May 11, 2014 | Rapid City, SD

By luminousprint on May 11, 2014

0511 Today’s drive from Mitchell, SD left very little power to spare upon reaching Murdo, SD. On 75mph highways it’s extremely important to mind your kilowatt-guzzling speed. One cannot trust the sub-odometer “rated range” display, which invariably overestimates allotted miles. Opt instead for the economy mode in settings, and use the “instant” button on the range display. That gives some blessed assurance that you needn’t worry about being stranded, i.e., then you can constantly monitor your mile-rated electrical use. I make sure that as a rule am at least 20 miles under the navigation display miles-left-to-go. The drive from Murdo to Rapid City was equally taxing on the lithium-ion battery array. Badland driving requires some care. These are relatively long jaunts on fast highways between the ccurrent superchargers in South Dakota (3) and Wyoming (2). But traffic is respectful, and one can drive 60 or even 55mph with little fear that 75mph+ drivers will rear-end you. But forget the Model S’s 4.2-sec leap to 60mph and the crooked little smile at traffic lights.  Wish one could be supercharged all the way to Yellowstone!