Tesla (Model 3) in Colorado?

[MotherDuck]

I am going to Denver for a week(Jan 13-20) and had the option of renting a Tesla Model 3. With a MCP pass, I hope to visit Aspen Snowmass and Arapahoe Basin. Would Tesla be a good buddy or should I go with an SUV? Thanks!

 

[marzNC]

I am going to Denver for a week(Jan 13-20) and had the option of renting a Tesla Model 3. With a MCP pass, I hope to visit Aspen Snowmass and Arapahoe Basin. Would Tesla be a good buddy or should I go with an SUV? Thanks!

How much knowledge do you have about charging up a Tesla? Take a look and see where the Tesla Superchargers are between Denver and Aspen. I would expect there to be several. Colorado was an early adopter for BEVs.

Is the Model 3 AWD?

How many people? A Model 3 isn't very big when it comes to luggage and skis. A friend of my husband who lives in Texas had a Model 3. He's a retired bachelor who takes long distance driving trips a few times a year. He upgraded to a Model Y last year to have more interior space for stuff.

I have driven out to Colorado from North Carolina twice for early season ski trips. A couple years ago, my husband and I opted to get a RAV4 Prime AWD PHEV instead of a BEV. Makes for much less thought when away from home. Last week it was very cold near Wolf Creek, meaning single digit highs during the day. With a BEV, that means much less range and longer charging times. Having a PHEV meant I was essentially driving a hybrid and didn't have to do anything differently than a traditional ICE SUV.

 

[Susan L]

Download Plugshare and ChargePoint for charging locations inbetween Superchargers. To charge at Level 2 chargers, you will need a J1772 adaptor so make sure one is provided to you. Know that cold temperatures, heating, passenger/luggage weight, uphill climb will all drain the battery a lot faster than normal. If you will be parking outside, the car will go into a deep sleep and it will cost you power to wake up and condition the battery before you drive it in the morning. If you can, keep it plug in overnight at a wall outlet to at least prevent phantom drain and the 12v battery from dying. And ask if plugging it into a wall outlet is allowed at your lodging. It is considered a fire hazard at some places. For that, you will likely need an extension cord and have the actual charging cable with you. I’d also turn on Chill mode. I personally will not rent an EV if you have no prior experience with it in the winter with frigid temperatures.

 

[Mudgirl630]

I live in Aspen for the ski seasons.
I suggest not get the Tesla. When you drive I-70 in the winter, always rent SUV/all wheel drive or 4wheel drive. They are scary enough without having winter tires on rentals. All rentals inly have all weather tires. Not enough to drive in the CO bad weather, specially near the Vail pass. It has been a cold winter. Be safe.

 

[MotherDuck]

Thank you all for the comments! Time is precious when traveling so I changed to SUV to minimize any surprises. Happy Holidays to all!

 

[Chuyi]

I will choose FWD with snow tires over AWD with all weather tires cuz traction is what allows u 2 stop. Below is the myth of AWD debunked by popular mechanics.

Debunking The Myth of All-Wheel Drive

It sounds like having power to all wheels would help drivers negotiate corners and slippery surfaces. But don't believe the hype about all-wheel drive and handling.

www.popularmechanics.com

Watch AWD slip in snow from yesterday 12/28/22 in CO.

 

[Chuyi]

@MotherDuck i got a loaner AWD Tesla Y the stock tires are terrible in snow/ice/slush. I almost didn't get out of my u plowed street.

 

[Kimmyt]

We love our Tesla (Y) out here. But I wouldn't drive it in the winter on stock tires, we mount snows on ours. Charging is no issue out here, plenty of chargers.