80-Year-Old Tests Tesla Self-Driving on 3,000-Mile Road Trip – “I love this car.”

An 80-year-old man completed a nearly 3,000-mile road trip relying heavily on a used Tesla Model X’s self-driving capabilities.

Bill Sniffin, a longtime technology adopter and writer for Cowboy State Daily, purchased a 2018 Tesla Model X and allowed the car to autonomously drive approximately 2,800 miles of his journey from Dallas to Iowa and back to Wyoming. This real-world test highlights both the potential and limitations of electric vehicle autonomy amid long-distance travel.

Charging stops occurred roughly every 100 miles, and charging to 80 percent typically takes about 25 minutes. Sniffin faced range anxiety, especially when the battery gauge dropped to zero near Elkader, Iowa, leaving only four miles to the next charging point. He also noted that the self-driving system is not infallible, demanding constant driver attention in complex conditions like construction zones. The Tesla’s self-driving modes, including a recently added “SLOTH” setting, were part of the trip’s driving experience.

Looking ahead, Sniffin remains uncertain how the Tesla will handle Wyoming’s challenging winter conditions and has yet to test features like self-parallel parking or summon.

Montana businesses and consumers might find this account instructive when considering electric vehicle adoption in rural areas. The state’s vast distances and limited charging infrastructure could amplify range anxiety and operational challenges similar to those encountered by Sniffin. Understanding these factors is crucial for Montana’s evolving transportation and energy landscape.

I’m 80-Years-Old And I Bought A Tesla. Then I Let It Drive Me For 3,000 Miles.
By @daily_cowboy, Cowboy State Daily