Most people wouldn’t choose a Tesla Model 3 for an off-road adventure around Iceland, particularly in the middle of winter. British YouTuber Jorge Powell, however, decided that the electric sedan was exactly what he needed to settle an argument.
After five years of ownership, Powell had grown tired of hearing that electric vehicles were too inconvenient for long journeys. Rather than debate the issue, he decided to put his own Tesla through a particularly demanding test.
His destination was Iceland, where freezing temperatures, unpredictable weather, and long distances between charging stations would make careful planning essential. The challenge involved driving around the island while using the Model 3 as his accommodation for seven days.
Documenting the journey on his YouTube channel, he transformed the Tesla into a makeshift adventure vehicle nicknamed the “Off-Roadster.” What followed tested the car’s capabilities, although the most difficult moments weren’t necessarily caused by its electric powertrain.
Turning a Model 3 Into an Adventure Vehicle
Powell fitted a Mountain Pass Performance suspension lift, an underbody skid plate, and Michelin CrossClimate tires to prepare the Tesla for rougher terrain. A roof-mounted cargo basket provided extra storage, while a 40-inch light bar completed the overlanding look.
Inside, an inflatable mattress and Tesla’s Camp Mode allowed him to sleep in the car. The modifications, ferry tickets, and estimated charging costs pushed his project budget beyond £5,000 ($6,700).
Iceland’s Roads Put the Tesla to Work
After reaching Iceland by ferry from Denmark, Powell began tackling the island’s approximately 1,300-kilometer Ring Road. His first major charging leg covered roughly 250 kilometers, requiring him to reduce speed and limit climate-control use.
He reached the next Supercharger with around 15% battery remaining. Later, his navigation system directed him onto a slippery gravel road at night, where he struggled to maintain traction at just 30 km/h.
A subsequent blizzard reduced visibility to approximately 30 meters, although Powell said the Tesla actually handled the conditions well.
The Biggest Challenge Wasn’t Charging
Camping proved unexpectedly demanding, with noisy campsites, freezing mornings, and one overnight stop complicated by a seasonal campground closure. Powell also discovered that cold-weather camping consumed additional battery energy.
Nevertheless, he continued charging successfully at Tesla Superchargers and a third-party station. He even managed to catch the northern lights near the end of his journey.
Seven Days Later, the Tesla Made It
Powell completed his circuit of Iceland and returned to the ferry without reporting any major mechanical or charging failures. The experience left him far more attached to a car he previously considered somewhat lacking in driving character.
Powell set out to prove that range anxiety was a thing of the past, yet he still found himself slowing down, switching off the heating, and carefully calculating distances between chargers. His successful trip showed what a prepared electric car can accomplish, even if the journey wasn’t entirely free of range-related worries.