Will I make it from Phoenix to Tucson?
In July, all 5 of these popular EVs make it from Phoenix to Tucson on a 90% charge with at least 10% to spare; in January, all 5 do. The biggest winter drain: the 1,300 ft climb uses 4%.
115 miles, about 1 h 42 min of driving. Leaving at 8 AM on a typical January and July day.
Check your own car and charge level
January and July, car by car
Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD
January · 46°F
Yes
Arrives with 28–46%
The 1,300 ft climb uses 4%
July · 84°F
Yes
Arrives with 32–46%
The 1,300 ft climb uses 4%
Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD
January · 46°F
Yes
Arrives with 33–49%
The 1,300 ft climb uses 4%
July · 84°F
Yes
Arrives with 36–49%
The 1,300 ft climb uses 4%
Ford Mustang Mach-E Extended Range AWD
January · 46°F
Yes
Arrives with 23–42%
The 1,300 ft climb uses 4%
July · 84°F
Yes
Arrives with 28–43%
The 1,300 ft climb uses 4%
Chevrolet Equinox EV FWD
January · 46°F
Yes
Arrives with 25–44%
46°F cold costs 4%
July · 84°F
Yes
Arrives with 29–45%
The 1,300 ft climb uses 3%
Hyundai Ioniq 5 Long Range RWD
January · 46°F
Yes
Arrives with 20–41%
46°F cold costs 4%
July · 84°F
Yes
Arrives with 25–42%
The 1,300 ft climb uses 4%
Yes means the low end of the range still arrives with 10% or more. Close means the likely answer does, but a colder or windier day might not. No means you'll need to stop.
Best fast-charging stops on the way
- AZ Mills Mall (Tempe, AZ) — Tempe, AZ · Electrify America · mile 12 · up to 350 kW
- Walmart 1218 (Casa Grande, AZ) — Casa Grande, AZ · Electrify America · mile 51 · up to 350 kW
- Target Tucson #T0854 — Tucson, AZ · EVgo · mile 106 · up to 350 kW
Questions about this trip
Will I make it from Phoenix to Tucson in winter?
On a mid-January morning, 5 of 5 popular EVs make the 115-mile drive from a 90% charge and arrive with at least 10%. Typical temperature on the way: 46°F.
Where should I charge between Phoenix and Tucson?
The best DC fast-charging stops on the way, in order: AZ Mills Mall (Tempe, AZ) (mile 12); Walmart 1218 (Casa Grande, AZ) (mile 51); Target Tucson #T0854 (mile 106). Charge to about 80%; above that, charging slows sharply.
How much battery does the climb between Phoenix and Tucson use?
In a Tesla Model Y Long Range AWD, the 1,300 ft climb uses about 4% of the battery on a January day. Coming down gives some of it back through regenerative braking, but not all of it.
What is the best EV for Phoenix to Tucson?
Of the 5 popular EVs we check, the Tesla Model 3 Long Range AWD arrives with the most charge on a January day: about 42% (33–49%) from a 90% start. In July it arrives with about 43%.
How we work this out
Each answer drives the real road route in 30-meter steps: speed, climbs and descents (with regenerative braking), rolling resistance, cabin heating or cooling, a cold battery's lower capacity, and the typical wind. Temperatures are NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals for each place along the way. Every car is calibrated to its EPA highway rating. Each car starts at 90%.
Updated . Sources: Stadia Maps road routes and elevation, NOAA climate normals, fueleconomy.gov, and the U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center.