Hitting the beach that lets you drive on it is pretty-much fun. Imagine reaching the camping spot in your Tesla car instead of parking it at a favorable place—far away—and carrying all the supplies on foot. But can you drive a Tesla on the beach?
Tesla cars can be driven on the beach because they have features that favor off-roading i.e., All-wheel drive, less possibility of water-related damage, navigation, and charging availability. However, some downsides—low ground clearance, added weight, and corrosion risks. This scenario also makes Tesla, not a so-good choice on the contrary for driving on the beach.
What Makes a Car Good for Driving on the Beach?
- All-Wheel Drive (AWD): Powering all wheels simultaneously adds to the traction, which keeps the car moving on sand and mud.
- Less Weight: Heavy cars have increased odds of sinking into the sand and wet areas due to added pressure on the surface.
- Ability to Handle Water: If sudden, unexpected waves hit a car while it is beyond the high-tide mark, it should not damage the critical components.
- Ground Clearance: A minimum of 7.5 inches above the ground is recommended for driving on the beach. It can make a car handle dunes better.
What Makes a Tesla Good on the Beach?
1. Tesla’s Can Power All Wheels
The AWD mechanism has the advantage of better traction since all wheels get power. Electric vehicles equipped with AWD can handle sand and muddy areas better since if one tier begins to slip or stuck, the other three will come to the rescue, regaining the traction. Currently, all Tesla models have this feature—most of them as standard.
Nevertheless, note that the AWD feature does not guarantee an electric car would not get stuck on beaches: many other factors, such as the type of sand and the terrain, decide the outcome. You might have heard about Matt Farah poking fun at a Tesla Model S stuck in the sand on a California beach. Still, you would be equally amazed to watch a recent video of a Tesla Model 3 pulling out a stuck Nissan Patrol SUV from Dubai desert dunes!
2. There Are Fewer Chances of Water Damaging Critical Tesla Components
Tesla can handle water better than conventional cars. Thanks to their design, which requires limited air intake, there are far fewer chances of water making its way to the car’s critical components, saving it from sufficient damage.
Tesla cars might also survive if the beach is flooded suddenly. The world saw an unusual scene a few months ago when a Tesla safely made it through deep waters near the beach. However, the company does not recommend it.
Read: Are Tesla Good for Long Road Trips? Yes. Here Is Why
3. Tesla Model X Has Adequate Ground Clearance
With favorable ground clearance, Tesla Model X can wade through beach sand fairly quickly. The vehicle comes with 5.4 inches height above the ground that can be extended to 8.1. This benefit makes the model unlikely to drag in the sand, ultimately slowing it down.
4. Tesla’s Come With Navigation
Since beach driving is an off-road experience, having a good navigation system might become important sometimes. All Tesla cars have a navigation system that can help the drivers get back on the road when lost on the beach.
5. Tesla Supercharger Network Is on Beaches Too
Range anxiety while driving a Tesla on beaches is not an issue. Fortunately, almost all famous beaches on the eastern and western coasts of the United States are covered by the Tesla supercharging stations. With the company’s announcement to triple the number of existing superchargers, we can expect to have many other beaches covered.
Whether Hermosa Beach in California or Miami Beach in Florida—Tesla owners can get their range replenished easily.
Read: Can You Drive a Tesla on the Beach? Probably Yes—Know Why
What Makes a Tesla Bad on the Beach?
1. Teslas Are Heavier
Unfortunately, Tesla cars are heavier than other vehicles of similar size, making them prone to sinking in soft sand. Even features like AWD might have difficulty getting the vehicle to regain traction in such a situation.
Tesla cars are heavy because of the added battery weight, the metal armor around them for protection in case of impact, and a reinforced suspension.
2. Most Tesla Models Do Not Have Enough Ground Clearance
Most Tesla models fall short of 7.5 inches in height from the ground—making them susceptible to encountering sand, slowing the speed, and dislodging some components, such as the bumpers. As explained earlier, only Tesla Model X fulfills the ground clearance criterion.
This problem arises mainly because Tesla was not designed to be driven offroad. The design offers a better center of gravity, good aerodynamics, and range enhancement when driven on plain roads.
3. Tesla’s Are Prone to Corrosion.
Driving on beaches with wet sand because seawater is fraught with rust in a car’s body if not enough care is taken. Tesla, unfortunately, does not have a good reputation when it comes to corrosion. If these cars are not appropriately washed after contacting seawater, the body metal will be prone to rust risk.
Tesla Model 3 is a prime candidate for rust, while other models have also reported rust and corrosion in several components.
Which Tesla Model Is Good for Beach Driving?
| Model | Weight (pounds) | Ground Clearance (inches) |
Standard All-Wheel Drive? |
|
3 |
3,682-4,048 | 5.5 |
Yes |
|
S |
4,651-4,776 | 4.6 |
No |
|
Y |
4,398 | 6.6 |
Yes |
|
X |
5,185-5,390 | 8.1 |
Yes |
As evident from the table above, Model X remains the best choice for driving on the beach. The vehicle can perform well on the sand with its appropriate ground clearance and AWD feature. However, the enormous weight of up to 5,390 pounds remains the main problem.
Also, Cybertruck is the best choice for driving a Tesla on the beach. But unfortunately, it is not available yet and hence not included in the table above. The vehicle will have an air-suspension feature that can make its ground clearance reach 16 inches. Moreover, the company claims it is the most powerful Tesla car yet. Its powerful drivetrain creates ideal tractions for off-road adventures such as hitting the beach!
Tips for Driving a Tesla on Beaches
- Always keep the AWD feature on. It might never let the car stuck in the first place.
- Lighten the vehicle. Your Tesla is already too heavy. Leave extra belongings at home.
- Lower the tire air pressure. They will make wider contact with the sand surface to add traction.
- Wash your car after cruising through wet sand. It will prevent rusting and corrosion.
- Always keep emergency tools in your car. Equipment like a shovel, towing rope, and flashing lights is necessary for beach driving.
Can You Drive Other Electric Car Brands on the Beach?
Yes. Several electric car brands are well-known for their off-roading capabilities, which can be well-utilized for driving on beaches. These makes and models include:
- Rivian R1T: With a quad-motor design, this truck’s AWD has a spectacular performance in sandy and muddy areas. It also has an air-suspension system that can heighten it up to 14 inches off the ground.
- Ford F-150 Lightning: With the locking differentials technology, this truck allows proper power distribution on all four wheels, a great advantage for off-roading on beaches. The ground clearance is about 9 inches, which works well on dunes.
Read: Are Tesla Good in Rural Areas? A Complete Guide
Can You Drive a Tesla on the Beach? Concluding Remarks
Perhaps yes—Tesla cars can hit beaches due to some off-roading friendly features; however, it might not be a good idea to do it simultaneously, depending on several factors. So far, Tesla Model X remains the best choice for beach driving, but that might shift to the Cybertruck soon.
Just ensure that the beach you want to drive on does not contain anything a Tesla is vulnerable to, such as high dunes, and you must be good to go. Have fun!
