Everything You Need to Know
Story by Martin Banks
Tailgating is a time-honored tradition, an opportunity to get together with friends and family to throw back a few beers and cook up some food while you wait for the first play of a game. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon, but it’s an activity generally associated with trucks and SUVs.
You don’t usually see electric vehicles on the tailgating circuit, but they may start appearing more frequently, with more of them rolling off the assembly line every year.
If you’re planning on tailgating in an EV this season, what do you need to know to get started?
Know Where Your Charging Stations Are
It doesn’t matter what you drive. Having to call roadside assistance because you’ve run out of fuel—or in this case, battery power—is humiliating. Before you start planning your EV’s tailgate debut, make sure that you know where your closest chargers are and how long it will take you to get there.
Even the best EVs on the market today only have a maximum range of 373 miles. If you’re on one of the major highways, the chances are good that you’re within driving distance of one of Tesla’s 25,000 superchargers (if you’re a Tesla) or one of 3,500 affiliated with Electrify America or one of the other charging networks (if you’re not), but you need to plan carefully.
Opt for a Tesla in Camp Mode
One thing that makes Tesla ideal for both glamping and tailgating is the “Camp Mode,” the brand released in 2019. This feature allows you to keep climate controls on, managing temperature and airflow, in addition to charging your devices and even playing music.
People have been using their cars—including EVs—for camping for some time, so this feature helps to feed that niche market. It can also double as support for your next tailgating endeavor.
Of course, you’ll also have support from automakers like Ford, whose F-150 Lightning offers 11 electric outlets for tailgaters with an abundance of kitchen appliances. Want to hook up your blender, toaster oven and 10 more gadgets? Consider Ford for their innovative new EV.
Make the Most of Your Grilling Time
What is a tailgate party without some grilled goodness? Whether you cook on charcoal, propane, or plug in an electric skillet, you need some tasty treats to enjoy while you party. The only problem with tailgate parties is that you don’t always have a lot of time to cook before you have to find your seats, so it’s essential to make the most of your grilling time.
Try wrapping your food in foil before you put it on the grill. Not only will it speed up your cooking time, but it will also help keep your food juicy and lock in the flavor. Cooking out of your trunk or truck bed doesn’t mean you should be condemned to dry or flavorless food.
Repurpose Your Frunk
The lack of an internal combustion engine means that the front end of many EVs come with some extra storage space. Though not as big as the trunk, this front trunk–or frunk, as EV drivers have dubbed–provides some extra space for anything you could need.
Ford has a few unique ideas. The frunk on their Mach-E has a drain plug to release any built-up liquids, meaning you could potentially fill it up with ice and use it as a cooler or, as the brand suggests, use it to store up to 1,000 regular-sized chicken wings for your next tailgate party.
Be Ready for Anything
If things get a little rowdy at your next tailgate party, you may find yourself with a cracked windshield or other damage to your car. This doesn’t have to kill the vibe, though!
Make sure you’re ready for anything. Bring along a windshield repair kit and a tool kit in case you need to fix something or change a flat tire. Don’t let a minor inconvenience throw a wrench into your big tailgating plans.
Where’s Your First Tailgating Destination This Year?
Where are you planning to go tailgating this year? Or has your tailgating season already started? Let us know in the comments below.
EVs to Choose From
Road Test: 2021 Polestar 2 EV
Flash Drive: 2021 Volkswagen ID4 Crossover EV
Road Trip: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E EV
Flash Drive: 2022 Chevrolet Bolt EUV
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