This blog post details a road trip taken in a Tesla Model 3 from Colorado to Park City, Utah, highlighting the car's efficiency, the performance of Nokian tires, and the experience of using Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology. The journey showcases the challenges and triumphs of electric vehicle road tripping, including charging stops and the impact of weather conditions on efficiency.
In this blog post, we will explore a recent road trip taken in a Tesla Model 3 from the Front Range of Colorado to Park City, Utah. This journey not only highlights the efficiency of the Tesla Model 3 but also showcases the performance of Nokian tires and the experience of using Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology.
The trip began with the Tesla Model 3 Highland long-range rear-wheel drive, known for its impressive efficiency. The car is equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack, which is estimated to provide a range of approximately 363 miles. The journey was planned to cover about 500 miles round trip, with a focus on enjoying the scenic routes rather than major highways.
Before hitting the road, the car was fully charged to 100%, and the route was set. The weather was a pleasant 47°F, although it was expected to be windier and colder than usual. The Nokian Surpass Aso1 tires were newly installed, promising good performance and efficiency on the road.
As the trip commenced, the Tesla Model 3 was already showing its efficiency prowess, averaging close to 5 miles per kilowatt-hour (m/kWh) around town. The initial leg of the journey involved navigating through beautiful mountain roads, which provided stunning views of the Colorado landscape.
Using the FSD feature, the driver was able to enjoy a hands-free experience for much of the trip. The car handled various driving conditions, including construction zones and tight turns, with relative ease. However, there were moments when the FSD system struggled, such as attempting to navigate around tar lines on the road, which led to some erratic behavior. Despite these challenges, the overall performance of FSD was impressive, allowing for a more relaxed driving experience.
The first charging stop was planned in Craig, Colorado. The Tesla Model 3 predicted that it would only need to stop for about 6 minutes to reach Park City, even with a strong headwind. This prediction showcased the car's efficiency, as it was able to maintain a good state of charge throughout the journey.
Upon reaching Craig, the driver decided to continue on to the next supercharger in Vernal, Utah, despite the car indicating a low state of charge. The confidence in the vehicle's range was well-placed, as it successfully made it to the supercharger with a comfortable buffer.
Throughout the trip, the Nokian Surpass Aso1 tires performed admirably. They provided a smooth ride and excellent handling, even on the challenging Colorado roads. The tires are designed with aramid fibers for added strength and pothole protection, which proved beneficial given the rough road conditions.
After approximately 9 hours of driving, including one charging stop, the Tesla Model 3 arrived in Park City. The total distance covered was about 465 miles, with an average efficiency of around 4.4 m/kWh. This impressive figure was achieved despite facing headwinds and colder temperatures during the journey.
Once in Park City, the driver took some time to enjoy the local scenery and participate in activities. The Tesla Model 3 was also showcased to the Everyday Driver team, who were eager to review the car and its features.
The return journey back to Colorado was equally efficient, with the driver utilizing FSD once again. The conditions were slightly different, with a bit of a tailwind helping to improve efficiency. The trip back also included a stop at a favorite coffee shop, Plume Coffee Bar, known for its excellent brews.
Upon returning to Colorado, the total distance for the round trip was approximately 1,000 miles, with an overall efficiency of about 4.3 m/kWh. The trip demonstrated the Tesla Model 3's capability as a road-tripping vehicle, especially when equipped with efficient tires and utilizing FSD technology.
This road trip to Park City in the Tesla Model 3 was a remarkable experience, showcasing the vehicle's efficiency, the performance of Nokian tires, and the evolving capabilities of FSD technology. As electric vehicles continue to improve, road trips like this will become increasingly enjoyable and accessible for drivers looking to explore the open road.
