The popularity of electric vehicles (EVs) is growing rapidly, and with it comes the expansion of EV-friendly travel routes. For adventurous EV owners who love road trips, one key concern is ensuring that charging stations are well-distributed along the way. Gone are the days when driving an EV meant limiting yourself to short trips within city limits. Thanks to the expansion of charging infrastructure across highways, national parks, and scenic routes, road-tripping in an electric vehicle is more accessible than ever.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the most popular EV-friendly road trip routes in North America and Europe, offer tips for planning an electric road trip, and provide insights into the growing network of charging stations that make long-distance EV travel a breeze.
1. The Rise of EV Road Trips
With electric vehicles becoming more efficient and offering longer ranges, the number of EV road trippers is on the rise. Many automakers have introduced EV models with ranges of over 200-300 miles on a single charge, and charging networks have been developed to cover both urban areas and major highways. This infrastructure expansion means EV owners can now enjoy the open road just like their gasoline-powered counterparts.
Key Benefits of EV Road Trips:
- Environmental Impact: EVs are a more sustainable option than traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles, reducing carbon emissions and helping to combat climate change.
- Lower Cost: Charging an EV is generally cheaper than filling up a gas tank, especially if you can take advantage of free or discounted charging stations.
- Convenience: Well-distributed charging networks, such as Tesla Superchargers, ChargePoint, Electrify America, and others, have made it easy to find charging stations along the most popular routes.
Now that road trips are viable for EV owners, let’s look at some of the best EV-friendly travel routes around the world.
2. Popular EV-Friendly Road Trip Routes in North America
North America offers some iconic road trip routes, and thanks to extensive charging infrastructure, several of these routes are now perfect for EV drivers. Here are a few of the best road trip routes for electric vehicle travelers:
1. The Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)
Stretching from San Francisco to Los Angeles, the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) is one of the most scenic drives in the world. This famous coastal route offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, stunning cliffs, and charming seaside towns.
For EV travelers, California is one of the most EV-friendly states, with a vast network of charging stations. Tesla’s Supercharger network is prevalent throughout the state, and other fast-charging options, such as EVgo and ChargePoint, are easy to find. Along the PCH, charging stations are located in popular stops like Monterey, Santa Barbara, and Big Sur, allowing you to recharge both your car and yourself while soaking in the natural beauty.
2. Route 66 (USA)
Route 66 is one of America’s most iconic road trip routes, stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica. Once known as the “Main Street of America,” this historic route crosses several states and takes travelers through classic Americana, including quirky roadside attractions, diners, and desert landscapes.
Route 66 is becoming increasingly EV-friendly, especially as more states focus on expanding charging infrastructure. Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America stations are common along the route, with stations available in major cities like St. Louis, Albuquerque, and Flagstaff. Charging stations are strategically placed at hotels, restaurants, and attractions, so you can easily plan your charging stops.
3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina, USA)
For EV drivers who want to explore the beauty of the Appalachian Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway offers a serene and picturesque route. Spanning 469 miles from Virginia to North Carolina, this scenic byway is filled with rolling hills, forests, and stunning overlooks.
While the Blue Ridge Parkway doesn’t have as many fast chargers as more urban routes, there are still plenty of Level 2 chargers located near key towns and attractions like Asheville, NC, and Roanoke, VA. EV owners can enjoy the slower pace of this journey while making strategic stops to recharge at local inns, parks, and mountain lodges.
4. Interstate 95 (East Coast, USA)
For those traveling up and down the East Coast, Interstate 95 (I-95) is a well-traveled route that stretches from Florida to Maine. With significant investments in charging infrastructure along the Eastern Seaboard, I-95 is now one of the most EV-friendly highways in the United States.
Major cities along the route—such as Miami, Washington D.C., New York City, and Boston—are home to numerous fast-charging stations, including Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America chargers. Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, you can easily find convenient charging stops at shopping malls, rest areas, and hotels along this busy corridor.
