It seems like in 2024 I am facing a frustrating situation where my Tesla is running out of charge in Tuscany, a region I expected to be well-equipped with charging infrastructure. The irony of resorting to a Peugeot diesel to get my family out of a tight spot amidst Tuscan olive trees underscores my frustration. The situation also highlights a larger issue that many digital nomads and electric vehicle (EV) users face: the lack of reliable charging infrastructure even in wealthy or popular regions.
In 2024, while EV technology has advanced, there are still gaps in charging infrastructure, especially in rural or semi-rural areas like parts of Tuscany. Range anxiety, the fear of running out of battery power before reaching a charging station, remains a significant concern for EV users, despite the push for more widespread charging networks. This experience can be particularly jarring for someone like me, who likely expects that such an affluent and tourist-heavy area would be fully equipped with fast chargers to support electric vehicles.
The reality is that while urban areas and highways are increasingly well-covered with fast chargers, more remote or scenic areas, like the Tuscan countryside, may still have limited options.
For digital nomads who rely on mobility and are often on the move, this can create significant inconvenience.
In this context, the absence of adequate charging stations can be both surprising and exasperating, especially for someone expecting modern infrastructure in a region as developed and wealthy as Tuscany. My situation is a reminder that despite advancements in EV technology, there is still work to be done to ensure that all regions can support the growing number of electric vehicles on the road.
Tuscany, with its rolling hills, charming villages, and endless vineyards, has always been a place where I can indulge in life’s little luxuries. This region is the epitome of opulence, with every turn on the road offering a new vista that’s more picturesque than the last. But as I glide through these idyllic landscapes in my sleek Tesla Model 3, the thrill of luxury travel meets an unexpected adversary—range anxiety.
Let me set the scene: It’s a warm August evening in 2024, and I’m cruising through the Tuscan countryside, the golden hour casting a magical glow over everything. The vineyards are lush, the cypress trees stand tall, and I’m sipping on the last few drops of a delightful Brunello di Montalcino (not literally, of course—I’m driving, darling). Life is perfect, or so it seems.
But then, as the sun dips below the horizon, I glance at the dashboard and feel a pang of worry. My Tesla is down to a mere 42 kilometers of range, and the nearest charging station in Arezzo is 20 kilometers away. Normally, I wouldn’t bat an eyelash. But this is Tuscany, a region where modern infrastructure often takes a backseat to timeless beauty.
My Tesla’s navigation system isn’t picking up any nearby chargers, which feels absurd in a continent that prides itself on progress and innovation.
I mean, how is it that in Thailand, on the island of Koh Samui, or even in the quaint streets of Hoi An, Vietnam, I’ve found more accessible charging stations than I do here in the heart of Europe? In 2024, no less!
United Kingdom
As someone who revels in the finer things in life, I can’t help but find this situation utterly frustrating. It’s like arriving at a five-star hotel only to discover they’ve run out of champagne. Simply unacceptable. But instead of letting this spoil my evening, I decide to take matters into my own hands.
First, I calm my nerves. Panic is not a good look on anyone, especially not on a woman accustomed to luxury. I remind myself that I’ve faced worse—like that time I was stuck in an Audi e-tron with a dead battery in the middle of nowhere in the UK. Now that was a nightmare. After that experience, I swore off electric cars in the UK. But Tuscany, with its promise of dolce vita, lured me back into the electric embrace with a Tesla.
But here I am, staring at a dwindling battery icon, cursing under my breath that even in this glorious region, I’m left begging for a charge. How on earth are we still dealing with this in Europe? Is it too much to ask for a network of reliable chargers to match the stunning scenery? The irony is not lost on me.
I decide to venture toward Arezzo, trusting that I’ll make it without the drama of a dead battery. After all, if I can navigate the complexities of Italian fashion (which, let me tell you, is no small feat), I can certainly handle this.
The drive is beautiful, but I can’t fully enjoy it with that nagging thought at the back of my mind: What if I don’t make it?
As I approach the Prada outlet Arezzo, not know a charger that wasn’t on my Tesla’s radar—a little gem hidden behind a rustic trattoria. I head down on my very rustic road, scraping the Tesla thinking this car ain’t for this farmhouse. In a nutshell, I am charging my Tesla old-school kettle plug-in. Set off in my Diesel car minus a few family members heading to Siena. I grew up with massive machinery, I took a picture because I know Italians won’t be resorting to electric farming anytime soon.
Food Versus Charge
While I wait, I decide to indulge in some local delights. I step into the trattoria, greeted by the comforting aroma of fresh pasta and truffle oil. It’s the kind of place where the owner knows everyone by name and insists you try the house special. And who am I to refuse? I order a glass of the region’s finest red wine and a plate of pappardelle al cinghiale. As I savor every bite, I realize that this little detour wasn’t such a bad thing after all.
In fact, it’s moments like these that remind me why I love Tuscany. Yes, the range anxiety was real, and yes, I’d rather not experience that level of stress again. But in the end, it led me to a hidden gem, a place I would have never discovered if my Tesla hadn’t needed a recharge. It’s a perfect example of how life’s little inconveniences can sometimes lead to the most unexpected pleasures.
After my meal, I return to my Tesla, not fully charged and knowing that tonight I am not going to get rid of my range anxiety.
As I drive back through the Tuscan hills, I can’t help but laugh at the whole situation. There I was, a woman who loves her luxuries, worrying about something as mundane as a car battery.
But that’s the beauty of life, isn’t it? It’s a mix of the extravagant and the ordinary, the planned and the spontaneous.
Range Anxiety Versus Tuscany
Driving an electric car in Tuscany may come with its challenges, but it’s also a reminder to slow down and enjoy the journey. After all, what’s the rush? Tuscany is best savored slowly, with each stop offering a new taste, a new sight, a new memory. And if it means dealing with a bit of range anxiety along the way, so be it.
So, to all the luxurious ladies out there considering a Tesla road trip through Tuscany, here’s my advice: Do it. Embrace the beauty, the indulgence, and yes, even the occasional inconvenience. Pack an extra charger, plan your route carefully, and don’t be afraid to take a detour. Because sometimes, the best experiences are the ones you didn’t plan for.
And remember, no matter where you are—whether it’s a chic boutique in Florence or a tiny trattoria in the middle of nowhere—there’s always a way to turn a stressful situation into a fabulous adventure. Tuscany, with all its beauty and charm, wouldn’t have it any other way.
So here’s to more glamorous journeys, unexpected stops, and always finding a charger just when you need it. Because if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that in Tuscany, the road less traveled often leads to the most luxurious of experiences. Cheers to that!
You must be logged in to post a comment.