Hello,
This is my first reply so please be patient with me if I'm in the wrong thread!
I'm planning a trip from Cincinnati to Denver at the end of May via I70 and am excited to see that the new Supercharger in St. Charles is now available. My question is: has anyone made the trip between Superchargers in St. Charles and Independence directly? It looks like it should be doable - 220 miles - but since I don't know the terrain I'm wondering if anyone who has actually done it has any words of wisdom!
Thanks!
Hi Bottesini,
Welcome to the forum.
Sharing a couple of thoughts for your upcoming trip:
Most of the other posts are from drivers headed East, and they probably enjoyed a tailwind.
Since your route has you heading West, prevailing headwinds will impact your range.
** Pay attention to the the amount of wind and slow down to offset its impact. You cannot stop the wind, the single most important thing you can control is your driving speed. Consider driving 55-59 mph (60 mph average) for the first half of the trip, then check remaining battery level, re-evaluate and adjust your driving speed based on how much you range you have left. Much less chance of range anxiety to arrive with 30 miles of range than to run out short of your next charging station.
** Depending on temperature and weather conditions (precipitation) you may consider driving with A/C off and windows slightly cracked.
** Drive with Range Mode ON.
** Drive effectively. Do not use cruise control, instead adjust your driving speed with the terrain, easing off throttle going up hills and slightly picking up speed going downhill. Latest firmware updates have comments that will advise you to adjust your speed if its projects has you running into negative range.
A couple more notes:
** Driving in the rain reduces your range due to extra friction.
** Remember Zero means Zero.
** If worse comes to worse (weather, wind, temperature, etc.) consider pulling off the road and getting a supplemental 30 miles of charge @ an RV park.
Enjoy driving your car at a relaxed rate of speed.
Most of your route (Cincinnati to Denver) will not require any adjustments to your driving style as you go from Supercharger to Supercharger, but the distance from St. Charles headed West warrants a bit of care and adjustment.