Tesla owner uses emergency solar to trickle charge after running

A YouTuber driving a Tesla Model X the entire length of the Americas ran out of battery in Chile’s Atacama Desert — the driest place on Earth — and had to deploy emergency solar panels on the side of the highway to survive

What's Happening

The whole ordeal, captured on video, is a fascinating look at both the promise and the very real challenges of long-distance EV travel in regions where charging infrastructure remains sparse.

Why This Matters for EV Owners

The Bigger Picture

This development reflects broader shifts in the European EV market as charging infrastructure expands and new models enter the market..

EV Comparison: How Do These Models Stack Up?

Among these models, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range leads in efficiency at 14.4 kWh/100km, while the Tesla Model 3 Long Range offers the longest range at 602 km WLTP.

Model	Battery	WLTP Range	Efficiency
Tesla Model 3 Long Range	75 kWh	602 km	14.4 kWh/100km
Tesla Model Y Long Range	75 kWh	533 km	16.9 kWh/100km

Data sourced from EVRoutes' vehicle database covering 60+ EV models. Ranges are WLTP-rated and real-world results may vary by 10-20% based on driving conditions.

What This Means for Your Wallet

Based on current European charging rates, DC fast charging costs between €0.30-0.65 per kWh depending on the network and country. This translates to roughly 40-60% savings compared to equivalent petrol costs. A typical fast-charging session takes 20-45 min (10-80% DC fast) — enough time for a coffee break on a long trip.

Real-World Range Considerations

EVRoutes' route calculations account for real-world conditions. In winter, expect 15-30% range reduction due to battery chemistry and cabin heating. Pro tip: Pre-conditioning the battery before DC fast charging can improve charging speeds by up to 30% in cold weather.

What to Watch Next

As the EV landscape continues to evolve, developments like this shape the transition to electric mobility across Europe..