We regularly drive (20+ times/yr) from Phoenix to CA/LV and NM for my sons soccer career. I want an EV and have looked at the e-tron/Taycan/Model Y. The Model Y has the Tesla infrastructure as a huge plus but has the build quality of a $20k Chevy (windows rattling when closing doors etc). The only reason I'd buy the Y is the Tesla supercharging network (the infotech is pretty great though)... Edit: Plugshare helps with its trip planner but real world experience is what i'm looking for. TIA for you responses
I can only share my Tesla Model 3 experience: First drive, 100% SOC, drive to the furtherest SuperCharge with planned 30 mile reserve. If reserve decreases too quickly, take away 5 mph until stable Drive to nearest fast food place for sack meal and bathroom. At SuperCharger, eat sack meal and charge enough, typically 20 min., to reach next SuperCharger with 30 mile reserve. At night, pick a motel with free breakfast and J1772/Tesla charger. Expect to get ~700-750 miles each day with a sleep over. Two drivers can achieve 1,000 miles every 24 hours. GOOD LUCK! Bob Wilson
Thanks for taking the time to reply. I'll skip the sack meal as Its not really food but your advice is much appreciated.
I travelled 2200 miles round trip last summer. While I can’t comment on your specific trips I can say that PlugShare was incredibly useful for mine. Also, my return trip was much easier as I made less stops on the way back after I learned the route. I did this trip in a Hyundai Kona, my best interstate range was around 230 miles on a near full charge. Usually I stopped to charge at around 170 miles simply because of charger locations. And as mentioned already I stayed at a hotel with a destination charger. If you have charging stations along your preferred routes any decent EV will do.
IMHO…. Right now the charging is far more important than the build quality. I have a Y and get plenty of creaks from the b-pillars and occasionally other spots depending on the weather and how bad the roads are. However I would still buy it again as when we make trips out west from Texas or to the Pacific NW I do not want charging issues en-route as that would be far more annoying than any rattle. I don’t believe the non Tesla charging situation is there yet, certainly not if long distances are something I would be doing regularly.
