Tesla Model X driver stranded 18 miles from charger in Atacama Desert with 1% battery forced to improvise to survive
Published on Mar 09, 2026 at 9:29 PM (UTC+4)
by Ben Thompson
Last updated on Mar 09, 2026 at 9:29 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Emma Matthews
When this Tesla Model X driver found himself stranded in the desert at one percent, he had to think fast.
YouTuber Everyday Sandro was left in quite the predicament when he ended up stuck in the middle of the Atacama Desert.
It was 18 miles until the next charger, so there were no obvious solutions.
He needed to think on his feet and improvise if he wanted to escape.
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This Tesla Model X driver found himself in quite a pickle out in the desert
While driving through the Atacama Desert in Chile, Sandro was put in a sticky situation – he had only 37km of range left, and the nearest charger was 42km away.
And it was doubtful that his range would even get him as far as he’d hoped, with a massive uphill climb on the way.
Getting stuck out in the desert sounds like something of a nightmare scenario, so he had to come up with a backup plan pronto.
His go-to plan was to deploy his emergency solar panels.
They only provided 180 to 200 watts, AKA 1 to 2km of range per hour – but they helped him out as he thought of a long-term solution.
Calling up five different tow companies proved to be fruitless, as none of them were willing to come out to his remote location.
Ultimately, he had to limp his car over to a construction zone where they allowed him to use their industrial generator.
From there, he managed to get a tow truck out to him, where he was towed over to the city of Calama.
It was in Calama that he got access to a fast charger.
Talk about thinking your way out of a problem.
It’s no fun being stranded
No matter where it happens, having a stranded vehicle is not a situation any driver wants to find themselves in.
Actor Glenn Howerton knows that better than anyone, when his Tesla got stuck in a parking lot for several days.
And then there was this Cybertruck that got stuck in the snow up in Canada.
These situations really put drivers to the test and require them to think on their feet.
Tesla Model X Timeline
February 2012: The prototype is unveiled at the design studio in California.
2013-2014: Production is delayed multiple times.
September 2015: The first production units are delivered.
2016: Tesla introduces more variety, including the 60D (software-limited), 75D, and the high-performance P100D with ‘Ludicrous Mode’.
April 2019: The ‘Raven’ update is released. It features a new permanent magnet synchronous reluctance motor (from the Model 3) for the front drive unit, increasing range and efficiency.
January 2021: Tesla announces a major interior and exterior refresh.
2022: The Model X Plaid arrives.
2025: ‘Mild facelift’ announced, as ambient lighting and front fascia camera introduced.
January 2026: The Model X retirement is announced.
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Following stints at LadBible, The Sun, The New York Post, and the Daily Mail, Ben joined the team full-time in February 2025. In his role as Senior Content Writer, his sparkling copy, the ability to sniff out a good story at 100 paces, and a GSOH quickly led to him becoming an integral and invaluable member of the writing staff.
