Technically I drove to Richmond, a city just south of Vancouver but definitely within the same metro.
Forewords
It’s been 30+ years since I last drove 1,000+ miles solo. I was in my early 20s and it was a barely operable 1980 Datsun 280ZX with no power steering, no A/C, no power windows and no radio. I drove from LA to New Haven (CT) and back 6 months later. Now in my 50s and despite very fond memory of that car, I would not be able to tolerate it for more than 50 miles nowadays; just spoiled by modern amenities, especially in a Tesla.
This time, my wife was flying to Vancouver to visit her family. I wasn't planning to go initially but later was able to free up schedule. By then it was not possible to catch the same flight at reasonable rate so I decided to drive. Thankfully she supported my decision.
Stats
Total miles driven 2,902 (including local driving in Canada)
Total kWh consumed 725
Total SC stops 21 (including 2 return visits to the same SC)
Average Wh/mi 250 (much higher than expected)
Wh/mi Northbound ~270 (very high, not sure why)
Wh/mi Southbound ~220 (that's what I was expecting)
Wh/mi Before Trip 233
Wh/mi After Trip 236
Total kWh charged 784
Total $$ charged $258.66
Supercharger Notes, Comments and Observations
- Charged mostly at V3 locations.
- No wait whatsoever, even the busy locations near city center.
- With the sole exception of Irvine (last stop before home), every location was half-empty or better.
- Every stall worked the first time; didn’t have to change stall anywhere.
- Every stall began to charge very quickly, indicator went from blue to green within seconds.
- No Ford EV sighting at any of the locations.
- Many locations do have other EV chargers nearby, but were mostly empty.
- I did see some Tesla at ChargePoint, probably intentional-slow-charge for shopping, dining, etc.
- Oregon and Washington SC cost appreciably cheaper than California.
- British Columbia beyond cheap… almost made me wanna be a Canuck.
Driving/Navigation Notes, Comments and Observations
- Did not detour or sightseeing; strictly drove to where I needed to go. Same for the return trip.
- Did not set end destination (Richmond/home) and let Tesla do the rest.
- Planned each stop individually and made changes as necessary.
- Purposely charged at V3 locations as much as possible (Tesla would not).
- Learned that Model 3 LR at 80%-90% charge can go 3+ hours / 200+ miles before needing to charge but often my bladder cannot hold this long. Thus the trip was planned around my limit more so than the car’s.
- For longer sections, I had to apply strict fluid-intake to make it.
- Mostly 70 mph and hardly exceeded 75.
- Standard 18” wheels
- FSD not equipped/optioned
- Switched between autopilot, cruise control and manual driving intermittently, pending road condition and traffic.
- I-5 the entire way northbound.
- Very poor efficiency; not sure why maybe strong wind and road condition?
- Mostly 2-lanes outside of urban areas.
- Constantly had change lane for passing or yielding.
- Returning trip, chose Hwy 99 in the central CA stretch.
- Much better efficiency.
- Outside of urban areas, 2, 3 or 4 lanes.
- Also had to switch lanes occasionally but was able to stick to the middle lane for a good stretch.
- Shasta Mountain Pass was the scariest of all mountain driving, especially southbound when I drove through it before sunrise.
- I was passed by tow trucks, cargo vans and even semis, with these drivers much more experienced and confident.
- Tesla Nav surprisingly accurate on SoCal traffic condition with its blue/orange/red indications.
Other/General Notes, Comments and Observations
- Tesla Semi sighting: None (saw multiple trucks hauling Tesla but none Tesla Semi)
- Cybertruck sighting: Two
- Other makes/models EVs rare outside of SoCal; non existence in Canada.
- It seems that non-Tesla TVs owners probably don’t venture far from home.
- Also drivers in the Pacific Northwest regions seem to prefer Tesla above all other EVs.
- Tesla very popular in Canada (at least the areas I drove to), much more so than SoCal.
- By my observation during the 2 days in Richmond, ~10% of vehicles on the road are Tesla.
- Per Google Maps, gas price in Richmond is C$2.06/liter or US$5.72/gallon. Easy to see why owning an EV is much more worthwhile in Canada, although not sure why other makes/models not successful there.
- Do not assume all Target locations have a Starbucks inside; some don’t.
- Starbucks in OR, WA and BC (Canada) did not ask for tip when using credit card for payment.
- While LA traffic was predictably horrendous, Portland’s traffic was surprisingly bad as well, far worse than Seattle’s. Sacramento was quite mild by comparison.
- The magnificent volcanoes of the Pacific Northwest Ring of Fire look unreal, or surreal, or stunning, or.... short on vocab to truly describe seeing these close up. Hard to imagine that most of these are alive and could go off one day.
- USA passport + Tesla + solo driver = very quick entry into and exit out of Canada.
