Running out of power & roadtrips

[Francis Lau]

If this has been discussed already, please let me know of the thread. In the worst case scenario where one is stranded with a model s without power, what options are there? Is towing the only option? And does it need a flat bed truck? Without power, how do you put it in a mode where it can be pushed or towed? I hope this never happens but it is good to know.

[Bardlebee]

I believe it has a "neutral" setting on the car. But I may be incorrect. So I suppose you could always push. Beyond that I imagine you will be screwed, and this is why there is such a stigma with electric cars. In fact at my work place everyone asks me "What if you run out of electricity?". Well.... what if you run out of gas? I know the two aren't the same because you can get gas at every corner, so the inconvenience level is pretty high. It' s just one of those things you will have to wait for I imagine. You either believe infrastructure will expand or it won't.

EDIT: I've also wondered what the mileage reduction would be having an additional Wheel in the frunk or trunk as it doesn't come with a spare. Having a flat tire without a replacement is worse in my opinion.

[bonnie1194]

Tow? Not necessarily ... AAA Is Now Providing Emergency Electric-Vehicle Charging Services To Stranded Drivers | Co.Exist: World changing ideas and innovation . That's been spreading quickly.

You will always know when you have about 20 miles left, plenty of time to find a plug. And worst case, you've ignored every warning and just kept on driving ... still a 12v battery that should* allow you to put the car in tow mode with free moving wheels, just like the Roadster. And that's if AAA isn't available to give you a quick charge from their truck.

*I don't know if it will, this is an assumption.

There are many vehicles that, if you run out of fuel, you have a problem. Fuel pumps that need to be reprimed. Gwedge (that's a highly technical term) that formerly hung out in the tank has now moved location and managed to gwedge things up (highly technical phrase).

You pay attention to your gas gauge. You'll pay attention to your SOC, too.

[NigelM]

In fact at my work place everyone asks me "What if you run out of electricity?". Well.... what if you run out of gas? I know the two aren't the same because you can get gas at every corner, so the inconvenience level is pretty high.

I always laugh when people ask this question, then I point out to them that every power socket is a potential charge location for me. There's a lot more places to plug-in than there are gas stations.

[Bardlebee]

I always laugh when people ask this question, then I point out to them that every power socket is a potential charge location for me. There's a lot more places to plug-in than there are gas stations.

This is true, its just the convenience of filling up in one minute as oppose to waiting thirty to drive back home after running out of electricity... depending how far away home is. Bonnie has a good point though, you should know your limits and watch the obvious gauges and warnings.

[bonnie1194]

I used to worry about this kind of thing. Until I started driving an EV and realized how much of a non-issue it really is.

[mikevbf]

I remember as a kid I always found it cool that my father's Jag had two gas tanks even though combined they probably did not carry much more than one tank. Still switching from tank 1 to tank 2 was always a reminder that it was time to get more gas. I wonder if it would be useful to artificially make a second reserve "tank" where you had to physically push a button to get the last 10 to 20 miles of range?

[Bardlebee]

I used to worry about this kind of thing. Until I started driving an EV and realized how much of a non-issue it really is.

Well that brings up another topic that really grinds my gears. I have a lot of people asking me "What if you go on a road trip?"

Now maybe I am just naive but I honestly don't think most American's take road trips anymore. At least not on the level they used to. A road trip to them may be 600+ miles, of which could easily be solved with super chargers. But, even if there was no infrastructure I don't think I would ever be concerned by this because I never drive anywhere that is over 200 miles round trip. And that 200 mile round trip is once a year. If I need to travel 600+ miles, personally I am going to fly. I don't make six figures either and I consider myself middle-class, maybe a little more. Flights aren't expensive and the hassle of driving 1000 miles is not worth it over flying.

Just my two cents.

[bonnie1194]

I remember as a kid I always found it cool that my father's Jag had two gas tanks even though combined they probably did not carry much more than one tank. Still switching from tank 1 to tank 2 was always a reminder that it was time to get more gas. I wonder if it would be useful to artificially make a second reserve "tank" where you had to physically push a button to get the last 10 to 20 miles of range?

There is on the Roadster. It's called Standard mode, switching to Range mode. Voila! Another 20-30 miles.

[bonnie1194]

Well that brings up another topic that really grinds my gears. I have a lot of people asking me "What if you go on a road trip?"

Now maybe I am just naive but I honestly don't think most American's take road trips anymore. At least not on the level they used to. A road trip to them may be 600+ miles, of which could easily be solved with super chargers. But, even if there was no infrastructure I don't think I would ever be concerned by this because I never drive anywhere that is over 200 miles round trip. And that 200 mile round trip is once a year. If I need to travel 600+ miles, personally I am going to fly. I don't make six figures either and I consider myself middle-class, maybe a little more. Flights aren't expensive and the hassle of driving 1000 miles is not worth it over flying.

Just my two cents.

Many of us HAVE taken road trips. I've headed to southern CA (1300 m roundtrip) and am planning a trip up to Seattle shortly. And it's easier every day with more and more infrastructure in place. iPhone apps tell you help you find places to plug in. You pick hotels that have installed what you need. You stop to eat where you can plug in.