Following last week’s announcement that Tesla Model S owners can drive from coast to coast in the U.S. because of the Supercharger network’s expansion, a new speed record has already been achieved.

To be precise, two Tesla Model S sedans set the speed record for an electric vehicle crossing the United States, while relying only on Superchargers for energy.

The Cross Country Rally team covered the distance from Los Angeles to New York City in 76 and a half hours, while also recording the lowest charge time for an electric vehicle traveling across the country – a feat that is now being assessed for recognition as a Guinness World Records achievement.

Each of the two cars covered 3,464.5 miles (5,575.6 kilometers) and advanced through blizzards, a sand storm, freezing temperatures and rain. The crew consisted of 15 drivers, with Tesla staffers Sara Eslinger and Jalpa Patel having the honor to cross the finish line with the two Model S sedans.

Tesla Chief Technology Officer JB Straubel was also on board for the final leg from Newark, Delaware, to New York City, where the team was greeted by CEO Elon Musk after crossing the finish line.

Superchargers, which are free to use for the top-spec Tesla Model S model, are faster than regular charging, replenishing half a charge in as little as 20 minutes. The two cars needed 1,197.8 kWh to get across the country.

By Dan Mihalascu

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