My wife and I are picking up her new XC40 Recharge next week. While I’ve had a Tesla Model 3 for almost 4 years, this is her first EV and she’s very excited / intimidated.
To kickoff her ownership experience in the right way, we’ve decided to take a 2-month round-trip trek from Maine to Florida and many points in between, leaving after the holidays. Although I’ve done a Tesla road trip before, my wife has zero experience with the process. Clearly there will be a big difference between a trek like this in a Tesla vs a Recharge but we’re looking forward to the adventure. Oh yeah: we’re in our 70’s, so we don’t have the benefits of youthful exuberance, knowledge or cleverness going for us.
For that reason, I’m looking for helpful suggestions as to how to successfully endure/enjoy the experience, particularly with respect to keeping this car juiced up along the way and minimizing range anxiety . I am particularly wanting to pack any cables, adaptors, etc. that we may need along the way, so I will appreciate thoughts that any of you may have.
Some specific thoughts of mine:
I really appreciate any help that you all could provide. Many thanks!
To kickoff her ownership experience in the right way, we’ve decided to take a 2-month round-trip trek from Maine to Florida and many points in between, leaving after the holidays. Although I’ve done a Tesla road trip before, my wife has zero experience with the process. Clearly there will be a big difference between a trek like this in a Tesla vs a Recharge but we’re looking forward to the adventure. Oh yeah: we’re in our 70’s, so we don’t have the benefits of youthful exuberance, knowledge or cleverness going for us.
For that reason, I’m looking for helpful suggestions as to how to successfully endure/enjoy the experience, particularly with respect to keeping this car juiced up along the way and minimizing range anxiety . I am particularly wanting to pack any cables, adaptors, etc. that we may need along the way, so I will appreciate thoughts that any of you may have.
Some specific thoughts of mine:
- Knowing that there are lots of Tesla destination chargers in the world, I have bought a TeslaTap mini adaptor that allows all Tesla connectors (except Superchargers) to plug into J1772 cars. That should be helpful in a pinch, especially for hotels with Tesla destination chargers.
- I have accounts with E’fy America and ChargePoint, so I’m good with that.
- I’m well-experienced with using ABRP, PlugShare, etc.
- I’m lost in terms of cables and adapters to take. The charge cable that comes with the XC40 seems very short, so I guess an extension cord would be in order? Also, what plug adapters come standard with the Volvo cable and, if I need to add other adapters to my kit, where can I get them (and will they be compatible with the Volvo mobile charger?)
- I’ve seen that there are very long (and quite expensive…$500 or so) Volvo cables sold separately, with specific plugs on them. Worthwhile? Alternatively, what about aftermarket (non-Volvo) charging cables: any good recommendations that can help us deal with out-of-the ordinary NEMA receptacles?
- etc
I really appreciate any help that you all could provide. Many thanks!