- I saw other cars taking longer but for me it was <15 seconds in and out.
- Tim Horton’s coffee and donut nothing special but when in Canada, you just must, at least once. It's a checklist thing.
- Canadian roads are narrower with roundabout; most simple but a few crazy ones.
- Tesla will convert Canada’s speed limit to mph
Day 1 - Charging Stop # 1
Distance 114 miles
Location Commerce (LA)
Site Casino
Stalls 40
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 17 minutes
Charged 27 kW
$$/kWh $0.34
Amount $9.18
Rating Highly recommended
Notes/Comments
I was gunning for Burbank but horrible LA traffic plus exploding bladder necessitated the reroute. It’s a good location with a short walk to the casino and clean bathroom. Limited food option inside but not expensive, with a formal restaurant and a quick-bite place. At $0.34/kW, it’s also very cheap considering it’s location and probably the cheapest in LA.
Day 1 - Charging Stop #2
Distance 91 miles
Location Tejon Ranch, CA
Site Outlets
Stalls 76
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 25 minutes
Charged 33 kW
$$/kWh $0.40
Amount $12.80
Rating Highly Recommended Both Leaving and Entering SoCal
Notes/Comments
Although there’s really not enough time to experience this outlet and food options limited, this location is highly recommended going either direction. North bound the next stop is unfinished and South bound you need enough charge to make it through the Tejon Pass. I witnessed a flatbed with a Model Y on it, probably ran dry trying to climb the mountain.
Day 1 - Charging Stop #3
Distance 191 miles
Location Santa Nella, CA
Site Hotel
Stalls 48
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 31 minutes
Charged 54 kW
$$/kWh $0.36
Amount $19.44
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
A beautiful, historical-looking hotel with clean bathroom. Time charged ideal to walk around this place. But if you want to eat something, not sure pricing here or you’d have to walk a bit far to McD.
Day 1 - Charging Stop #4
Distance 148 miles
Location Dunnigan, CA
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 8
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 22 minutes
Charged 42 kW
$$/kWh $0.37
Amount $15.17
Rating Recommended
Notes/Comments
Having just 8 stalls was initially a bit concerning but it was past 8pm by the time I got there and nearly empty. Good place to stop and eat, with BK, Taco Bell, Starbucks and gas station nearby.
Day 1 - Charging Stop #5 (Last Stop of the Day)
Distance 125 miles
Location Redding, CA
Site Hotel (Holiday Inn)
Stalls 44
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 31 minutes
Charged 49 kW
$$/kWh $0.43
Amount $21.07
Rating If You Have To
Notes/Comments
Not cheap considering the location and time of day charged (10pm). If you’re staying at Holiday Inn, which I was, OK, but if just charging, all food options either a bit of walk or across the street. Also not sure if Holiday Inn allows bathroom usage.
Day 2 - Charging Stop #1
Location Redding, CA
Site Hotel (Holiday Inn)
Stalls 44
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 8 minutes
Charged 4 kW
$$/kWh $0.43
Amount $1.29
Rating If You Have To
Notes/Comments
I just charged a bit before leaving, to gain back what was lost during the night with Sentry mode on. Same $0.43/kW even at 6:50am. Skip this place if you can; I did, on the return trip.
Day 2 - Charging Stop #2
Distance 151 miles
Location Medford, OR
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 12
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 33 minutes
Charged 50 kW
$$/kWh $0.26
Amount $13.00
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
SC location with Target in the same plaza always preferred. Bathroom is usually clean, right by the front entrance and no need to ask for permission. I picked up a bottle of local Oregonian wine here but haven’t tried yet.
Day 2 - Charging Stop #3
Distance 107 miles
Location Sutherlin, OR
Site Traveling Rest Area
Stalls 51
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 13 minutes
Charged 20 kW
$$/kWh $0.35
Amount $7.00
Rating It’s OK
Notes/Comments
Could’ve skipped but just wanted to check out OR’s largest SC. It’s big but that’s about it. Not much there other than a few fast-food eateries; closet one is Taco Bell. When using bathroom at a restaurant, I try to always buy something, so I got a basic taco there.
Day 2 - Charging Stop #4
Distance 120 miles
Location Salem, OR
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 12
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 22 minutes
Charged 37 kW
$$/kWh $0.28
Amount $10.36
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
Target; this place also has many other eateries where Medford lacks.
Day 2 - Charging Stop #5
Distance 94 miles
Location Kelso, WA
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 12
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 21 minutes
Charged 28 kW
$$/kWh $0.30
Amount $8.40
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
Another Target location; enough said.
Day 2 - Charging Stop #6
Distance 92 miles
Location Tacoma, WA
Site Shopping Mall
Stalls 16
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 20 minutes
Charged 26 kW
$$/kWh $0.22
Amount $5.72
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
Cheap rate, considering busy location and rush hour (~6pm). MOD Pizza close by was pretty good, although not cheap.
