The 7 top electric vehicle road trips across the US

The classic American road trip goes electric.

The electric vehicle (EV) movement is gaining momentum, and with more charging stations being installed to meet the growing demand, embarking on a zero-emissions journey has never been easier.

The advantages of driving electric vehicles are evident. Transportation accounts for the largest share of emissions contributing to climate change in the USA, and transitioning to EVs enables drivers to help combat the climate crisis by reducing fossil fuel reliance. Additionally, going green is cost-effective: electric vehicle owners save about 60% on fuel compared to those with traditional gas-powered cars, which is a significant benefit as gas prices remain unpredictable.

Is it possible to experience the classic American road trip in an electric vehicle?

However, electric road trips still pose some challenges. While gas stations are plentiful nationwide, locating and using electric chargers while traveling can be intimidating and time-consuming. This often leads to range anxiety – the worry about depleting battery power before reaching the next stop. To mitigate this anxiety, travelers should keep their vehicle’s range in mind (typically around 250 miles), plan routes through areas with charging stations, and be ready for unexpected fueling issues along the journey.

Fortunately, numerous EV-friendly road trips are available throughout the country. All routes have been verified with Plugshare (a top app for locating EV chargers), making them the most dependable, convenient, and scenic options for EV drivers looking to conquer range anxiety.

Embark on the journey: America’s most legendary road trips

1. Walk in the footsteps of Indigenous tribes on the Natchez Trace Parkway

The route: From Nashville, Tennessee to Natchez, Mississippi Length: 444 miles

Embark on a journey from lively Nashville to the oldest city on the Mississippi River, delving into America’s Deep South. The Natchez Trace Parkway largely traces a 10,000-year-old trading path utilized by Indigenous tribes, with many locations along the route honoring the land's original inhabitants. Embrace their connection to nature and sustainability in an EV: you'll discover around 360 charging stations along the way, with 80% offering fast charging options.

Travel along the picturesque two-lane road as it departs Nashville and meanders toward Hohenwald, home to a monument honoring Meriwether Lewis, who ventured into America’s unexplored regions with the guidance of Indigenous experts like Sacagawea. After exploring the Pharr Mounds—eight Indigenous burial sites dating from 1 to 200 CE—spend a night in Tupelo, once part of the Chickasaw Nation and later known as the birthplace of the legendary Elvis Presley.

While refueling in Jackson, Mississippi, take time to visit the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum to discover the history behind The Negro Motorist Green Book. This annual guide was instrumental for Black travelers navigating the complexities of Jim Crow-era America.

The journey concludes in Natchez, just 10 miles from the Emerald Mound—the second-largest Indigenous ceremonial mound in the United States, constructed and utilized from the 14th to the 17th centuries. Reflect on the historical significance of this 35-foot-high earthwork as you stand in its shadow.

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2. Discover the charm of Washington State along the Cascade Loop

The route: Seattle to Whidbey Island Length: 440 miles

Washington is leading the way in EV infrastructure. This scenic route takes you from sandy beaches to snow-draped summits, with ample charging stations along the way. The Cascade Loop became EV-friendly in 2014, and with chargers conveniently placed throughout the journey, even vehicles with ranges under 100 miles can navigate it without stress.

Prepare for a variety of landscapes on this expedition through the Pacific Northwest. Start your day with a caffeine boost at one of Seattle’s hip coffee spots (bypass Starbucks for Analog Coffee), then venture into the wild. You’ll travel east along the lush banks of the Skykomish River, over the pine-clad Cascade Mountains, and arrive in Leavenworth. This quirky alpine village, inspired by a Bavarian town, offers a taste of Munich without the transatlantic flight.

After savoring an authentic German bratwurst from München Haus, head towards Wenatchee, famously known as the “Apple Capital of the World.” As the loop ascends north through Methow Valley, picturesque lakes, rivers, and rolling hills shimmer in the sunlight, leading you to the rugged peaks of North Cascades National Park. As you descend towards the Salish Sea, sprawling farmland unfolds before you, culminating the journey along the gentle shores of Whidbey Island.

