Road Trips Reimagined: EV-Friendly Travel in North America.
- Sean Cassy
- Mar 2
- 14 min read
Did you know charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) are now everywhere across North America? The average distance between them in popular travel spots is only about 50 miles. This fact is changing how we plan road trips, letting us explore more while being kind to the planet.
Eco-friendly travel options are making road trips different across North America. Now, travelers can go far without feeling bad about harming the environment. Choosing EV-friendly travel means you're helping the planet. Plus, you're seeing beautiful places in a new, greener way.
In the scenic Berkshires in Massachusetts, there are over 50 EV charging stations. Or, take a trip along the historic Mohawk Trail, which has many public EV stations. Road trips are changing because of this. It's about traveling sustainably, cutting down on carbon emissions. This lets us enjoy nature and visit amazing places in eco-friendly cars.
So, buckle up and get ready to hit the road with a light environmental footprint. EVs are making long trips easier and cheaper. There's an eco-friendly journey waiting for you just around the bend.
The Rise of Electric Vehicle Vacations
Electric vehicle vacations are getting more popular, changing the way we see the open road. People are now picking EV road trips to decrease their environmental impact. This change is a big step towards using cleaner transportation, supported by government incentives and awareness efforts.
Traveling Sustainably
There's a big push for sustainable travel worldwide, leading to more electric vehicle vacations. In just two years, the U.S. added a lot of non-Tesla fast chargers. This boost in infrastructure comes when the government is working hard to support green transport, with the NEVI program investing $7.5 billion for more EV charging stations.
Benefits of EVs on the Road
Choosing electric vehicle vacations is not just good for the planet. A recent 1,000-mile NPR road trip took 2.5 days, with less than an hour spent charging the car. Stops for charging were quick, showing how EVs like the Hyundai Ioniq 6 are improving, making long trips easier.
EV Model | Charging Rate (kW) | Total Trip Distance (miles) | Charging Stops |
Hyundai Ioniq 6 | 350 kW | 1,000+ | 4 |
Tesla Model 3 | 250 kW | 1,000+ | 4 |
Also, the government is spending a lot to put in public EV chargers, making these vacations easier for everyone. The U.S. has over 75,000 public charging stations now. This makes it simpler to charge while on the road, ensuring EV road trips are fun and hassle-free.
Top EV Road Trip Destinations in North America
North America is full of beautiful and green places for EV road trips. Thanks to Hipcamp and Subaru of America, there are 10 "electric vehicle-ready road trips" to choose from. These itineraries are perfect for EV owners, with lots of charging stations along the way.
The famous Route 66 is one of the best routes. It's full of history and has about 1,800 chargers. If you love the ocean, California Highway 1 is your go-to, with chargers every 50 miles. This route takes you from San Diego's beaches to the cliffs of Mendocino.
If mountains call to you, try the Blue Ridge Parkway. It starts in Shenandoah National Park and goes through the Smoky Mountains. For an adventure through Utah's national parks, the Mighty 5 itinerary starts in Moab.
Colorado's scenic roads now have EV stations every 100 miles. So, driving through the Rockies is a breeze. In Washington, the Cascade Loop has been ready for EVs since 2014. It's perfect even for cars with less than 100 miles range.
Explore everything from Olympic Peninsula's rainforests to the Sierra Nevada's Yosemite and Sequoia parks. Each trip offers stunning views and modern charging stations. The Great Lakes route and the Grand Canyon State route also offer beautiful sights and plenty of chargers.
Electric cars cost about 60% less to fuel, and the U.S. plans to have 500,000 EV chargers by 2030. Now, with over 51,000 public chargers, EV road trips are easier and greener.
From New England’s charm to the grand Atlantic Coast road trip, North America is ready for your EV journey. These destinations are top picks for electric vehicle fans.
Must-Visit Charging Station Networks
Taking an EV on a road trip needs good planning, especially about charging spots. With more people buying electric vehicles, there's a growing number of charging networks. Two main ones are the Tesla Supercharger network and ChargePoint stations. They are key for a smooth journey.
Tesla Supercharger Network
The Tesla Supercharger network is famous for being everywhere and charging fast. These stations are on major routes, making it easy for Tesla owners to find power. Whether you're traveling far or near, Superchargers are quick, charging up to 80% in minutes.
Imagine going from Chicago to Los Angeles, around 2,485 miles. Thanks to many Tesla Supercharger stations along the way, this long trip becomes easier and fun.
ChargePoint Stations
ChargePoint stations also play a huge part in EV travel. It's one of the biggest networks worldwide, offering AC and DC fast charges for all kinds of EVs. This makes it a top pick for many drivers.
