2012: First electric around the world race starting on May 1st 2012 in Barcelona, crossing US, China, Russia and Europe Details see: the first around the world electric car race - 80 electric days - world round trip Past: 2011: "Tesla goes east": 10.000 km through Europe Details see: Tesla goes east - Charge hotels - where you can charge your e-car vehicle Future: 2013: First EV standard car race championship Details will follow soon on Electric Race
Tron. I am planning a Madrid <-> Aix-En-Provence trip around the same time. We might be able to coincide in Barcelona or along the Coast towards CH. Any details of the start times and places? Mark
Good luck to you Rafael. I think there should be no problem catching up to them, as they took over a month to cross the US. Gives new meaning to the phrase "stop and smell the roses". From the pics on their site it seems like they had to charge on 110v a lot. If you bring a tent and sleeping bag you can sleep at campgrounds and charge on 14-50 outlets at least. With a few 70A HPCs along the way you might be able to do 400+ miles some days.
In my limited experience, I found that many, many campgrounds that might have 14-50 outlets WILL NOT let you charge at their business. They have read about fires, EVs, blown circuit breakers, burned wiring, and they somehow think that the cost of a charge is similar to a tank of gas ($50) and they refuse. You'd better call before you start your trip and get RV parks that are owned by people who are able to use the internet more than watch Faux TV. I had one owner tell me that they had paid a lot of money to upgrade their pedestals to EATON and did not want them ruined, while on the EATON web site they specifically said that their 14-50s were capable of charging anything at 40 amps continuous, but that did not persuade the owner.
Kinda makes one cry for humanity, no? I presume this is in California, where we at least try and set the pretense that we 'kinda' teach science? Sigh. As a species, I doubt we will survive the current century.
Yeah! let's do it together! please sand me a email to [email protected] for better coordination :wink: If someone want's to join anywhere, everyone is welcome. Route: 80edays - Google Maps Please contact me via email for the coordination. You can track my actual position here: the first around the world electric car race - 80 electric days - world round trip
Hi rolab, thanks for this important information. Is there a dictionary of phone numbers which I can filter for Interstate 80 campgrounds to call them in advance?
Facebook, Twitter and Video Hello together, the actual position of the car you can find on web: the first around the world electric car race - 80 electric days - world round trip You're invited to join on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/people/Carrera-Electrica/100003748460086 follow Twitter: Twitter or see the trailer video on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FmyXvM6Xz0k CU on the road Rafael
Rafael is in final preparations now. He joins the race and leaves Barcelona tomorrow. I've got to say, this is an incredible undertaking, and congratulations to Rafael for even trying. It will be amazing if he makes it around the world in 80 days in his Tesla Roadster, given the challenges of charging in places like China, Russia and Kazakstan. Good luck, Rafael, and safe journeys.
I thought you wanted to follow the other car's route? It seems like a big shortcut not going through Japan and southeast asia as they plan to do: electric odyssey map. Regardless, safe journey!
Progress seems good. Rafael is now in Lyon, France, charging overnight 13A @211V. His rough proposed route is up at: 80edays - Google Maps I'm sure he'd appreciate suggestions, help, and meet ups with any Roadster (or other EV) drivers along his route. I guess the 'rules' should be to stay as horizontal as possible and drive as much as possible. The French are taking a much more southerly route, then up through Thailand. But, Rafael is still going north in Europe, so I guess its swings-and-roundabouts and it'll be interesting to see the final mileages. Rafael did try to take a more southerly route through Hong Kong, but couldn't get drive through permission, so had to go direct to China. The French have a 2 months and almost 1/3rd of the way round the world head start. But, they don't treat this as a race, so good luck to both teams. The routes through Europe and USA are impressive, but I think China/Russia is going to be the most 'interesting' for charging infrastructure and language barriers.
HELP! All German insurances denied to insure the Tesla for US! That's a show stopper! Who knows an insurance, who does insure a German Company Tesla?
Rafael, I spoke to some TV producers here in Spain who make programs about Cars, and they are interested in following your progress. Are you uploading a video blog? Mark
Hi Mark, yes there will be videos, but driving this fast I do I don't find the time to upload them. First priority is to find an insurance company, which gives me a coverage for US ...
Last time I took out insurance for the US they only wanted to know my personal net worth! Weird country. If we could organise a phone call or skype video call with the TV guys here that might be a good start. When will you be online and reachable?
@Rafael : That is some nasty news, but would not stop a real Phileas Fogg. Daimler took the B -Class F-Cell around the world in 72 days, excl. flights & shipping (total 125 days incl. drive through Australia and Japan) => 80 days can be done. Maybe some UK special insurance company that insures stuff like foreign racecars or so is willing to help you out. I know such ones exist. Or maybe import & export your Tesla in US ( tax costs....) ? Good luck and we ll follow you ! Peter Paul K-P ( Bertha Benz Challenge) BTW : Great vid from BBC 2011 !