FYI: Two lightly modified Tesla Cybertrucks embarked on an 11,000-mile journey from Florida to the Arctic Ocean and back, overcoming various challenges and making EV history along the way.
## Tesla Cybertrucks Conquer Epic 11,000-Mile Journey to Arctic Ocean
An ambitious adventure saw a pair of lightly customized Tesla Cybertrucks travel from the sunny beaches of Florida to the icy extremities of Canada’s Dempster Highway. Covering a round-trip distance of 11,000 miles, the expedition not only defied the odds but also gave back to the EV community by installing six Level 2 chargers along the route.
### The Journey Begins
The daunting trek, known as the Arctic Cybertrek, saw a team of four cherry-picked individuals: Justin Damaree (The Bearded Tesla), Rafael and Nancy Santoni (Teslatino and Teslatina), and Tesla investor and professional kite flier Gary Mark. Their mission took them from Florida all the way to the town of Tuktoyaktuk at the end of the 460-mile Dempster Highway, a largely unpaved road that leads to the Arctic Ocean.
### Challenges and Triumphs
Critics have highlighted various issues with the Tesla Cybertruck, from its bold design to reliability concerns. Yet these concerns didn’t deter the Arctic Cybertrek team, who were determined to push the limits of what an all-electric pickup truck could do. The Cybertrucks were armed with upgrades from Unplugged Performance and equipped with custom roof racks by Urander.
The journey was supported primarily by the robust Tesla Supercharger network, though they also had to rely on DC fast chargers from other providers. While some third-party chargers posed difficulties, requiring calls to tech support, the overall experience was relatively smooth.
### Overcoming Charging Deserts
As the team navigated through Canada’s remote Northwest Territories, they faced a significant challenge: the complete absence of Tesla Superchargers. Meticulous planning ensured they could connect with local shops and facilities along the Dempster Highway, allowing them to recharge and keep the journey on track.
To pave the way for future adventurers, the team generously donated six Tesla Level 2 wall chargers during their trip. Of these, one is already operational, with the remainder scheduled to go online soon. This contribution marks a significant improvement for EV travelers considering a similar route in the future.
### Cybertrucks Prove Their Mettle
Despite the skepticism surrounding the Cybertruck’s performance, the vehicles showed zero reliability issues throughout the arduous journey. They emerged as formidable adventure vehicles, living up to their hefty price tags by delivering impressive durability and dependability in one of the world’s harshest environments.
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### Conclusion
The Arctic Cybertrek stands as a testament to the evolving capabilities of electric vehicles, particularly the Tesla Cybertruck. This herculean journey has not only demonstrated the reliability and potential of electric trucks but also contributed to the broader EV community by enhancing the charging infrastructure. Such feats reiterate that the future of adventurous, long-distance EV travel is promising and already within reach.
William Kouch, Editor of Automotive.fyi
