Is a Tesla rental a good idea?

Submitted by Stronghold_Armory t3_11f8ns7 in Washington

My wife and I are planning a vacation on Whidbey Island and we're interested in renting a Tesla to try it out. I see a lot of charging stations near Seattle, but don't want to get stuck out in the middle of nowhere on our way to La Push or anything.

Does anyone have any insight, or should we just stick with a regular car to be safe?

Thanks all. Love your beautiful state.

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Acceptable_Fox_9888 t1_jai6zom wrote

Grew up on whidbey, definitely go with a regular car.

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Stronghold_Armory OP t1_jaibu89 wrote

Thanks. I think that's what we're going to go with. We'll try out an electric car another time.

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tdogg241 t1_jaiia9h wrote

Tesla just recalled over 300k vehicles over safety issues. I wouldn't roll those dice, personally.

Also, Elon Musk is a fascist POS. Don't line his pockets.

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Hobby_Potter t1_jaiihvn wrote

I rented a tesla... it was pretty cool... when you told the car where you wanted to go it would figure in your current charge and factor in charging stations.... I would definitely do it again... but make sure your rental comes with the adapter so you can charge at any rental location and not only tesla stations

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Hobby_Potter t1_jaiiuui wrote

Also... FYI... I did look and there are 3 tesla superchargers on Whidbey Island... depending on where you are staying I would do it!

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WrongWeekToQuit t1_jaih283 wrote

Use https://www.plugshare.com/ to verify charging station locations.

EDIT: BTW, the Hertz where I rented a Tesla from has no charging capabilities!!! So the car I picked up was just 30% charged. Don't expect to pick up a car and just go on a long road trip.

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TheEvergreenMonster t1_jajig7f wrote

I’ve made the drive to the coast (and up to Whidbey) from Seattle many times in my older Tesla, you’ll be fine. There are plenty of charging opportunities between Whidbey and La Push.

For optimal time efficiency, I suggest taking the ferry to/from the peninsula—this should save you a charging stop.

Anyway, you can use https://www.tesla.com/trips to get a good idea about whether or not it’s a good fit for your itinerary. This is just Tesla chargers. Superchargers are the fastest (and most expensive)

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green_tree t1_jaj0rp5 wrote

A quick google search tells me there are chargers in Sequim, Forks, and even a destination charger near Neah Bay. You’re probably just fine for charging!

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SweetHawk12 t1_jakwm01 wrote

I’ve driven my Tesla Model 3 all over the Olympic peninsula, including down logging roads to hunting camp. There is a Tesla supercharger in Sequim (used it) and Forks (not been to it). Charging won’t be a problem if you use the navigation and common sense. Now, some of the controls on this minimalist interior are not intuitive at first, so i recommend a crash course when you pick it up!

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