Georgia man drives Tesla Model X on world's hottest day to see if it can survive
Published on Dec 05, 2025 at 4:44 PM (UTC+4)
by Daisy Edwards
Last updated on Dec 05, 2025 at 9:39 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
An ambitious man from Georgia drove his Tesla Model X straight into Death Valley on what became the world’s hottest day to see if the electric SUV could survive.
He set off early with barely over 250 miles of range, knowing the scorching desert heat would drain the battery faster than usual.
By the time he reached Furnace Creek, allegedly the hottest place on Earth, the temperature was already soaring above 128° Fahrenheit.
He pushed on anyway, determined to be there when the heat officially broke records on the hottest day of the year, as well as push his poor Tesla to its absolute limits.
EXPLORE SBX CARS – Supercar auctions starting soon powered by Supercar Blondie
Can a Tesla Model X handle the world’s hottest day?
The scorching hot EV odyssey started in Las Vegas with the Model X showing a reduced maximum range, something the YouTuber told us has happened over the years.
Once he entered Death Valley and dropped more than 3,000 feet in elevation, the temperature climbed fast, passing a whooping 111°F well before it even hit midday.
At Furnace Creek, the famous outdoor thermometer jumped between 129 and 130°F, then briefly flashed a shocking 137°F before settling again.
Inside the Tesla, the AC could barely keep the cabin near a reasonable temperature as the system worked overtime to fight the extreme heat.
Just sitting in place cost the Model X several miles of range, showing how aggressively the cooling system was draining the battery.
A heatwave alert popped up asking drivers to reduce supercharging during peak hours, adding more pressure since the next charging location was far from the valley.
The ground became dangerously hot, and a metal door handle measured roughly 183°F, while the surrounding tarmac pushed past 160°F – the YouTubers joked that they could cook a steak on the ground.
Did it survive?
He finally captured the moment he came for when the Furnace Creek display hit 131°F, matching one of the hottest readings ever recorded on Earth, making it the world’s hottest day.
The EV kept running, but every sign pointed to the world’s hottest day pushing the Tesla Model X into the struggle zone.
Range continued dropping even while the EV was parked, and the climb on the drive back towards Las Vegas meant energy planning became critical.
The test showed the Tesla can survive extreme temperatures, but only just.
Daisy is a technology journalist, covering artificial intelligence, consumer tech, Apple news, cryptocurrency, digital business, and emerging technologies. Since joining the team in 2025, she has reported on everything from AI-powered startups and major iOS updates to viral tech hacks and the latest developments in the digital economy. Drawing on her background in automotive journalism and a degree in History and Journalism from Goldsmiths, University of London, Daisy specializes in breaking down complex technology stories into clear, engaging reporting for a global audience. Her work focuses on the products, platforms, and innovations that are transforming the way people work, communicate, and interact with technology. Daisy has gained first-hand access to some of the world's most talked-about technologies and innovators, including meeting Tesla's Optimus humanoid robot during its first European appearance in London. She has also discussed the future of space exploration with an astronaut, bringing unique insights and real-world perspectives to her coverage of emerging technology.
