Kinda Alaska road trip

[schwartz83]

We're headed to Alaska from Minneapolis and back....this trip is nothing like Nago just did from Austin Texas.

Our trip takes us from Minneapolis to Bellingham, WA where we boarded the ferry. The ferry drops us in Haines, AK. From there we're driving to Anchorage to visit friends then to Seward for a fishing charter. Then we turn around and retrace our steps.

First phase - Minneapolis to Bellingham

1761.7 miles. 996 kWh charging over 15 stops .. We(wife and brother in law) really liked the frequent shorter charges.

I learned on this trip that the Alaska ferry boards EVs last...in case of fire they said they will push the EV off... due to the intensity of the potential fire, not the likelihood it will happen. So they want you to be in line by 3:00 for a 6:00 departure...we got there around 2:00 and didn't load until 6:00 or a bit later.

The ferry drops us in Haines where there are absolutely 0 charging options available. The nearest fast charger is in Haines Junction about 150 miles down the road. Doable...we boarded with just over 90% SOC - more than enough as long as vampire drain isn't excessive. We're at 89% now about 24 hours after boarding.

Second phase - Haines to Anchorage and Seward. We'll make use of very limited DCFC options and charging at campgrounds.

I'll add more pictures as I take them... hopefully including of halibut and Coho salmon!

If you have any questions, fire away.

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[Captain JB]

Just fyi for future potential Alaska Highway trips in an EV. We drove the Alcan Highway in 2023 so a few years ago but in a huge ICE RV. We made note of the charging stations on the single lane iconic highway and there were very few. Jasper Natl Park had some Tesla chargers but did not see any elsewhere. Wifi and cell conservation is so slight that we bought Starlink as I needed it for some expert witness work that I do part time. Unless things have changed. I do not recommend the journey. You were smart to be dropped off in Haines, AK. JB

 

[Oldcarguy]

Sounds like a beautiful trip! Looking forward to the updates.

 

[Budman]

Love to hear more. Love the color of the R1T.

 

[Mellowyellow]

Godspeed!

 

[Riviot]

TIL about Haines, AK. Didn't know there was anything after Juneau on the inside passage.

I'll be following along! Anchorage will be top of my list for PCS next year.

 

[Thedude]

Just fyi for future potential Alaska Highway trips in an EV. We drove the Alcan Highway in 2023 so a few years ago but in a huge ICE RV. We made note of the charging stations on the single lane iconic highway and there were very few. Jasper Natl Park had some Tesla chargers but did not see any elsewhere. Wifi and cell conservation is so slight that we bought Starlink as I needed it for some expert witness work that I do part time. Unless things have changed. I do not recommend the journey. You were smart to be dropped off in Haines, AK. JB

There’s enough you can make it but it’s a slow trip.l and would likely need a couple stays at a hotel/campground to top up overnight. Last December a lot of the rest pull offs have one or two 50kw chargers.

 

[schwartz83]

A couple pictures from the ferry. We get to Haines and back on the road today. Down to 88% SOC...not too bad.

 

[Phatman113]

How Fun! We're doing a Prudhoe Bay trip with the kids this summer, but unfortunately don't think we could make it with the truck, so we're renting a camper van in Anchorage.

Thanks for the photos! Best of luck!

 

[Thedude]

How Fun! We're doing a Prudhoe Bay trip with the kids this summer, but unfortunately don't think we could make it with the truck, so we're renting a camper van in Anchorage.

Thanks for the photos! Best of luck!

If you can make the drive up through Canada on the Dempster Highway instead, it’s way better.

 

[Phatman113]

If you can make the drive up through Canada on the Dempster Highway instead, it’s way better.

I would love to, but can't take the time. It's already an 18 day trip with lots of driving.
Oh, I see, up to the Arctic Sea. We have needs to get to Coldfoot, prompting this trip, but Dempster does look more doable for an EV, for sure!

 

[Thedude]

I would love to, but can't take the time. It's already an 18 day trip with lots of driving.

Depending on what you want to see along the way it’s doable. Anchorage to Deadhorse and back is an easy driven six day trip. Anchorage to Tuktoyuktuk and back is a slightly longer six days. I’ve done both drives more than once and going to Tuk is way nicer. Deadhorse is an industrial town that you travel to along an industrial road. The Dempster Highway is much more scenic, less heavy rig traffic and the destination is actually the Arctic Ocean, not an oil crew town.

 

[Phatman113]

Depending on what you want to see along the way it’s doable. Anchorage to Deadhorse and back is an easy driven six day trip. Anchorage to Tuktoyuktuk and back is a slightly longer six days. I’ve done both drives more than once and going to Tuk is way nicer. Deadhorse is an industrial town that you travel to along an industrial road. The Dempster Highway is much more scenic, less heavy rig traffic and the destination is actually the Arctic Ocean, not an oil crew town.

Yeah, I realized what you were saying later and updated my response, but we have plans in Coldfoot, which prompted this trip. But, I do want to try the Dempster hwy in an EV at some point! looks prettier, and more chargers!

 

[Riviot]

How Fun! We're doing a Prudhoe Bay trip with the kids this summer, but unfortunately don't think we could make it with the truck, so we're renting a camper van in Anchorage.

Thanks for the photos! Best of luck!

Please stop at the following locations and let us know if there's an EV charger. Nothing comes up on PlugShare, but I'd love to have a way to get to the Beaufort Sea with the truck!

Pump Station #4
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sJ7tM9BipxiYqhRv6

Deadhorse Airport
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vG4TkadGdnztJ2to9

 

[Phatman113]

Please stop at the following locations and let us know if there's an EV charger. Nothing comes up on PlugShare, but I'd love to have a way to get to the Beaufort Sea with the truck!

Pump Station #4
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sJ7tM9BipxiYqhRv6

Deadhorse Airport
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vG4TkadGdnztJ2to9

I put them onto my map and I'll take a look. Any reason you think they're in these two locations?

Looks like the Prudhoe Bay Hotel (and most of the overnight spots) have block heaters... it'd be pretty slow, but you might get 110v charge off that?

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