Mexico, anyone?

[dubaigary]

Just got back from a trip to Baja in my Model Y. Aside from getting lost at the border crossing, everything went well, and the lone Baja supercharger in Ensenada was never busy (maybe $0.55/kwh is the reason?) Unfortunately, it appears to be Tesla Only, so future plans involving the R1S will be problematic, especially if we decide to tow the Airstream (Bambi 22’). I know Rivian isn’t supported across the border…but who has gone, and what’s your experience? I’m thinking that an Airbnb with a charger, or a campground with a 50 amp connection would be essential.

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[cbrcanuck]

There was someone on here in the early days who regularly drove to Mexico and had a number of posts about it. Don’t recall the username, but a deep dive search should bring something up…

 

[Ryder03]

Curious about this too. I like going down to Mexico but won’t take my EV’s. Also have a MY and R1S. Haven’t looked into the charging but I’m worried about getting hit in the R1. I’ve been hit multiple times over the years across the border. They do not care, just drive away.

 

[KBabione]

There was someone on here in the early days who regularly drove to Mexico and had a number of posts about it. Don’t recall the username, but a deep dive search should bring something up…

I was thinking this too, but also couldn't remember his user name and then I found it: @R.I.P.

He was a prolific participant here and then dropped off - His posts should be really helpful.

 

[ciber1t]

I travel on my R1T frequently to Baja California, primarily Ensenada. (I ended up installing a level 2 charger at my parents' home in Ensenada). Charging is limited to mostly Level 2 chargers. The only Level 3 charger is the Tesla in Ensenada, and it's not compatible with Rivian. The PlugShare app is a great resource to show available Level 2 chargers. Your best bet is to find hotels with Level 2 chargers; most use Tesla Level 2 chargers, so you should be fine with a NACS-to-J1772 adapter.

A few public parking places are installing Level 2 chargers, but the price per kWh (or price per hour) is outrageous.

A few years ago, I took a road trip to Loreto (not in an EV), but I stopped by several hotels that listed EV chargers, and they did have them. I also saw a couple of Teslas on the road. So traveling on your Rivian is possible, but limited to Level 2 charging.

 

[Antonio]

I was thinking this too, but also couldn't remember his user name and then I found it: @R.I.P.

He was a prolific participant here and then dropped off - His posts should be really helpful.

Still walking back after running out of battery in Mexico

 

[Mark_AZR1T]

I’ve run the Ensenada trip in my R1T plenty of times, and I’ve been going down to Baja, even deep, for about 40 years. I speak decent Spanish, which usually smooths things out, but on my last run for the Baja 1000 we still got shaken down in Tecate. Driving a spaceship-looking truck makes you an easy target, and it cost me $40 on the spot.

We typically stay at an Airbnb with a Level 2 charger, or at the Holiday Inn Express (Ensenada), which offers complimentary charging for guests. It’s gated, so no freeloaders plugging in. Outside of those options, it’s basically a charging desert for anyone not in a Tesla.

If Ensenada is your final stop and you go through San Ysidro, if you charge to 100%, you will have more than enough to get there, drive around for 3-4 days and back to San Diego without charging in Mexico.

 

[Time2Roll]

Tesla map shows compatible chargers. Most are toward east and central MX. Easier to come in from TX.

Been a long time since I was driving in Mexico. Seems more violent these days but I suppose if you know the language and have a place to go it might be alright.

Beware the standard voltage runs a bit higher at 254 volts. Should not be an issue unless you have an off brand portable cord that is a bit picky.

 

[R.I.P.]

Still walking back after running out of battery in Mexico

Nope. Just driving a Sierra EV now, so not much to post about on a Rivian forum. Wife drives a Y, we live in San Carlos & drive back & forth to the states often in our respective EVs w/o issue. EVs are actually becoming pretty common where we live, and the charging infrastructure is coming along nicely.

 

[CharonPDX]

Went to Puerto Peñasco a few years ago as a side trip from a trip that had me down in Tucson for a couple weeks. The biggest problem was the Mexico car insurance. It cost more to cover the Rivian for one week than our *SIX MONTH* US car insurance covering two vehicles!

In our case, our primary road trip was towing a trailer, but trying to get to Puerto Peñasco and back would have been…. difficult. (This was before any of the Supercharger network was available.) We would have had to charge on the way, and the only possible option was a level 2 in Ajo, Arizona, which would have meant taking two days to get from Tucson to Puerto Peñasco, instead of four hours. So we left the trailer behind and stayed at a hotel with a Tesla Destination Charger. (They charged us $50 for use!)

 

[dubaigary]

Not good. I’m thinking the MY with airbnbs and leave the Riv behind. And the Airstream.

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