Tips for a Relaxing EV Road Trip Across the U.S.

When you think of EV road trips, you might picture either a serene, eco-friendly journey or a stressful ordeal filled with battery anxiety and unexpected breakdowns. The reality can definitely lean towards the former if you keep a few key points in mind. I’ve traveled about 300 miles in a Polestar 2 from L.A. to Las Vegas and enjoyed a multigenerational family trip to San Diego in a Rivian R1S. Both experiences were smooth, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly. Here’s a guide to help you embark on your own EV road trip.

Understanding Range and Charging

There are three key factors to consider when planning an EV road trip: the vehicle’s range on a full charge, the time needed to recharge, and the locations of charging stations, along with their types.

Range varies among models. Most modern EVs provide a range of 200 to 400 miles per charge. Charging networks also differ significantly. California leads the charge, followed closely by New York, Florida, and Texas. Other states, like Colorado, are making strides in enhancing charging options along scenic routes. Thanks to a recent federal infrastructure bill, $7.5 billion is being allocated for an additional half a million chargers by 2030. Lastly, charging times can fluctuate; fast chargers can replenish your battery in about 30 minutes, while slower ones might require overnight charging, depending on your vehicle and battery size.

Renting an Electric Vehicle

Car rental agencies are an excellent way to experience the EV transition firsthand. Hertz, for instance, boasts tens of thousands of electric vehicles across over 2,000 locations in 44 states, with a diverse fleet at varying price points (though it’s been in the news recently for divesting part of its fleet). Their website, Hertz.com, features a quick guide for renting an EV, which includes information on charging, braking, and an overview of different models, along with discounts through their partnership with the EVgo charging network.

Turo, a peer-to-peer car-sharing service, launched an EV hub in April, featuring three curated collections (budget, SUV, and luxury) and offering insights on driving electric vehicles. The platform lists 1,500 different makes and models, with EVs constituting 9 percent of its inventory by the end of 2023.

Locating an EV Charger

ChargePoint leads the U.S. in charging station availability, boasting over 31,000 locations. Electrify America and EVgo follow, with more than 900 and 950 stations respectively. Electrify America provides detailed information on charging, including how the charging curve works (charging speeds increase during the middle of the session) and other key factors like compatibility. While various plug types exist, most modern EVs can connect with any of them. A great perk? The energy used by this network is sourced from 100 percent renewable resources through solar farms and renewable energy certificates.

When planning your journey, try to choose stops that have at least four charging outlets, advises Joel Levin, executive director of the EV advocacy group Plug In America. This strategy reduces the chances of all chargers being occupied or encountering an out-of-service unit. “Traveling by EV can be enjoyable, but it requires some preparation and a shift in how you approach your trip,” he notes.

Utilize maps and apps

Two essential components for a hassle-free journey are maps and apps. In 2023, Waze integrated EV charging station information, while Google Maps refreshed its features for Earth Day 2024, providing more precise location data, estimated energy use for trips, and additional functionalities. For vehicles equipped with built-in Google Maps, such as Polestar, Volvo, and Renault, the software will automatically recommend charging stops during trip planning and display charging options at nearby businesses like grocery stores.

Charging networks also have their own apps, which allow you to manage payment options, locate available stations, and track charging progress if you step away from your vehicle. Additionally, PlugShare is a free app that relies on community input to display nearby chargers along with user reviews.

Choose a hotel with EV charging

A helpful tip: Look for hotels that offer plenty of charging stations. With a good mix of high range, shorter distances, and overnight charging, you might not need to make any stops during your daily drives. The Hilton chain allows you to filter your search for hotels equipped with charging facilities, showcasing over 1,200 options in the United States alone. Marriott has a similar feature, with 1,172 hotels found in a recent search. Additionally, IHG Hotels & Resorts boasts charging stations at nearly 1,200 U.S. locations. About 30 percent of Relais & Châteaux’s North American hotels offer chargers.

“Choosing a hotel with an EV charger alleviates stress and uncertainty,” states Bruce Becker, owner of the zero-emissions Hotel Marcel in Connecticut and an EV owner since 2011. “EV drivers actually have an edge over those with gas vehicles since you'll start your day with a full charge, ready to embark on your journey.”

Becker, who chairs the state’s Electric Vehicle Owners Club, has numerous recommendations for your inaugural EV road trip. In summer, he endorses Cape Cod due to its abundance of fast chargers along Interstates 95 and 91. In fall, he recommends a scenic trip from Hotel Marcel to Woodstock, Vermont, or Maine. With a bit of planning, most of the country is accessible for EV road trips, making it easy to ease off the gas.