hour recharge to 90% a pleasure. The City of Blanding (not Solar City) installed the solar panel array next to the Supercharger as part of their self-powered town. Talk about energy independence!
Best motel in Blanding is the Stone Lizard. The ONLY place to dine in Blanding is the Homestead Steak House which was packed on a Friday night.