My wife and I have traveled the world, but strangely, we haven’t spent much time exploring the southeastern United States. That is about to change with an extended weekend trip into the mountains, an Electric Escape!
Now is the perfect time for a road trip to a nearby mountain destination. A road trip, especially an Electric Escape Road Trip, doesn’t have to be long or to an exotic place. We decided to test our new Mercedes-Benz EQS 450+ SUV with a fall road trip from Bluffton, South Carolina, to the charming mountain town of Highlands, North Carolina, and the luxurious Old Edwards Inn.
Using a subscription app called A Better Route Planner (ABRP), tailored for our EQS and set to prioritize Tesla’s clean, reliable Superchargers, we mapped out a scenic journey with two charging stops. Buckle up for our electric adventure from the Low Country to the Blue Ridge Mountains! ABRP is especially designed for electric vehicles.
Electric Escape Day 1
The September morning in Bluffton was mild, with marsh breezes and golden sunlight reflecting off our EQS, fully charged at 100% State of Charge (SOC) with 440 miles remaining. ABRP charted a 323-mile route to the Old Edwards Inn (445 Main St, Highlands, NC) via I-95 N, I-26 W, and US-25 N, with stops at Tesla Superchargers in Cayce and Greenville, SC. The estimated travel time is five hours, including a total of 30-40 minutes of charging at the two stops. We loaded our playlists, snacks, and suitcases for four relaxing days of sightseeing, fine dining, and stunning mountain views.
Leaving Bluffton’s oak-lined streets, the EQS moved silently along I-95. With a 3,100-foot elevation gain ahead, we were eager to see how our electric SUV handled the climb.
Stop 1: Cayce, SC Supercharger
After 120 miles, ABRP guided us to the Tesla Supercharger in Cayce, SC (1120 Fort Congaree Trail, near I-26). Arriving with 55% SOC, we plugged in our Mercedes NACS charger adapter seamlessly using the Tesla app and charged at 150 kW. The 12-stall V3 site was spotless, with a nearby Waffle House for a quick coffee and restroom break. In nine minutes, we reached 80% SOC (adding 100 miles) and were ready for the next leg. The stop felt like a breezy pit stop, not a chore.
Stop 2: Greenville, SC Supercharger
Back on I-26 W, the Lowcountry gave way to the Upstate foothills. After another 90 miles, we pulled into the Greenville, SC Tesla Supercharger (110 Woodruff Rd, near I-85). With 40% SOC, we charged for 53 minutes to 100% (adding 350 miles), enjoying the clean 16-stall V4 station and a stroll to nearby Chick-fil-A for snacks. The EQS’s regen braking was already shining, reclaiming range on gentle descents.
The Final Climb to Highlands, N.C.
From Greenville, the last 50 miles wound up US-25 N and NC-106, twisting through Nantahala National Forest’s vibrant fall foliage—splashes of red and orange. The EQS’s Chill mode kept us steady on tight curves, and the Hyperscreen showed 2.7 mi/kWh efficiency despite the climb. We arrived at the Old Edwards Inn in the late afternoon with 71% SOC—meeting ABRP’s estimate perfectly. The inn’s cozy stone fireplaces and warm staff welcomed us like old friends.
Highlands: A Culinary Journey
Highlands’ dining scene was a highlight, each restaurant offering a unique ambiance and superb menus:
• Paoletti (Night 1):
Exquisite Italian fare on Main Street, with rich pastas and fine wines in an intimate setting. The truffle risotto was a standout, paired with a bold Chianti.
• On the Verandah (Night 2):
Lakeside dining on Lake Sequoyah’s shores, where we savored fresh trout and decadent desserts under twinkling stars. The veranda’s serene views elevated every bite.
• Lakeside Restaurant (Night 3):
Nestled by Harris Lake, this hidden gem delivered creative dishes like seared scallops and local farm-to-table specials. The waterfront ambiance was unforgettable.
• Madison’s at Old Edwards Inn (Night 4):
Our final night was a culinary crescendo, with Madison’s elegant Southern-inspired menu—think shrimp and grits with a modern twist—paired with impeccable service in the inn’s luxurious dining room.
Main Street Highlands’ Sites
Beyond dining, Highlands’ Main Street charmed us with its boutique shopping. My wife loved Rosenthal’s, a women’s clothing store filled with stylish sweaters and accessories perfect for fall mountain vibes—she couldn’t resist a cashmere scarf. I gravitated toward T.J. Bailey for Men, where tailored jackets and rugged yet refined shirts suited my taste; I bought plaid flannel shirts, jeans and a leather fall vest. Perfect for Highlands’ crisp air. The town’s walkable core made browsing a pleasure, with other shops offering a wide range of products, from artisanal jewelry to outdoor gear.
Escape Back to the Low Country
After four unforgettable days, we left Highlands with 70% SOC, mirroring our outbound route (260 miles) with stops at the same Tesla Superchargers. ABRP’s planning was spot-on once again. We traveled at 75-80 mph, enjoying the EQS’s comfort—air conditioning on, music playing, no need to baby the throttle. The descent from Highlands’ 4,100-foot elevation helped regen braking reclaim range.
• Greenville, SC Supercharger:
About 50 miles from Highlands, we arrived with 60% SOC. A 30-minute charge to 95% at the clean 16-stall V4 station refueled us for a Chick-fil-A snack break.
• Cayce, SC Supercharger:
After 90 miles, we reached Cayce with 80% SOC, charging to 100% in nine minutes. The 12-stall V3 site was reliable as always.
We returned to Bluffton with an impressive 55% SOC, proving the EQS’s efficiency even at highway speeds—total charging cost: $57.14 round-trip, including the full home charge before starting. The Hyperscreen’s real-time ABRP sync and the Tesla app’s seamless payments made the journey effortless.
Reflections on Our Electric Escape
The EQS 450+ completed its 646-mile round-trip, blending luxury with EV capability. Tesla Superchargers in Cayce and Greenville were clean, quick, and reliable, making stops feel like coffee breaks. Highlands’ dining—from Paoletti’s risotto to Madison’s Southern charm—was world-class, and shopping at Rosenthal’s and T.J. Bailey added personal touches. ABRP’s accuracy helped us explore Cashiers and Highlands without range anxiety, all while cruising comfortably at 75-80 mph. Plugged into our home charger, we’re already planning our next electric escape—maybe Asheville or even Reynolds Lake Oconee in Georgia?
