Trip 3 - Madeline Island, Wisconsin

Late in August we set out for a few days at a lake house on Madeline Island Wisconsin.  Since this was our first long-distance trip with our Model S, we were anxious to see both how it handled and how we were able to manage the multiple charge stops along the route.

Navigation screen shot on the night
before the trip

The navigation system plotted the course between Palatine Illinois and Madeline Island Wisconsin to include the following charge stops: Madison, Eau Claire (Wisconsin), and Duluth (Minnesota).  It was 547 miles to the destination, almost all multi-lane highway - it should be a breeze!

The manner in which the Trip Planner identifies an optimum route with the minimum of charge time to complete the mileage is wonderful.  While this may not be the most direct route, I am confident in the system to make the distance and still have charge.  My plan at the island was to use standard line voltage and current to slow charge the car prior to the return trip.  (More on this later).

The day started great with Beverly driving and me trying some amateur video.  This may be something where a little more sophisticated video equipment may be beneficial.

The Tesla Model S 75D performed flawlessly.  Since the Auto Pilot was one of the features which had attracted us, this was a perfect chance to proof it.  Learning the specific location and manipulation of the driver assistance stalk proved to be a small bit challenging.  Both drivers periodically reverted to the directional signal stalk for the driver assistance action.  Time will certainly make it a "common feel" action.

Super Charger at Madison, Wisconsin

Our first charge was in Madison Wisconsin.  We had used this Super Charger on Trip 2, so we knew where it was and access was easy.  It's located in East Towne Mall parking lot, just off Interstate 90.  This Super Charger has one station where you can pull forward into the space - a convenience that should be available elsewhere.  We were pulling 300 amps at the start.  A quick coffee and sausage biscuit and rest and we were on the road again - no more than 35 minutes of charge.

Super Charger at Eau Claire, Wisconsin

Our second charge was in Eau Claire Wisconsin.  The Super Charger was located at the back of a strip mall about 2 minutes from the interstate.  It had 5 stations.  But the peculiar thing here was two of the parking station spots were occupied by ICE autos, just using them as parking spaces,  We were able to park in one of the three remaining stations, so it was not a problem,  Close to Panera for a food break!

If we had waited for a full charge, we could have driven directly to our destination.  But we left shortly after the "time to continue" text was sent to me by Tesla.  Our next stop was in Duluth, Minnesota.

We continued now on Highway 53 to Duluth.  One unusual sight along the way was the frac sand mines and railroad cars parked waiting for a load and transport.  Please see http://wisconsinwatch.org/series/frac-sand/ for commentary on this process.

Super Charger at the Holiday Inn, Duluth, Minnesota

The route to Duluth led us through Superior Wisconsin and across a major bridge into Duluth.  The Super Charger directions showed it located at a Holiday Inn. But we looped around the block twice before realizing it was in their parking ramp on the 3rd floor.  We found it, parked and started the charge.  A great little restaurant across from the Holiday inn (Toasty's) satisfied our need for sustenance.

Parked on the Madeline Island Ferry

After a short charge time, we started off on the final leg.  I had actually wanted to take the scenic route 13 along the lake, and Navigation said this was fine,  We arrived in Bayfield Wisconsin and sought out the ferry to take us to Madeline Island.

A short wait and we boarded the ferry.  BUT the navigation seemed to think we were going to get a bit wet.  It warned us of impending doom (dead end, reverse direction, do not enter this road).  Obviously our Tesla survived the dry ferry sailing across to Madeline Island.  A short 11 miles to our destination!


We made the trip in 13 hours.  A combination of drive time, charging, and a separate lunch stop.  All total, 560 miles. A wonderful, much less tiring drive.

We returned to our home after four restful days in the Lake Superior sunshine and woods,  We were able to b-pass the Duluth charge stop by charging at the lake house fully.  We had enough capacity to make it to Eau Claire with miles to spare.

All total 1100 miles driven, with an average 283 Wh/mile consumption rate,  Total energy consumed was 311.7 kWh.

Trip 2 - Madison, Wisconsin

Late in July, we took our Tesla (now affectionately called Nikola) to Madison, Wisconsin to conduct genealogy research at the Wisconsin State Historical Society on the Madison Campus.  Beverly took the helm on the way there, and navigated with Auto-Pilot flawlessly.

This trip required a use of the Tesla Supercharging network.  The Madison Supercharger was located at East Towne Mall, and had 3 charging stations in the parking area.  We were the only user of the chargers and we completed a top-up charge in about 40 minutes.  This again was simple and convenient.  Enough charge to conduct our research and then tour the Wisconsin country-side on our return home.

After our stop at the Historical Society, we managed a leisurely tour of campus.  The Frankenburger House in Tripp Housing was my "home" and looks the same as it did in the 1970's.  The Babcock ice cream store was also a necessary stop.  The campus has changed, but brings back many fond  memories.

On our drive back home, Beverly found a side-tour at the Wisconsin Brewing Company in Verona Wisconsin.  The stop provided a sample tasting of eight different brews and we were able to buy a six-pack of the best of the tasting - well worth the stop.  

The Tesla is wonderful to drive and extremely responsive.  Safe and sound back home with about 60 miles of charge remaining.

Trip 1 - St. Joseph, Michigan

In July, we traveled to the lovely city of St. Joe, Michigan to attend the Krasl Art Fair.  This juried art fair has been running for many years, and has always been a tour highlight of the south-western coast of  Michigan.  Adding to our collection of art has always been enjoyable and entertaining.

Since this was a longer- distance trip, it required a Super-Charge experience.  It was our first road trial of the Tesla charging network and accommodations.  The St. Joseph Supercharger was immediately off interstate 94, so it was easily found.  Only one Tesla was charging at one of the 8 chargers  located there.  Hook up was simple.  We chatted briefly with the Minnesota couple who were traveling to Ann Arbor in their Model S.

After about 30 minutes, we were again on our way to explore the back-country of Michigan.  We made it home with about 30 miles of charge remaining!

Day 1 - Delivery

June 27, 2016 was the delivery day for our new Tesla 2016 Model S 75D.  A beautiful day for the arrival of a remarkable vehicle.  The people at the Highland Park, IL Tesla showroom were well-prepared.  They welcomed us with a simple but complete introduction to our new auto, loaded with key safety and technology innovations.

Even though we had taken a VIP loaner Tesla Model S home twice for weekend test drives, it was still daunting to drive your own Model S.  But I made it home with Beverly trailing behind - I think I might have lost her a few times with the Tesla's quick acceleration.

Obviously, once home, it was back on the road so that each of us could experience the pleasure of new ownership!