Tesla is often thought of as the leader in the electric vehicle revolution. After all, it was one of the first companies to make wide-scale charging available throughout many states in the U.S. That said, not every state is Tesla-friendly. You’d be hard-pressed to find Tesla charging stations in these eight states, making them the worst for Tesla owners.
Tesla Charging Stations Aren’t Accessible Everywhere
1. West Virginia: A Scenic Nightmare for EVs
West Virginia’s rugged beauty comes with an ugly truth for EV drivers—it’s practically a desert for Tesla charging stations. Superchargers are almost nonexistent outside of a few main corridors, leaving huge gaps in coverage. Rural towns lack even basic public chargers, and mountain roads can sap battery power fast. EV owners often resort to trickle-charging at hotels or asking permission to plug into wall sockets. While the state has potential for adventure, it’s not worth the risk if you can’t find a reliable place to recharge.
2. Mississippi: Low Demand, Lower Support
In Mississippi, the EV revolution hasn’t quite arrived—and neither have the Tesla charging stations. With minimal public interest and sparse state-level support, Tesla owners face long stretches without any fast-charging options. Supercharger maps show entire regions where there are simply no plugs in sight. Add in hot, battery-draining summers and limited access to Tesla-certified repair centers, and you’ve got a recipe for frustration. Unless you plan every stop perfectly, Mississippi could leave you stranded.
3. Montana: Big Sky, Bigger Range Anxiety
Montana’s wide-open spaces might be great for sightseeing—but they’re terrible for Tesla charging stations. The state’s low population density means there’s little incentive for fast charger investment. A long-distance drive here could easily turn into a math problem involving watt-hours and miles-to-empty. Even when chargers do exist, they’re often located hours apart, leaving no room for detours or surprises. It’s a stunning state for a road trip, but only if you’re driving something with a gas tank.
4. North Dakota: Frozen and Frustrating
If you’re in North Dakota with a Tesla, you’d better have a fully charged battery and a detailed plan. Charging station infrastructure is weak across the board, especially for Tesla-specific Superchargers. Combine that with sub-zero winters that reduce battery efficiency by up to 40%, and you’ve got serious EV drawbacks. Tesla owners here have reported multi-hour waits and even resorted to towing when caught in a dead zone. North Dakota may be peaceful—but only if your car isn’t silently pleading for power.
5. Alaska: Isolation on Overdrive
Alaska’s remoteness makes it an outright gamble for Tesla charging. There are only a handful of Superchargers in the entire state, and many areas have zero EV infrastructure. The terrain and weather create an additional challenge, draining your battery faster than expected. If you’re traveling through the state’s vast wilderness, forget about roadside assistance—or any plug for that matter. Tesla charging stations in Alaska are more of a rumor than a resource.
6. South Dakota: More Bison Than Plugs
Much like its northern sibling, South Dakota doesn’t make life easy for Tesla drivers. While a few major routes are now slowly getting EV stations, the state remains a patchwork of charging dead zones. Tourists heading to Mount Rushmore or the Badlands might be shocked by the lack of options once they exit the highway. Charging at hotels is spotty at best, and Superchargers are limited to just a few urban stops. Without careful route planning, you’re just as likely to run out of power as spot wildlife.
7. Wyoming: The Charging Ghost Town
Wyoming’s old frontier vibe extends to its charging network—or rather, the lack of one. Tesla charging stations are nearly absent once you leave the main interstates, and the few that do exist often serve vast areas. Road trippers heading to Yellowstone or Jackson Hole face range anxiety that makes the journey nerve-wracking. Tesla drivers here often rely on campgrounds or RV hookups for power, which isn’t exactly ideal. For now, owning a Tesla in Wyoming feels like jumping into the future… in the wrong location.
8. Arkansas: The Struggle Is Real (and Rural)
Arkansas is another state where Tesla ownership can feel like a slow-motion disaster. With few Superchargers and unreliable third-party charging stations, EV drivers face serious gaps in coverage. The rural nature of the state makes fast charging even less accessible, and power outages in smaller towns can shut down existing stations. Tesla ownership here requires more patience than convenience. Until the state catches up, gas-powered vehicles remain king.
Know Before You Plug and Go
Tesla ownership can be thrilling—until you’re stuck staring at a blinking battery icon in the middle of nowhere. These eight states may be beautiful, full of history, or packed with natural wonders, but they’re a logistical headache for EV drivers. Lack of charging infrastructure, harsh weather, and vast distances all contribute to an experience that’s more stressful than sustainable. If you’re planning a move, a vacation, or even a cross-country drive, map your route with care—or risk getting stuck in charging station hell.
Have you driven your Tesla through one of these states or faced a charging nightmare somewhere unexpected? Share your experience in the comments!
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