ChargePoint is known for being easy to find and use, everywhere from cities to the countryside. You're likely to find a ChargePoint station near you, keeping your EV charged.
As electric vehicle travel grows, networks like Tesla Supercharger and ChargePoint are essential. They take away the worry of running out of power and let drivers explore new places confidently, with plenty of charging options.
Essential EV Travel Tips
Going on a road trip with an electric vehicle (EV) is fun but needs planning. You'll need to plan your route and use helpful apps for a smooth trip. Here are some key EV travel tips for your electric adventure.
Planning Your Route
Planning is crucial for route planning for EVs. EVs need more planning for charging stops and weather. A Better Route Planner is a great tool. It plans your route based on your EV's details and what you like. This app tells you where to stop for charging, when you'll get there, and how long to charge.
Plan charging stops during meals or sightseeing to use time wisely.
The J3400 (NACS) adapter is a must for using Tesla Superchargers, helpful for Ford and Rivian owners.
Have a backup charging plan in places with few chargers.
Use Level 2 chargers at hotels or homes, which include J1772 and Tesla chargers with adapters.
Portable EV chargers can be a lifesaver, letting you charge at regular outlets.
Using EV Apps for Convenience
Using electric car journey apps makes traveling easier by offering current info and the best routes. Key apps to use include:
AAA Mobile App: Shows where to find charging stations and the best routes.
PlugShare: Gives updates on charger status and availability so you're always ready.
ChargeHub, Electrify America, and ChargePoint: Help find the right chargers on your journey. Comparing info from these apps gives a fuller picture.
FLO App: Lets you use charging stations and handle charging costs in North America.
For the best charging, try to arrive at stations with about 20% battery. Leave when you reach 60% to 80%. This is the 20/80 rule, helping your battery last longer by avoiding full or empty charges. Apps like AAA Mobile keep you updated on chargers, making route planning for EVs easy.
In 2023, the US has about 130,000 public charging spots. Knowing where these are and the kinds they offer makes traveling breezy.
Using these EV travel tips and the best electric car journey apps ensures a great trip. Plan well and use technology to have a stress-free adventure in any EV.
Eco-Friendly Road Trips: Preparing Your Electric Vehicle
Electric vehicles (EVs) in North America are becoming more popular. It's key for travelers to prepare well for a green road trip. Good preparation makes the trip better and helps your EV last longer and run more efficiently.
Battery Health and Maintenance
For a great journey, it's vital to keep your EV's battery healthy. Check your battery before you leave. Keeping your battery charge between 20% and 80% makes it last longer. This is because EVs charge best in this range.
Look into the NEVI initiative, which is making more electric chargers, especially in less populated areas. This can ease worries about finding charging spots. Using apps like PlugShare and ChargeHub helps find chargers, making your trip smoother.
Packing Smart for EV Journeys
Smart packing for road trips is key, especially for EVs. Bring only light and necessary things. Don't forget charging gear and adapters for different types of chargers you might find.
Organize your things well in your car. This keeps your car running efficiently. Make sure to distribute weight evenly to avoid using extra energy and wearing out tires.
Before you set off, check your tire pressure and alignment. EVs are heavier, so tires can wear out faster. Also, check your brakes. EVs have a special brake system that wears differently but still needs checks.
Keeping your battery in good shape and packing smartly are key for a fun, green trip.
The Best Road Trip Playlists for EV Travel
Every road trip needs great music to set the vibe, especially in an electric vehicle. Good playlists make your journey more thrilling, with each mile full of beats and tunes. You get to enjoy everything from rock classics to indie gems while driving.
Last year, a record 43.2 million people traveled for the Fourth of July, up 4% from 2019. Music plays a big part in making these trips so memorable. It adds moments of happiness and freedom to the journey.
The perfect playlist boosts your spirits and matches the beautiful scenery. Imagine driving along California's coast or through Michigan and Indiana. Your playlists turn these amazing sights into memorable experiences.
Electric vehicle road trips are all about the travel itself, not just the destination. More charging stops mean more chances for breaks with music. This makes your EV road trip even better.
Your playlist can have upbeat songs for long drives and calm ones for charging breaks. The right music makes your journey fun and memorable.
To have the best EV trip, plan your playlists well. Before you leave, check your EV’s charge, have your maps ready, and prepare your playlists. Then, you're all set for an amazing adventure.
Overcoming Range Anxiety on Long Trips
Electric vehicles (EVs) are more popular now, but some drivers worry about running out of power on long drives. Thanks to new tech, EVs go farther and charge faster, giving drivers more confidence. Now, going on long road trips in an EV is easier than ever.
