When Mary Alessandra Jones hit the road from Utah to Missouri to pick up her new Tesla, she didn’t just document a routine car purchase—she gave viewers an honest look at what it’s really like to take a long-distance trip in an electric vehicle. Through her TikTok series, Mary shared both the joys and practical challenges of EV travel, offering insight that resonates with current and future EV owners alike.
A New Kind of Road Trip
Charging an EV on a long road trip isn’t always as straightforward as refueling a gas car. While Tesla’s Supercharger network now accounts for nearly 56% of all DC fast chargers in the U.S., even the most robust systems can require slight detours or waiting time. Mary’s route needed a few off-course stops to access chargers, particularly around Star Valley, Wyoming. She navigated these minor hiccups with enthusiasm, never letting them overshadow her excitement about her new car.
Despite delays, Mary’s upbeat attitude was clear: “I’d be happy even if I had to double my charging time,” she said with a smile. Her story illustrates the passion many Tesla owners feel—a connection that goes beyond the practical and borders on personal.
Real-World Charging: More Than Just a Pit Stop
Mary made a great point about how Tesla’s built-in navigation system helps reduce range anxiety by guiding drivers to the nearest available charging stations. Still, she emphasized the importance of planning ahead, especially for those venturing into less populated areas. Her trip revealed one common EV tip: always keep a few charging adapters in the trunk. While Tesla drivers primarily rely on the North American Charging Standard (NACS), many stations still use J1772 or CCS connections.
In one stop, Mary found a ChargePoint station that offered CCS adapters to Tesla users through the rest area’s office—no need to purchase one yourself. It’s a great reminder that flexibility is key on the road, and being informed about adapter access can prevent frustrating surprises.
Adapting to the EV Lifestyle
Though Mary admits she doesn’t normally drive long distances, she found that the Tesla Model Y suits her day-to-day lifestyle perfectly. With a range of over 300 miles and access to home charging, most of her future trips will be effortless compared to this initial journey. She even managed a trickle charge at a friend’s cabin using a standard wall outlet—slow, but functional.
Interestingly, she noted that keeping the cabin at a comfortable temperature slightly slowed the charging rate—yet she still reached her next destination without issue. It’s this kind of honest detail that helps new EV drivers set realistic expectations.
The Joys of Home Charging
In the comments under her video, many Tesla owners chimed in with their own perspectives. One of the most consistent themes? The convenience of waking up to a fully charged car. For many, the ability to charge at home makes EV ownership far more appealing than traditional gas vehicles. As one user put it: “No more gas stations—just plug in and start fresh every morning.”
Others pointed out that some EV critics have never owned an electric car themselves, and that the transition becomes easier with real-world experience.
Final Thoughts: It’s All About Mindset and Planning
Mary’s journey is a strong reminder that transitioning to an EV lifestyle isn’t just about the car—it’s about adapting your mindset and habits. With the right planning, the right equipment, and a little patience, road trips in an electric vehicle can be not only manageable but genuinely enjoyable.
As the EV charging infrastructure continues to expand, stories like Mary’s offer both inspiration and practical tips for navigating the new normal. Her trip wasn’t flawless, but it was filled with learning, excitement, and the quiet joy of driving into the future—one charge at a time.
Image Source: Unsplash
