Utah Woman Drives to Missouri to Buy a New Tesla. Then She Detours in Wyoming
'I’m not sure I’m built for having to wait that long.'
A woman road-tripped out of state to purchase her new Tesla and had to detour in order to charge her car. Mary Alessandra Jones (@maryalessandrajones) posted a TikTok documenting what it was like locating a charging option in a place with limited Supercharger networks. Did it dampen her new car experience?
Jones begins her video by speaking directly into the camera from the interior of her EV while charging it on her journey back home. She explains that she drove from Utah to Missouri and that she’s on the last leg of her journey. Next, she indicates that she uploaded her video in an attempt to satisfy inquiring minds about what it’s like to travel long distances in an EV.
The first sticking point of extended commuting in an EV that she speaks to is Supercharging availability. Tesla’s Superchargers account for nearly 56% of all DC-fast charging solutions in the United States.
Folks who own cars from the brand benefit from the vehicle’s software system, which plans routes that direct them to these stalls. Which accounts for battery duration to ensure they aren’t left stranded on the road. Despite their prevalence, however, Jones says that she still had to drive a bit out of her way in order to make sure she had enough power to get home. So she isn’t just extending her commuting time by waiting to charge, but must also travel a bit off of her path home, postponing her arrival to Utah even further.
Tesla Charging Wait Times
Despite the extra driving, Jones says she’s enthralled with the vehicle. In fact, she claims that even if she had to double the amount of charging in her new EV, she’d still be happy with her purchase. “It is such a better driving experience, love full self-drive so much. And I really love this car,” she says.
Furthermore, she says that she doesn’t even mind having to wait extended periods to charge at congested Supercharging stalls. That’s because many of the power stations are located near stores where commuters can get out and “walk around [and] stretch your legs,” she states.
Although the TikToker did indicate that she isn’t someone who frequently goes on road trips.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety published an analysis of commuters’ driving habits. Its findings indicate that the average American drives around 60.2 miles per day. In Jones’ case, if she isn’t habitually going on long vehicular treks, then her Tesla Model Y’s battery capacity should be more than sufficient—especially if she has the infrastructure at home for Level 2 charging.
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Other Charging Capabilities
While she expressed concerns about the lack of Tesla Superchargers near Star Valley, Wyoming, Jones says this isn’t a dealbreaker. That’s because she researched other EV charging solutions that would work with her Tesla.
Before heading out to a charger, however, drivers should ensure that their port will work with a Tesla. While the North American Charging standard recently adopted Tesla’s plug, there are many J1772 chargers around the country. Adapters will be necessary for a Tesla to use this standard, which won’t break the bank. CCS fast-charging adapters are also available for Teslas too, in case you happen upon one and need to power your battery more quickly.
In other words: road-tripping in a Tesla may require some special adapter equipment to keep in your trunk or front truck. Make sure you do.
Anticipating Tesla Drivers’ Needs
In some instances, however, folks don’t even need to buy their own adapters. Which Jones highlights in her video when she directs her camera to the fast charging stall she’s hooked her car up to. It’s not a Tesla Supercharger, but a ChargePoint terminal. Moreover, she points out a small sign on the stall that lets Tesla drivers know there are CCS adapters for their vehicles at the “front office” of the rest area.
So she didn’t even need to drop any additional money outside of charging costs for her Model Y. Despite the clutch offering, Jones does entertain the idea of keeping adapters in one’s vehicle to ensure that they have as many charging options available to them while they’re on the open road. Additionally, she delineated that she used a variegated approach to ensuring her car was topped off. While at her friend’s cabin, she says that she “trickle-charged” her vehicle via a standard wall plug. This could help offset a bit of road anxiety for commuters who know their car’s going to be stationary for extended periods of time.
Admittedly, she said that her decision to keep the car’s cabin temperature regulated fought against the trickle charging. However, she was still able to embark on her journey and make it to a fast charger.
Peace of Mind
Jones reiterates her love for the car’s Full Self-Driving Software, which she prefers for daily commuting. Afterward, she does state that the vehicle may not fit everyone’s lifestyle all that well, but for her, it’s fantastic.
Commenters who replied to her video had varying opinions on her journey and Tesla's charging solutions. One user stated that they will always prefer the brand’s proprietary Superchargers due to their efficiency.
For another person, it’s all about the convenience of having an at-home charger. “It’s so convenient charging at home, waking up and it’s ready to go. Even having to use the Superchargers; it’s great because a lot of the time the chargers are next to or near food places. So you can grab some food, watch a show or movie while you are charging up. It’s just a great experience,” they wrote.
Someone else reiterated the bliss of waking up every morning with a full battery. “99% of people complaining about Tesla or EVs don’t own one. I have owned 100+ ICE cars and 1 EV. The EV is better than the rest. Also, home charging is key. Mine is full every morning. Literally never charge publicly or go to a gas station,” they said.
InsideEVs has reached out to Jones via TikTok comment for further information.
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