Elon explains why charging $TSLA to 80% is the optimal move for long trips:
1. Drop the gas station mentality
With EVs, the winning strategy is charge to 80%, drain to 10%, repeat. Keep pit stops under 20-30 min.
2. The last 20% takes as long as the first 80%
Battery charging isn't linear. Going 80→100% takes roughly the same time as 0→80%. Sitting around for that final 20% is pure time waste.
3. Elon's parking lot theory
Think of your battery like an underground parking garage:
- Low charge = tons of empty spots. Li-ions park instantly, charging is fast.
- Above 80% = garage nearly full. Li-ions circle endlessly hunting for space, charging crawls.
Charge as you go. You'll save more than half your waiting time vs. topping off every single time.
1. Drop the gas station mentality
With EVs, the winning strategy is charge to 80%, drain to 10%, repeat. Keep pit stops under 20-30 min.
2. The last 20% takes as long as the first 80%
Battery charging isn't linear. Going 80→100% takes roughly the same time as 0→80%. Sitting around for that final 20% is pure time waste.
3. Elon's parking lot theory
Think of your battery like an underground parking garage:
- Low charge = tons of empty spots. Li-ions park instantly, charging is fast.
- Above 80% = garage nearly full. Li-ions circle endlessly hunting for space, charging crawls.
Charge as you go. You'll save more than half your waiting time vs. topping off every single time.