Understanding EV Range
New EV models have impressive driving distances. For example, a Tesla Model S can go 405 miles, and a Lucid Air can reach 516 miles on one charge. Most new EVs can travel 200 to 350 miles. This is way better than the first EVs, which could only go about 70 miles.
Even popular models like the Tesla Model 3 and the Ford Mustang Mach-E offer great ranges. This means drivers can cover a lot more ground without worrying.
Finding Quick Charging Options
Plan your trips to include fast charging stations to minimize stops. Networks like Tesla’s Supercharger, ChargePoint, and Electrify America provide rapid charges across the country. These stations can charge your EV to 80% in around 30 minutes, keeping your journey smooth.
Knowing your EV’s range and using fast charging stations is the key to avoiding range anxiety. With longer ranges and more quick charging options, EV travel seems bright.
EV Road Trips: Real-World Experiences and Lessons
Electric vehicles are becoming more popular for travel. Many people are now taking EV road trips. These trips show us the ups and downs of traveling with an electric vehicle. By sharing EV road trip experiences, we learn what to expect and how to plan. The lessons from EV travels also give great advice for those wanting to try it.
First-Hand Experiences
The adventure kicked off in San Francisco, with a fully charged EV ready to go. The car could go over 250 miles on one charge, but the longest stretch was about 185 miles. This displayed how good modern EVs are. In 3.5 days, the group traveled 6,000 miles through 14 U.S. states and 2 Canadian provinces.
At charging spots, talking with other EV fans was a fun part of the trip. These chats usually lasted about 15 minutes. Charging took about 30 minutes, perfect for a quick bite or shopping. The travelers charged their car 54 times. The longest charge was 69 minutes, and the fastest was 25 minutes.
Charging the EV was much cheaper than filling a gas car. It cost about $15 each time, totaling around $675. But, discounts at Electrify America for VW owners brought it down to $300. The same journey in a gas SUV would have cost $800.
Lessons Learned from the Road
From this experience, several tips emerged for future EV travelers. Planning your route around charging stations is key. One unexpected detour added an extra hour and a half. Usually, the travelers drove 400 to 450 miles each day, stopping 3 to 4 times to charge.
Knowing how charging works is important. A full charge might take an hour, but a half-hour charge can go a long way. The average charging time was 39 minutes per stop. The car ran over 3 miles per kilowatt-hour, even with some tough conditions like headwinds or uphill climbs.
The total cost for charging was much less than gas would have been. With careful planning and an average charge cost of $15, EV trips are budget-friendly and green. They stressed the value of knowing the latest on EV charging and enjoying the amenities at charging stations.
Aspect | Details |
Total Distance | 6,000 miles |
States and Provinces Covered | 14 U.S. states, 2 Canadian provinces |
Charging Sessions | 54 |
Average Charging Time | 30 minutes |
Cost Per Charge | $15 (average) |
Total Charging Cost | $300 (actual) |
Comparative Gas Cost | $800 |
Infrastructure Improvements for EV Travel
The growth of EV infrastructure in North America is crucial for better electric vehicle trips. Tools like EVI-RoadTrip from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) help a lot. They make it easier to plan trips by estimating routes, energy use, and where to charge with great detail.
This tool helps planners figure out where to put charging stations to improve EV infrastructure. It looks at how charging affects the electric grid and checks if there's enough power available. EVI-RoadTrip Lite also helps states and counties figure out what kind of charging ports they need for long trips.
Recent studies by EVI-RoadTrip show we need more fast chargers near national parks and major roads. Right now, 25% of U.S. hotels have EV chargers, and 60% of travelers think about charger access when planning trips. Some states are adding more chargers, but some places still have very few.
About 38% of people are interested in taking EV road trips. Among these, 19% are "very likely" and another 19% are "somewhat likely" to use EVs for their next trip. Most EV travelers are college graduates and nearly half earn $100,000 or more, unlike most gas car travelers.
Travel Segment | EV Travel Interest |
Very Likely | 19% |
Somewhat Likely | 19% |
Total Interest | 38% |
As EV infrastructure gets better, electric road trips will become easier and more doable. Tools like EVI-RoadTrip lead the way, helping travelers and planners handle electric vehicle travel demands well.
Challenges and Solutions for EV Road Trips
Taking an EV road trip can be both fun and a bit tough. With more people choosing EVs, it's key to think about obstacles and how to overcome them. The main issues for EV travelers are finding places to charge and how to charge quickly.