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3. Experience your electric adventure on Route 66

The route: Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California Length: 2500 miles

Shortly after its debut in 1926, Route 66 ignited a wave of migration across the Midwest. Revered by John Steinbeck as the “Mother Road” in the 1930s, this lengthy journey from Chicago to Santa Monica offered wandering souls a beacon of hope for brighter futures. It soon became emblematic of America’s love affair with automobiles, as small towns thrived from the steady flow of cars heading toward the Pacific Coast.

Though officially retired in 1985 to pave the way for speedier routes, the remnants of Route 66 are experiencing a resurgence in the electric vehicle landscape. Travelers can discover around 1800 charging stations along this historic path, making it possible to embark on an electric adventure on one of the US's most iconic highways. Plan for two weeks to fully appreciate this legendary journey.

After soaking in the culture of Chicago, make your way to St Louis and recharge your EV while admiring the soaring Gateway Arch. Before leaving Missouri, stop in Joplin to power up—here, the local History and Mineral Museum honors notorious road-trippers Bonnie and Clyde, who found refuge here in 1933. Take time to explore Tulsa and Oklahoma City in the Sooner State before continuing to Amarillo, Texas, home to Cadillac Ranch, an art installation featuring graffiti-covered cars embedded in the ground. (A charging station is just 10 minutes away.)

A Tesla charging station at the Blue Swallow Motel, a Route 66 icon from 1939, welcomes EV travelers to stay overnight in eastern New Mexico before venturing through the artsy, eclectic Santa Fe and exploring some of the region’s most breathtaking parks.

Make a side trip to the Grand Canyon as you pass through Flagstaff, Arizona, then wander the Mojave Desert’s melodic dunes after charging up in Needles, California. Upon reaching the journey's end at Santa Monica Pier, collect a “Road Scholar” certificate from the 66-to-Cali kiosk—your ticket to bragging rights after this remarkable adventure.

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4. Be awed by California’s stunning coastal vistas

The route: San Diego to Mendocino Length: 600 miles

Traveling along California’s stunning coastline, you’ll find an EV charger no more than 50 miles apart. This road trip from sun-soaked San Diego to the ancient redwoods of Mendocino County is part of the West Coast Electric Highway, stretching from Mexico to Canada. Take a few days to drive along Rte 5 and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway (Rte 1), stopping at must-see attractions along the way.

Start your journey at the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a beachfront resort equipped with Tesla chargers. Instead of navigating LA’s congested downtown, head to Venice, a coastal neighborhood that has transformed from oil derricks to a canvas of street art. Recharge your vehicle while exploring the vibrant streets, especially the trendy Abbott Kinney Blvd.

As you continue north, charming beach towns greet you along the PCH on your way to San Francisco: surf-loving Ventura, historic Santa Barbara, and artistic San Luis Obispo all offer ample charging stations. Consider a stop at Hearst Castle to recharge while touring the opulent 127-acre estate once owned by the wealthy newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. A charger is available at the visitor center.

The second half of the journey showcases the best of California: rugged cliffs of Big Sur lead to the upscale Monterey Bay, culminating in the vibrant atmosphere of San Francisco. After crossing the Golden Gate Bridge, you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering redwoods on the way to Mendocino, perched on cliffs above the Pacific. If you’re interested in going green in a different way, you’re in the right spot: Mendocino is part of the Emerald Triangle, the largest cannabis-producing region in America.

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5. Experience the exhilarating beauty of the Colorado Rockies

The route: Denver to Aspen Length: 160 miles

In 2021, Colorado upgraded its 26 Scenic and Historic Byways by adding EV charging stations every 100 miles. If you can only pick one route, choose the Top of the Rockies byway, where you can scale Mt Elbert and Mt Massive, the two highest peaks in the Centennial State. Plan your visit for summer or fall to ensure cooler temperatures don’t impact your battery’s performance.

