Electric vehicles (EVs) are redefining road trips. With expanding charging networks, improved battery ranges, and a growing list of EV-friendly destinations, road trips in EV cars are not just feasible—they’re becoming the smarter, greener, and often more enjoyable way to travel. But to get the most out of your trip, you need more than just a full charge. You need a solid route and a charging guide that fits your EV’s specs and your travel goals.
Let’s break down the best road trip routes for EVs in the U.S., highlight key charging stops, and provide tips to keep your journey smooth and fully powered.
West Coast Electric Highway – Oregon to British Columbia
This iconic stretch of highway is tailor-made for road trips in EV cars. Running from California through Oregon and Washington into British Columbia, the West Coast Electric Highway offers an extensive network of Level 2 and DC fast chargers, making it ideal for both long-range and mid-range EVs.
Why it’s great:
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Chargers are placed every 25–50 miles along the I-5 corridor.
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Scenic stops include the Columbia River Gorge, Mount Rainier, and Vancouver, BC.
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Most chargers are near restaurants, parks, and attractions, making breaks worthwhile.
Blue Ridge Parkway – Virginia to North Carolina
For a more relaxed, nature-focused experience, the Blue Ridge Parkway is perfect. Known for its scenic mountain views and winding paths, this 469-mile route offers a slower pace with EV charging stations accessible in nearby towns and national park visitor centers.
Charging guide tips:
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Plan overnight stops in Asheville or Roanoke, where EV infrastructure is solid.
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Bring a Level 1 charger for emergencies—rural gaps can exist between major towns.
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Use apps like PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner for route optimization.
Route 66 – Chicago to Santa Monica
The mother of all road trips now supports EVs, too. Although not as saturated with chargers as urban areas, the historic Route 66 has been retrofitted with enough charging points to make it doable with a little planning.
Key points to charge:
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Chicago, IL: Fast chargers throughout the metro area.
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Tulsa, OK and Albuquerque, NM: EV-friendly pit stops with Level 3 chargers.
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Flagstaff, AZ and Kingman, AZ: Strategic desert charging locations before heading into California.
Pacific Coast Highway – California Dreaming in an EV
California leads the nation in EV adoption, so it’s no surprise that the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is an ideal route. This drive from San Francisco to Los Angeles (or down to San Diego) offers ocean views, EV-friendly hotels, and a robust charging network.
EV travel perks:
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Tesla Supercharger and Electrify America stations are abundant along the coast.
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Many luxury hotels now offer free Level 2 charging for guests.
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Enjoy scenic stops like Big Sur, Monterey, and Santa Barbara without worrying about range anxiety.
Colorado Rockies – High Altitude, High Efficiency
Though mountainous terrain can eat into your battery range, Colorado’s major routes are EV-compatible. The state’s push for sustainable travel means even ski resorts are installing chargers.
Essential charging guide tips:
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Use regenerative braking on downhill stretches to recover battery life.
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Denver, Boulder, and Breckenridge all feature high-speed charging stations.
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Avoid rural detours unless you’re certain of the charging options.
Pro Tips for Planning a Road Trip in an EV Car
Use Real-Time Charging Apps
Apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint, and EVgo show real-time charger availability, prices, and compatibility.
Know Your EV’s Range
Always leave a buffer of 20% battery in case of detours, elevation changes, or unexpected traffic delays.
Choose Lodging with Charging Options
Hotels with chargers let you top off overnight and start the next day with a full battery.
Pack Smart
Weight impacts range. Avoid overloading your EV, and be mindful of rooftop carriers which increase drag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I take a cross-country road trip in an EV car?
Yes, absolutely. With route planning and access to nationwide fast-charging networks like Tesla Superchargers or Electrify America, cross-country trips are more feasible than ever.
Q2: How often will I need to charge during a road trip?
It depends on your EV’s range. Most modern EVs offer 200–350 miles per charge. Expect to stop every 2–4 hours for a quick recharge, which aligns well with rest breaks.
Q3: Are EV chargers compatible with all electric cars?
Not always. Tesla uses a proprietary connector, though adapters exist. Public chargers may support CHAdeMO, CCS, or Tesla plugs, so knowing your port type is key.
Q4: How long does it take to charge on the road?
Level 3 (DC Fast) chargers can boost your battery to 80% in 30–45 minutes. Level 2 chargers take 4–8 hours, more suitable for overnight stops.
Q5: What’s the best app to plan EV road trips?
A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) is widely considered the best for detailed EV-specific routing, factoring in range, elevation, and charging networks.
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