We just took delivery of our Model S 70 on Friday. My wife and I are thinking about driving to Rosarita Beach. We live in Orange County, CA. I figured that we would stop at the San Diego SC on the way down and back. From the SC to Rosarita it is about 44 miles Assuming I charge to 80%, that would give us 187 miles of range. This leaves us about 90+ miles of range while we are there.
I am wondering if anyone has done this with their MS and what was there experience taking it into Mexico. Also, the car does not have plates yet. Any concern? Would I be better off driving our other car - a Cadillac ELR? We definitely prefer taking the Tesla.
So there are a couple of concerns, #1 being the biggest one:
1. *IF* you can find good Mexican car insurance - and there is a wide range thereof not all of which is in any way good, here is the primary sticking point: Ensuring that you find coverage that explicitly covers US shop labor rates. Tesla labor is $175/hour. Coverage for $50/hour US won't get you very far. Same with approved body shop rates. I'm not saying it's impossible, but that was one of the hurdles I have yet to resolve.
1a. If anyone *does* find Mexican car insurance through either their own carrier or any other company in-country or not, please do tell. I can say with some certainty that Wawanesa (a fine Canadian company) does not offer Mexican car insurance, so there's one off the list.
1b. If you have financing paperwork, ensure it does not have something to say about vehicle operation in Mexico.
2. Range is fine although not so much if you decide to visit Ensenada or even La Fonda while there. If you plan ahead to be able to use a wall outlet (ensure you have the correct adapters and cabling - and test it first before leaving home), it may not sound like a lot but that extra 30 miles overnight or 70 miles over 24 hours can come in handy if there are impromptu excursions.
3. Federal checkpoints on the way... Your chariot will attract attention. Federales get bored like anybody else. I wouldn't say expect to get pulled over, but be prepared for it. On the flip side, the Green Angels who haunt the toll road are excellent - the toll road is one of the best-patrolled stretches of road in the world.
4. Border re-entry: Here is where you could have a delay. No big deal to wait in line 4-5 hours at peak times as you won't be burning gas. However, expect additional scrutiny (from the US agents) the first time through the/any border. Also don't expect them to know a frunk from a trunk or that the car does not have a key. When they ask you to turn the car off, make some meaningless hand motion as if you tapped something or turned something off. When they ask you to open the trunk, don't ask which one - just open the trunk. If they don't ask about the frunk it will just save time. Besides - that's where the tequila and turtle oil you're smuggling back goes. I kid, I kid. Ask the Russians to find the tequila (a little topical humor there).
Do have a look at the route to Otay Mesa in case they close San Ysidro (the busiest land border crossing on earth); it's not very far, but the signage isn't always consistent. Doesn't happen often, but when it does, it can get interesting. The alternative if both crossings are closed, and that is *rare*, is Tecate - and for that little journey you'll want a sufficient charge and drinking water. It's not all that far, but still. Most people don't really have a choice as they're already in line at San Ysidro and it takes as long as it takes. Check ahead from Rosarito while there's still wifi somewhere.