Day 2 - Charging Stop #7 (Last Stop of the Day)
Distance 150 miles
Location Surrey, BC (Canada)
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 12
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 17 minutes
Charged 30 kW
$$/kWh $0.18
Amount $5.63
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
A bit of walk to the supermarket but no biggie. $0.25/kW already cheap if in USD but it’s CAD (= US$0.18) and actually the most expensive that I charged in Canada.
Day 3 - Local Driving in Canada
Location Richmond, BC
Site Shopping Mall
Stalls 20
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 31 minutes
Charged 29 kW
$$/kWh $0.14
Amount $4.01
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
Even cheaper, and I charged in the middle of the day.
Day 4 - Local Driving in Canada
Location Richmond, BC
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 40
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 15 minutes
Charged 18 kW
$$/kWh $0.12
Amount $2.14
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
By far the cheapest charging of the entire trip! No wonder Tesla (but strangely not other EVs) are so popular in Canada.
Day 5 - Charging Stop #1 (Returning Home)
Distance 195 miles
Location Lacey, WA
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 12
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 19 minutes
Charged 43 kW
$$/kWh $0.34
Amount $14.62
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
Another Tesla location and quite fast.
Day 5 - Charging Stop #2
Distance 162 miles
Location Salem, OR
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 12
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 27 minutes
Charged 49 kW
$$/kWh $0.28
Amount $13.72
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
Ideally I’ve would liked to try a different location but from Lacey, Woodburn too close, Harrisburg a bit far and looks kind of desolate, so back to Salem.
Day 5 - Charging Stop #3
Distance 198 miles
Location Grants Pass, OR
Site Restaurant Parking
Stalls 8
Type V2 / 150 kW
Time 39 minutes
Charged 57 kW
$$/kWh $0.35
Amount $19.95
Rating Recommended if you eat there
Notes/Comments
V2 but on purpose, to eat at Black Bear Diner. It took a bit long; was warned by Tesla to move my car. Also spotted a Cybertruck.
Day 5 - Charging Stop #4 (Last Stop of the Day)
Distance 117 miles
Location Mt Shasta, CA
Site Hotel (Best Western)
Stalls 4
Type V2 / 150 kW
Time 34 minutes
Charged 36 kW
$$/kWh $0.29
Amount $10.44
Rating Highly Recommended if staying there.
Notes/Comments
Only 4 stalls and V2 but there’s another SC across the street (also V2) with 16 stalls. I did stay there, as I didn’t want to go back to Redding’s Holiday Inn.
Day 6 - Charging Stop #1
Distance 204 miles
Location Woodland, CA
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 8
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 14 minutes
Charged 31 kW
$$/kWh $0.34
Amount $10.54
Rating Highly Recommended
Notes/Comments
Another Tesla location and also Costco.
Day 6 - Charging Stop #2
Distance 149 miles
Location Chowchilla, CA
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 12
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 19 minutes
Charged 42 kW
$$/kWh $0.45
Amount $18.90
Rating Highly Recommended but quite expensive
Notes/Comments
Save Mart a very nice supermarket but bathroom not in front.
Day 6 - Charging Stop #3
Distance 174 miles
Location Tejon Ranch, CA
Site Outlets
Stalls 76
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 13 minutes
Charged 33 kW
$$/kWh $0.45
Amount $13.20
Rating Highly Recommended Both Leaving and Entering SoCal
Notes/Comments
Had to stop there to prepare for mountain driving. Also the fastest charge of the trip, equivalent to 152 kWh.
Day 6 - Charging Stop #4 (Last Stop Before Home)
Distance 123 miles
Location Irvine, CA
Site Shopping Plaza
Stalls 8 + 12 (two locations but same plaza's back parking lot)
Type V3 / 250 kW
Time 28 minutes
Charged 46 kW
$$/kWh $0.48
Amount $22.08
Rating Recommended only if you have a purpose there.
Notes/Comments
Most expensive, both rate and total charge. The stretch, although only 123 miles, I spent 3+ hours in the purgatory of LA rush hour traffic, where Tesla Nav led me to local roads on some stretches. Nearing the end, I had to treat myself to good Taiwanese food so had to charge there.
Final Words
I still very much enjoy solo driving long distance, but this trip exhausted my body and mind to the max. Next time I would much prefer slowing down a bit, maybe 3-day one-way, to include detours and hopefully in a S or X. Also very fortunate that no charging wait or other issues whatsoever throughout this trip. Compare to my very first Tesla roadtrip back in Sep 2019, Tesla probably tripled (or more) the SC locations. I was fully expecting to see many Ford EVs but that was not the case.
