These Incredible Road Trips Don’t Need a Gas Station

A new age of road trips is upon us, as electric vehicle charging networks are rapidly expanding across the U.S. and beyond. Some locations already boast extensive charging station networks and EV experiences, like test-driving a Porsche supercar or an all-electric VW camper van. (Plus, renting an EV in the USA has never been easier.)

The obvious benefits include savings on gas and a reduced carbon footprint, but consider the adventure potential of charging stops. They not only break up the journey but also provide excellent opportunities to connect with other drivers and share tips and stories.

“Adventure arises when you stray from the plan, and EV road trips are perfect for that, whether intentionally or not,” says Eric Noble, founder of the automotive consulting group the CarLab. “There are more chargers available than ever, but locating a consistent series on your planned route that are vacant and functional can still feel like a gamble.”

As the EV revolution gains momentum, these five routes are packed with adventure—from cruising through Switzerland’s Alpine roads to driving along Oregon’s picturesque central coast.

1. Alpine Passes in Switzerland

Recommended for: cinematic views in the Alps along the Julier Pass or E-Grand Tour

From the adventures of James Bond to the cover of Accidentally Wes Anderson, the striking hairpin bends and soaring heights of Swiss mountain passes have a captivating photographic charm. While Sean Connery sped through Furka Pass in his Aston Martin, opt for a modern experience in an EV on Julier Pass, another celebrated Alpine route in Switzerland. Start by charging in Zurich, then travel through Switzerland’s oldest town, Chur, and set your GPS to Juliertheater, a Wes Anderson–style landmark with a backdrop that feels surreal. This octagonal wooden tower is a must-see for a photo op and a welcome break after navigating the winding turns of Julier Pass, which climbs to 7,546 feet.

Alternatively, embark on Switzerland’s E-Grand Tour, the world’s first long-distance journey designed for electric vehicles (1,021 miles) featuring over 300 charging stations, stretching from Geneva to St. Gallen and Lugano.

Accommodation Options

The trendy 25hours Hotel Zürich Langstrasse offers stunning views of Zurich’s main train station, highlighted by the rooftop “Trainspotting Suites.” The hotel also boasts two EV charging stations and provides guests with Mini Cooper electric and hybrid vehicles for complimentary test drives.

2. Central Coast of Oregon

Recommended for: stunning dunes and bluffs, from Florence to Gold Beach

Oregon boasts one of the largest networks of EV fast-charging stations in the country, making it a top destination for an electric vehicle road trip. While Cannon Beach may steal the spotlight, the central coast is rich with dramatic bluffs and untamed beaches. Start your journey in Florence, a historic town and adventure hub located at the Siuslaw River’s mouth, then head south to explore the less-crowded shores of Coos Bay and Gold Beach. Don’t miss the Heceta Head Lighthouse and Sea Lion Caves, and follow Highway 101 to discover the dunes that inspired the sci-fi classic Dune.

Feeling adventurous? Experience the thrill of racing down the sand dunes (emissions-free) on a board, just like snowboarding, with lessons available at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area’s Sand Master Park, the first sandboarding park in the U.S. Make sure to stop by Novelli’s Crab & Seafood, a crab shack on the docks, to enjoy fresh-caught crabs or warm up with their famous clam chowder served in a bread bowl.

Discover more: An Outdoor Enthusiast’s Road Trip Along the Oregon Coast

Accommodation Options

Bay Point Landing is a luxurious RV campsite and resort designed in a Scandinavian style, located in Coos Bay. It features two charging stations, alongside modern cabins and Airstreams, a saltwater pool, and stunning ocean views.

3. The Algarve and Alentejo Coast of Portugal

Recommended for: beach hopping in a VW electric camper van

The future of vanlife is also electric. This summer, Siesta Campers, a camper van rental service in Portugal, will expand its fleet with five all-electric VW camper vans alongside their classic and modern models.

Rent a VW EV camper van in Faro and cruise along the breathtaking Algarve and Alentejo coasts. Enjoy beach hopping as you head east toward the Alentejo, where the crowds dwindle and resorts become scarce. Take a swim at Praia da Marinha before making your way to the fishing village of Salema. Odeceixe is a popular destination for surfers, families, and hikers. (Be sure to explore the untouched coastline along Portugal’s Rota Vicentina hiking trail.) As Portugal enhances its EV charging network, there are already over 5,000 charging stations, with more than 1,000 situated in the Algarve and Alentejo. Charging the VW ID Buzz from 5 to 80 percent takes just 30 minutes using a DC fast charger.

Accommodation Options

Salema Eco Camp in the Algarve and Orbitur Sagres near the surf beaches and town of Sagres offer travelers a chance to recharge in peaceful, natural surroundings along the coast.

4. The Fjords of Norway

Recommended for: taking the thrill up a notch with an EV supercar

Driving alongside Norway’s breathtaking fjords in a supercar may seem like a fantasy, but 62ºNORD turns this into a reality with their “Drive the Fjords” experience. Over six days, travelers can take the wheel of an all-electric Porsche Taycan Cross Turismo while navigating some of Norway’s most iconic routes, including Trollstigen (Troll’s Ladder), a steep mountain pass featuring 11 hairpin turns through the Sunnmøre Alps, and the famous roller-coaster-like Atlantic Road, which appears to float over the fjords.

If an electric supercar is beyond your budget, renting an EV is easy—approximately 80% of new cars sold in Norway are electric vehicles, and the country plans to halt sales of internal combustion engine cars by 2025. Plus, charging stations are abundant, with over 10,000 available nationwide.

Where to stay

After experiencing thrilling views while speeding along the fjords in an EV supercar, unwind at the 30-room Storfjord Hotel, which also offers electric-car day trips for guests.

5. Route 66

Go for: A modern twist on a classic journey

Route 66, the quintessential American road trip, has gone electric. Envisioned with images of gas-hungry Mustangs roaring through the desert, this historic highway now invites travelers to relive nostalgia in an all-electric vehicle—possibly a Ford Mustang Mach-e—along its 2,451-mile stretch from Chicago, Illinois, to Santa Monica, California.

This beloved route is being updated in anticipation of its centennial celebration in 2026, featuring over 900 charging stations. Iconic landmarks along Route 66, like Goffs Schoolhouse in California and the historic La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, now offer charging options. (Elon Musk himself charged his Tesla here when the hotel first set up Tesla chargers.) The Cherokee Nation has installed three electric vehicle charging stations along Route 66, including one at its newly opened cultural and welcome center in Vinita, Oklahoma, allowing drivers to recharge while exploring exhibits and souvenirs. Alternatively, visit the world's first EV museum, the Route 66 Electric Vehicle Museum in Kingman, Arizona, to view electric microcars from the 1940s to the 1960s, as well as one of the fastest EVs globally, the Buckeye Bullet 2.5.

Apps to use on an EV road trip

Chargers may not always be located where you think. Utilize apps like PlugShare, A Better Route Planner, and Chargeway to find the optimal path by displaying compatible charging stations along your journey.