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Nice. I'm on a ski club bus from Mammoth right now. The 395 is a lonely patch completely lacking in Level 2 charging stations. I can think of higher priorities for Tesla for a Supercharger - at least flying is an option.

Driven to Mammoth 3x since I've had my Model S. I've scouted supercharger locations each time. If Tesla's reading this, feel free to reach out since, in my driving boredom, I have worked through staffing, location and other issues for each location. ;-)

In terms of priorities, Mammoth gets mentioned quite a bit around here and might be one of the more-frequently non-Interstate locations mentioned. Plus, the real estate is cheap along this route and sun is plentiful so it could be cost-effective.

Given Tesla's high percentage of sales in Southern California (I'm guessing it has to be in excess of 10%), it's not as crazy as it sounds to add a supercharger or two for the 14 and 395. Not only would it encourage me to go all electric through my next car purchase, I can count on two hands the number of extra sales that I know personally that would be triggered by a Mammoth option.

I think the only concern is that waiting times for those superchargers during ski season will be too long -- and they would be a lot less utilized during summer or even just during the middle of the week during winter.

I've been scouting locations for superchargers too! Lone Pine/Independence may be too far from LA/OC. Ridgecrest seems just about right. Low population so no local leechers.

On that note. I recently stopped at the Hawthorne SC's and there were 8 Teslas waiting for 4 SC's. Thankfully there were four working and not the usual 2. This is a big problem in metropolitan areas where their might be model S owners close enough to charge frequently. This is why SC's need to be in remote areas.

Your idea for a SC on route 395 is great. Right now I have to use my ICE as well for my ski trips. Hope there is a SC on 395 when I get my model X.

tran;
How long did it take to get to the "head of the line" in that situation. Was it over ¼ hr?

Sorry, I meant 3/4 hr. I'm wondering if drivers restrict their charge time to what's needed, rather than the max, when they see a line behind them.

Ridgecrest would be okay, but I think something farther North is necessary for Southbound trips (when you can't fully charge in Mammoth) and just for getting a top-off to climb to Mammoth.

My ideal would be 2 locations as follows:

Mojave -- there are a couple open lots near Carls Jr where a full-blown solar Supercharger could be built.
Lone Pine -- By McDs and near softball field. Ditto on solar.

That would make 3 100 mile intervals between Los Angeles and Mammoth. That seems like the right fit.

Alternatively, there are plenty of lots in Big Pine (albeit not much for eating). Bishop is also an option, but it's only 40 miles from Mammoth so that doesn't make a whole lot of sense.

I think you could also shift everything North and use Ridgecrest and Big Pine/Bishop.

Ridgecrest could work as the only location, but there's really no adequate other infrastructure close to 395 (i.e., there's no food, restrooms, etc.).

Ridgecrest does have the advantage of serving those traveling 395 from the 15.

Brian,

There is a recent thread about a long wait at hawthorne. There are pics too. I actually came ninth but came late enough to miss the line and talk to the other 3 teslas that waited up to 2 hrs. At one point there were 4 charging and 4 waiting. The just charged on a first come first serve basis.