Ride the Lightning: Tesla and EV Podcast Episode 539: Meet the Tesla Owner Who Loves Living Out of His Model X
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Nov 30, 2025 In this episode, Carson Gallo, a former Tesla employee and president of the Tesla Owners Club of Florida, shares his intriguing life living out of his Model X for eight years. He discusses the challenges of van life, including hygiene routines and maintaining a network of charging stations in Florida. Carson reflects on the joy and freedom of combining his home and car while detailing his travel patterns and social life experiences. He also shares insights on Tesla’s features, community connections, and future EV dreams, all while showcasing the perks of this adventurous lifestyle.
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Origins: From SolarCity To Tesla Van Life
- Carson got into Tesla after working at SolarCity and seeing Elon Musk as a torchbearer for innovation.
- He decided to live in a Tesla to replace both a failing car and poor housing, choosing the Model X for space and comfort.
Why He Chose A Model X 75D
- Carson leased a 2018 Model X 75D via Tesla's employee lease program and chose a five-seat, all-black setup for winter heat retention.
- He planned the car specifically to be both his vehicle and long-term sleeping space.
Early Tesla Van Life Was Hacked Together
- Early van life required hacks: no camper mode, apps that pinged the car to keep climate on, and external battery packs for devices.
- Carson and another Tesla employee pioneered EV van life before dedicated beds and official features existed.