Shasta City through Susanville to Reno

[skip8jj]

We are putting together a trip from PDX to Phoenix and would like to take 89 off I-5 at Shasta to Reno NV via Susanville. It looks like a beautiful route but it is 214 miles Supercharger to Supercharger which leaves little room for MS70D with a range off about 235 miles. The Red Lion in Susanville appears to have a Tesla Connector. Is RL amenable to allowing a Tesla passing through to charge for an hour or so for a fee? I see there is also a level 2 charger in town.

Also, would appreciate any comments the road, 89 to 44 to 395 into Reno. Thank you for your comments.

 

[ItsNotAboutTheMoney]

Susanville CA Hotels | Red Lion Susanville

 

[mblakele]

Take this with a grain of salt, because I haven't driven that road in a Tesla and never straight through to Reno. But EV Trip Planner predicts 196 RM at moderate speeds. Maybe because it's a slow road? You probably know that slower driving is more efficient. It looks even better in the other direction, because there's a net elevation drop instead of a gain. Anyway I've found evtripplanner very accurate for hilly terrain. Unfortunately it doesn't account for headwinds or rain or snow, so keep an eye on the weather.

Of course it wouldn't hurt to have a plan B. I'd call that hotel ahead of time to check. In a pinch you might also be able to plug in at an RV park with 14-50 service. The "RV Parky" app shows two just south of Susanville.

 

[skip8jj]

Take this with a grain of salt, because I haven't driven that road in a Tesla and never straight through to Reno. But EV Trip Planner predicts 196 RM at moderate speeds. Maybe because it's a slow road? You probably know that slower driving is more efficient. It looks even better in the other direction, because there's a net elevation drop instead of a gain. Anyway I've found evtripplanner very accurate for hilly terrain. Unfortunately it doesn't account for headwinds or rain or snow, so keep an eye on the weather.

Of course it wouldn't hurt to have a plan B. I'd call that hotel ahead of time to check. In a pinch you might also be able to plug in at an RV park with 14-50 service. The "RV Parky" app shows two just south of Susanville.

Thanks, Looking at the map it does look like it may not be a fast road which might lead to better range. It did not occur to me to use EV trip planner.

 

[Smarty McFly]

Plugshare shows 2 connectors at 80A, and they were functioning as of 8/1. I'd call the hotel ahead and ask if they'll let you charge; maybe offer a few bucks?
Having grown up in that area, I can tell you that the drive from Susanville to Reno is a pretty boring one. Speed limit coming out of Susanville is 55, and CHP does not mess around there. It opens up to 65 a ways down the road, but you still want to be be careful. Five over would be about all I would try. It's primarily one lane each way with a few passing zones along the way. That stretch of high desert is also prone to high winds, so keep that in mind for both range and Autopilot considerations. If you need to stop before getting into Reno, there's a gas station in Hallelujah Junction, just this side of the Nevada border.

 

[mikeash]

In addition to the Red Lion, PlugShare also lists 2 J1772s at the Diamond Mountain Casino, so that could be another possibility if you need a little extra. They're $2/hour, not free, but that's not bad. Make sure to get a ChargePoint card before you go, if you want to use them. You'll probably only get about 18MPH out of them, but it's something.

You'll probably be fine going direct, though. Driving more slowly does wonders for efficiency.

 

[PtG62901]

My Grandfather was born in Susanville, it is a beautiful place. A great drive is down the Feather River Canyon in that area. I know there is a good breakfast place, Sharon's, in Portola, where he used to live. It sure is pretty country, and gets cold at night so be warned. No clue on charging, but I wish I was going too.

 

[StaticDischarge]

Not answering your question, but if you have the time, you could consider the route from Mt Shasta through Mt Lassen NP, down to Quincy, where there is inexpensive charging at the Pioneer RV park, then either on to Truckee SC and then to Reno or through Portola to Reno. I did that route last Sept in an 85D, charging for an hour at the (friendly, helpful) RV park, arriving at the Truckee SC with 35 miles left.

 

[skip8jj]

Thanks all for information and comments. Especially noted location of additional level 2 chargers and wind. It looks as though the prevailing winds are SW. Going to Reno, I shall have to watch that. SJ

 

[cpa]

It is a beautiful drive. Two lanes from Mt. Shasta City to somewhere south of Susanville with the occasional passing lane. The road is fairly straight; you won't have too many slow curves. I think the speed limit for the entire route is 55 until you reach US395. The limit increases somewhere south of town--maybe when the highway becomes four lanes.

I agree with the others. Start off slowly (maybe go 53-55) the first 50 miles or so and check the trip estimator on the screen to see if your range to Reno is holding steady. Just be aware that this is an area where most of the locals fly on this highway, so don't be alarmed if good ole boys in their pick-em-up trucks and SUVs pass you when you are driving at a more comfortable speed.

I drove this route two years ago, but stayed on 89 to drive by Lake Almanor and on into Quincy to charge at Pioneer before heading west on 49 to Downieville and Grass Valley.

It is downhill from Fredonyer Summit west of Susanville all the way to Reno.

 

[skip8jj]

It is a beautiful drive. Two lanes from Mt. Shasta City to somewhere south of Susanville with the occasional passing lane. The road is fairly straight; you won't have too many slow curves. I think the speed limit for the entire route is 55 until you reach US395. The limit increases somewhere south of town--maybe when the highway becomes four lanes.

I agree with the others. Start off slowly (maybe go 53-55) the first 50 miles or so and check the trip estimator on the screen to see if your range to Reno is holding steady. Just be aware that this is an area where most of the locals fly on this highway, so don't be alarmed if good ole boys in their pick-em-up trucks and SUVs pass you when you are driving at a more comfortable speed.

I drove this route two years ago, but stayed on 89 to drive by Lake Almanor and on into Quincy to charge at Pioneer before heading west on 49 to Downieville and Grass Valley.

It is downhill from Fredonyer Summit west of Susanville all the way to Reno.

Thanks, your comments fill in the blanks nicely. We are looking forward to this alternative from I-5 to Corning and then over to Truckee.