3. Top EV-Friendly Road Trip Routes in Europe
Europe is a leader in EV adoption, with governments actively promoting electric mobility through subsidies and investments in charging infrastructure. Many European countries have extensive networks of charging stations, making it easy to explore the continent in an electric car. Here are some of the top EV-friendly road trip routes in Europe:
1. The Alps (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland)
The Alps offer one of the most scenic road trip routes in Europe, with breathtaking mountain landscapes, charming alpine villages, and world-class skiing destinations. Starting in southern Germany and winding through Austria and Switzerland, this route is perfect for EV travelers who want to explore the beauty of the mountains while enjoying the comfort of well-distributed charging stations.
Countries like Germany and Switzerland have some of the most robust EV charging infrastructures in Europe. Fast chargers from Ionity, Fastned, and Tesla Superchargers are readily available along the major highways and scenic byways. Many hotels, resorts, and restaurants also offer destination charging, allowing you to recharge while taking in the stunning alpine views.
2. The Ring Road (Iceland)
For a road trip that feels like an otherworldly adventure, Iceland’s Ring Road is an ideal choice. This 828-mile route circles the entire island, passing by volcanic landscapes, glaciers, waterfalls, and geysers. Iceland’s natural beauty makes it a bucket-list destination for many travelers.
EV drivers will be pleased to know that Iceland has invested heavily in its charging infrastructure, with charging stations available in most major towns and near popular tourist attractions. ON Power and Tesla Superchargers are available along key stops, ensuring that you can explore Iceland’s wild and remote landscapes without worrying about finding a place to charge.
3. French Riviera (France)
For a more glamorous road trip experience, the French Riviera is an ideal EV-friendly destination. The route from Cannes to Monaco takes you along the stunning Mediterranean coastline, passing through sun-soaked beaches, luxury resorts, and vineyards.
France has one of the largest networks of charging stations in Europe, with Ionity and Allego stations offering fast charging options along the southern coast. Many hotels and resorts along the French Riviera also offer charging for guests, allowing you to recharge your car while you enjoy the local cuisine, beaches, and shopping.
4. Planning an EV Road Trip: Tips for Success
Planning a road trip in an EV is a bit different from traditional gasoline-powered vehicles. Here are some key tips for ensuring a smooth and enjoyable EV road trip:
1. Use EV Route Planning Tools
Several apps and online tools are available to help you plan your route and find charging stations along the way. Apps like A Better Route Planner (ABRP), PlugShare, and ChargePoint allow you to map out your journey based on your vehicle’s range, charging station availability, and driving conditions.
2. Monitor Your Battery and Plan Charging Stops
Make sure you’re familiar with your EV’s range and plan your charging stops accordingly. It’s a good idea to stop for a charge when your battery reaches around 20%-30% to avoid running low unexpectedly. Look for stations located near attractions, restaurants, or rest areas so you can use the charging time productively.
3. Take Advantage of Destination Charging
Many hotels, resorts, and restaurants now offer destination charging—Level 2 chargers that allow you to recharge your car while you stay or dine. When booking accommodations for your road trip, check if your hotel offers charging options, which can save you time and ensure your car is ready for the next day’s journey.
4. Use Fast Chargers for Quick Stops
For longer road trips, prioritize routes that offer DC fast chargers, which can recharge your vehicle in 30-45 minutes. This allows you to cover more ground in a shorter amount of time while minimizing charging downtime. Popular fast-charging networks like Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America are ideal for road trippers.
5. Final Thoughts: Embracing the EV Road Trip Revolution
As charging infrastructure continues to expand, road-tripping in an electric vehicle is more accessible, practical, and enjoyable than ever. Whether you’re driving along the Pacific Coast Highway, exploring the Alps, or circling Iceland’s Ring Road, there are now plenty of well-distributed charging stations to support your journey. By using route planning tools, taking advantage of destination charging, and prioritizing fast chargers, you can experience the freedom and excitement of an EV-friendly road trip without the stress of range anxiety.
With more charging stations being added every day, the future of electric road trips looks brighter than ever. So, grab your map, plan your route
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