Charging Station Availability
Finding charging stations is a big hurdle in EV road trips. By 2023, North America has over 100,000 public charging spots. This is up from 30,000 in 2017, thanks to efforts from both private and public sectors. Still, many people worry about not finding a place to charge. A recent trip by Secretary of Energy Jennifer Granholm showed that even at a well-equipped station, issues like broken chargers exist.
Good news, though! Partnerships have boosted the number of highway charging stations by 50% in two years. Plus, 70% of EV owners charge at home, easing worries about charging on the go. Efforts to educate people are also working, with 40% feeling less worried about battery range after learning more about EVs.
Adapting to Charging Times
Dealing with charging times is another challenge. Fast-charging spots can get an EV up to 80% in about 30 minutes. But, not all chargers are as fast as they say. For instance, a charger in Tennessee was only one-third as fast as its advertised speed.
EV travelers can get by these issues with smart planning tools that help predict how far they can go more accurately. Today's EVs can go 250-300 miles on a single charge, much better than before. There are also apps to help find chargers and see if they're working.
Challenges do exist for EV road trips, but things are getting better. More chargers and better tech make driving an EV easier. Planning well helps make EV road trips smooth and enjoyable.
Why Electric Vehicle Road Trips are the Future of Travel
Environmental concerns and new technology are making electric vehicle (EV) road trips very popular. EVs are cleaner than gas cars, helping our planet. They're also getting better and easier to use, making them a great choice for trips.
Environmental Impact
EV road trips are great for the environment. Gas cars release a lot of CO2, but EVs don't. The U.S. is building more EV chargers to help, thanks to a $7.5 billion plan. This helps make EV road trips possible everywhere, reducing pollution.
People worry about finding chargers for EVs. But new rules say highway chargers need to work 97% of the time. This rule helps make EVs a good option for travel without harming the environment.
Technological Advances
EV technology is improving fast. New chargers can power up an EV much quicker than before. A group of car makers is adding 30,000 new chargers. This makes long EV trips easier.
Smarter EV tech helps drivers too. Apps can now tell you where chargers are and if they're free. Tesla shows how reliable and convenient this can be. Most Tesla drivers find a working charger when they need one.
More people are buying EVs, thanks to all these improvements. By 2025, 23% of new cars will be EVs. And by 2030, more than half of new cars will be electric. This shows that EVs are becoming the main way people will travel.
EVs are changing how we travel because they're eco-friendly and advanced. With more support, EV road trips will be the norm. They offer a green and easy way to see North America.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our journey into electric vehicle (EV) road trips, it's clear that green travel is more than possible. It's actually becoming usual. The growth in charging stations, provided by companies like Tesla and ChargePoint, has made driving long distances less worrying. Now, with Fast Chargers that power up an EV in less than an hour, the fear of running out of battery is fading.
Places like Electrify America place their chargers near big roads, making trips easier. People who've traveled in EVs share that with some planning, trips are fun and smooth. Helpful EV apps, smart charging, and timing breaks right can make the journey efficient.
This way of traveling doesn't just cut down emissions and save on costs, but it's also quieter. More hotels are now offering chargers, making it easier for EV travelers. This shows how the support for EVs on the road is growing.
Looking to the future, improved technology and more chargers from companies like Tesla, Blink, and Electrify America will make EVs even more common. This means more of us can choose sustainable travel, helping our planet. So, for day-to-day drives or big adventures, going on an EV road trip is not only good for the earth but also enriches our own experiences.
Sean Cassy is a renowned automotive industry expert, marketing strategist, and writer with over 35 years of experience. As the co-founder of Turbo Marketing Solutions, Sean has been at the forefront of crafting effective marketing solutions for automotive dealerships across North America.
With a passion for the written word and an encyclopedic knowledge of the automotive world, Sean has written thousands of engaging blog posts, articles, and marketing pieces for dealerships representing all major brands. His work spans from luxury marques to domestic favorites and independent pre-owned dealers.
Over the course of his career, Sean's marketing strategies and content have helped generate over $2 billion in sales for his clients in the automotive retail space. He brings this wealth of expertise and industry insight to every piece he pens.
Through his new blog "Dealers and Drivers", Sean aims to provide a unique blend of automotive enthusiasm and industry analysis, drawing from his decades working with dealers while catering to the interests of car aficionados. Sean's writing offers readers an insider's perspective on the rapidly evolving automotive retail landscape.
Follow him on this exciting new journey exploring the intersection of automotive passion and the retail experience.
You can follow Sean on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/seancassy/ and on his website: https://www.seancassy.com
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