Start your adventure in Denver – a vibrant city filled with outdoor enthusiasts – then head to St Mary’s Glacier, an easy round-trip hike near Idaho Springs. In the summer, thrill-seekers can slide down the glacier’s snowy slopes into the stunning blue lake below.

The byway itself starts near Frisco, affectionately known as the “Main Street of the Rockies” for its charming downtown and breathtaking mountain scenery. From there, navigate to world-famous ski resorts like Aspen and historic locations such as Camp Hale, established in 1942 as a WWII training site. Stunning views await you at every turn.

If you have some extra time, consider extending your trip to the Collegiate Peaks byway, a charged route featuring the highest concentration of mountains over 14,000 feet in the US.

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6. Explore the beauty of Rhode Island

The route: Narragansett to Providence to Newport Length: 65 miles

More miles don't always mean more fun. A journey through the delightful towns of the country’s smallest state makes for a summer road trip that eliminates range anxiety. Even vehicles with shorter ranges can handle this trip without issues. Consider spreading the drive over two or three days to fully appreciate each of the three locations, all of which offer ample EV charging options.

Begin your adventure by catching waves in Narragansett, the surfing heart of New England. The town swells from about 15,000 residents to 34,000 between May and September, drawing visitors eager to enjoy its sandy shores and coastal hiking trails that have welcomed travelers for over a century.

Providence, the eclectic capital of Rhode Island, is worth an overnight stay. Stroll along the vibrant riverfront, where 18th-century homes meet modern skyscrapers, all within easy reach of diverse dining options. Enjoy vegan delights at Plant City or savor New England clam chowder at the mobile Dune Brothers Seafood shack. After a brewery tour at places like Bayberry Beer Hall and Moniker, you'll want a good night's sleep before hitting the road again.

Experience the grand finale of Rhode Island in gilded Newport. Spend the day exploring lavish 19th-century summer homes once owned by the Astors and Vanderbilts, then enjoy a sunset stroll along the Cliff Walk, a scenic -mile pathway. Though it may seem surprising, this charming area is home to nearly a dozen EV charging stations, according to Plugshare.

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7. Traverse the Atlantic Coast across 14 states

The route: Portland, Maine to Miami, Florida Length: 1600 miles

Thanks to Electrify America, one of the largest EV charging networks in the nation, you can embark on a zero-emissions road trip along the entire eastern seaboard. Glide down Interstate 95 from Maine to Miami with charging stations available approximately every 70 miles.

If a multi-state journey feels daunting, consider breaking the trip into three sections. The first leg takes you through New England’s historic coastal towns. Indulge in a lobster roll in Portland, Maine’s largest seaside city and a culinary gem, before heading south past the LGBTQ+-friendly Ogunquit, historic Portsmouth, New Hampshire (established in 1623), and into Boston, the cradle of the American Revolution. Recharge in Providence, RI, or along the breezy shores of Long Beach in Stratford, Connecticut, before leaving the coast behind.

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On the second leg of your journey, explore America’s former capital cities. Start with New York City, the bustling metropolis that was the nation’s first center of power. Recharge in Fort Lee, New Jersey, then pass through Trenton (the capital in 1784 and 1799) before reaching Philadelphia, the seat of government from 1790 to 1800. Enjoy blue crabs in Baltimore, which briefly held the title of capital, before reflecting on the current dynamics in America’s political heart, Washington, DC.

The southern segment of your road trip takes you through Richmond, Virginia, a city steeped in history adorned with modern murals. As you navigate through North Carolina and South Carolina, divert from I-95 to experience the vibrant college town charm of Raleigh, and sip sweet tea on a porch in Charleston. Energize your spirits with an adults-only ghost tour of haunted pubs in Savannah, Georgia, before heading down Florida’s Atlantic coast. Stop for lunch in Jacksonville’s trendy Five Points district, then cruise down I-95 through quaint beach towns to Miami. Conclude your adventure with a dip in the electric-blue waters of South Beach, a stark contrast to Maine’s chilly coves.

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