Adapting the Tesla to drive through Argentina and Route 40
One of the great challenges of crossing America — and especially Argentina — in a Tesla, is preparing it for roads that clearly weren't designed for an electric sports car. But that's also part of the adventure.
We knew that if we wanted to cross the mythical Route 40 and other off-road routes in Patagonia and the north, we had to make quite a few modifications to the car. So we got to work.
Let's see the before and after
This photo was taken the exact day I went to pick up the car in Madrid with all the modifications.
This is the Tesla Model 3 as I had bought it in 2023.
The changes made to the Tesla
Higher suspension: We installed a specific kit from Mountain Pass Performance that raises the suspension 1.75 inches, giving us greater ground clearance to avoid unnecessary impacts to the chassis on gravel, mud and dirt roads. This kit is specifically designed for Tesla, so it doesn't compromise the car's safety or aerodynamics on the highway. It's a key upgrade for going off-road without fear.
Battery protection: We also added a battery protection kit, which gives us more peace of mind against loose rocks or large branches that can appear in less traveled areas. This modification is crucial to avoid damage to the heart of the car: the battery pack.
Extended fenders: We installed new fenders to protect the sides of the car and reduce the impact of dirt and stones. This not only takes care of the car's aesthetics but also prevents dust and mud from getting into sensitive areas.
Why all this?
Because the idea isn't just to take another trip... it's to make a real expedition, with challenges, alternative routes, places where not everyone reaches. We want to know the continent from the inside, without the car being a limitation.
These modifications allow us to take the Tesla Model 3 Long Range to places that would normally be off the map. And that excites me a lot.
