Electric Vehicle Road Trips: Planning and Tips

A road trip is a timeless adventure. You have open highways, beautiful stops, and the excitement of the ride. Now, it’s getting a sustainable upgrade. With more charging stations and better batteries, an electric car road trip is easier and greener than ever.

You can explore wide open roads and leave a light footprint. This EV travel guide has all you need to plan, prepare, and enjoy your next trip — while keeping emissions low.

Why Choose an Electric Vehicle Road Trip?

1. Lower Emissions

EVs emit no tailpipe emissions. They cut your carbon footprint significantly compared to petrol or diesel cars, especially when charged with renewable energy.

2. Lower Running Costs

Electricity is cheaper than petrol. And EVs require less maintenance — no oil changes, fewer moving parts.

3. Smoother, Quieter Rides

EVs provide instant torque and quiet engines, making for a smoother, calmer drive.

4. More Charging Options Than Ever

Across North America and Europe, charging networks are growing fast. It’s now possible to drive across countries using only electric power.

Planning an Electric Car Road Trip

Know Your Range

Start with your EV’s range per charge. Factor in the terrain, weather, and whether your car can use fast chargers. Cold weather and hilly roads can reduce your range.

Use Route Planning Tools

Try:

• A Better Routeplanner (ABRP)
• PlugShare
• Zap-Map (UK only)
• EVHotels (find hotels with chargers)

These tools help map your route based on range and available chargers.

Check Charging Station Types

There are three main levels:

• Level 1: Standard outlet, very slow (8–12 hours for full charge)
• Level 2: Faster, often found at public locations and hotels
• DC Fast Charging: Rapid charging on highways (20–60 mins)

Know which ones your EV supports.

Plan Charging Stops Wisely

Use meal breaks, sightseeing stops, or overnight stays as charging time. Charging doesn’t have to be a delay — it can be part of the adventure.

Essential Packing List for EV Trips

• Charging cable and adapters
• Charging network cards or apps
• Portable power bank
• Emergency roadside kit
• Reusable water bottles and snacks
• Maps (digital and paper backup)

Sustainable Driving Tips

Drive Smoothly

Gentle acceleration and braking improve range. Use cruise control on highways when safe.

Use Eco Mode

Many EVs come with energy-saving driving modes. These limit speed and AC use to stretch your battery.

Minimise Extra Weight

Only carry what you need. More weight = more energy use.

Mind the AC and Heating

Climate control drains power fast. Use seat warmers instead of blasting the heater.

Stay Updated

Watch your battery level and keep an eye on backup stations. Weather or detours can change your plan.

Best Routes for Electric Car Road Trips

1. The Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)

Smooth roads, ocean views, and plenty of chargers along the route from San Francisco to Los Angeles.

2. Norway’s Scenic EV Routes

Norway leads the world in EV infrastructure. Cruise past fjords, waterfalls, and villages with reliable charging all the way.

3. Germany’s Romantic Road

From medieval towns to castle stops, this route blends culture with modern convenience. Charging stations are frequent.

4. The Electric Highlands (Scotland)

Scotland’s NC500 is now EV-friendly. Stunning coastal views and green lodges make this a must-do for eco-adventurers.

5. Ontario’s Electric Circuit (Canada)

Quebec and Ontario have a fast-growing network. Forests, lakes, and eco-resorts await.

Where to Stay: EV-Friendly Accommodation

Look for hotels with charging stations:

• Use filters on Booking.com or Airbnb
• Try ChargeHotels, EVHotels, or Green Key certified stays
• Call ahead to confirm charger availability and type

Some places even offer free charging as a guest perk.

Food and Fuel: Supporting Local and Sustainable Stops

• Eat at local diners, not chains
• Shop at farmers’ markets for snacks
• Bring reusable containers and cutlery
• Choose refills over single-use packaging

Real Story: Road Tripping in an EV

Mark and Jess drove from Berlin to Milan in their electric car. With smart planning, they charged during coffee breaks and at eco-hotels overnight. They enjoyed wine country, mountain views, and zero petrol bills.

They say the slower pace made the trip more enjoyable. “It felt good to know our journey wasn’t leaving a trail of fumes behind.”

Common EV Road Trip Concerns (And Solutions)

“What if I run out of charge?”

Modern EVs have apps that warn you well in advance. Use route planners and keep a backup charger location.

“Aren’t charging stops annoying?”

Plan them around meals or sightseeing. You’ll be stopping anyway — make the most of it.

“Isn’t it just too complicated?”

It’s getting easier every year. With the right tools, it’s no harder than planning a fuel stop.

Resources to Make EV Travel Easier

• PlugShare: User-rated charging station map
• ChargePoint / Ionity / Electrify America: Regional charging networks
• OpenChargeMap: Global station database
• EVgo: U.S. fast charging service
• Chargefox: Australian network

Drive Forward, Clean and Confident

The freedom of a road trip meets the conscience of sustainability in every EV journey. With thoughtful planning, an electric road trip can be seamless, scenic, and inspiring.

Lower emissions. Fewer fuel stops. Deeper experiences.

Where will your electric adventure take you? Share your tips or tag your next co-pilot in the comments. Let’s charge ahead into a cleaner way to roam.