Top Cross-Country EV Road Trips

Top Road Trips for Electric Vehicles Cross Country

Sarah MattieUpdated June 30, 2022

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Believe it or not, you can get across the United States in an electric vehicle (EV). The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) has created "alternative fuel corridors," meaning you will never drive more than 50 miles without having access to a charging station. And you can plan a journey that’s not confined to a DOE corridor either. We’ve come up with ideas for road trips that concentrate on the parts of the country rich in charging stations. Read on for northern and southern road trip routes that’ll take you cross-country in an EV.

Northern Coast-to-Coast EV Road Trip

There is no official DOE fuel corridor stretching cross-country through the northern U.S. That said, it is very possible to travel cross-country via the upper Midwest. Check out this cross-country route that takes you through the northern part of the country, from Burns, OR to Fairfield, ME. While we’ve plotted it out from west to east, you can certainly drive it from east to west. 1. Burns, ORHarney County Chamber of Commerce484 N Broadway Ave.Burns, OR 97720 Burns, OR, is perfect for EV road-trip planners who want a taste of small-town charm before heading out on their cross-country adventure. Though this city may have only a few thousand residents, it boasts a ton of nature, some local businesses, and a couple of charging spots to get you on the road! 2. Boise, IDDiscovery Center of Idaho131 W Myrtle St.Boise, ID 83702 You can park and charge right outside the Discovery Center of Idaho to enjoy this family-friendly STEM museum. It has standing hands-on science exhibits and rotating experiences as well. 3. Twin Falls, IDCollege of Southern Idaho - Applied Tech & Innovation Center2-364 N College Rd.Twin Falls, ID 83303 This charging station is located on the College of Southern Idaho campus, right by the Herrett Center for Arts and Science. This educational anthropological museum focuses on prehistoric artifacts from North America. 4. Ogden, UTWeber County Library System - Main Library2464 Jefferson Ave.Ogden, UT 84401 You don't need a library card to enjoy a public library. This particular EV charging location has events and activities for people of all ages. But, it's also very close to the O-Town Coin Laundry (just in case you need it!), the Oasis Community Garden, and Lester Park. 5. Rock Springs, WYDowntown Rock Springs499 S Main St.Rock Springs, WY 82901 This downtown charging spot is surrounded by restaurants and coffee shops. It's also near the Rock Springs Historical Museum, which showcases the history of the town and its surroundings. This includes background on the lives of Butch Cassidy and Calamity Jane. 6. Laramie, WYBest Western1767 N Banner Rd.Laramie, WY 82072 If you’re looking to recharge for the night, this charging station is conveniently surrounded by hotels. You’re also less than two miles from the Wyoming Territorial Prison State Historic Site, one of the oldest buildings in Wyoming and one that held “evil doers of all classes and kinds.” 7. Ogallala, NEWalmart 7129201 Pony Express Ln.Ogallala, NE 69153 This charging station isn't far from Ogallala Nature Park. It's a small park that takes about eight minutes to walk through–and your leashed dog is welcome. 8. Aurora, NEHamilton County Food Pantry1118 N StAurora, NE 68818 This food bank has a charging station nearby, and it's not too far from Streeter Park and Streeter Park Campground. The campground is free to stay in for up to four nights on a first-come, first-served basis. The park offers a pool, tennis courts, and other outdoor amenities. 9. Council Bluffs, IAWalmart 19653201 Manawa Centre Dr.Council Bluffs, IA 51501 You’re within walking distance of several grocery stores, making this charging station a great place to restock on food and other road-trip necessities. You’re also less than two miles away from Lake Manawa, where you can hike, fish, and boat. 10. Williamsburg, IACaseys Williamsburg #2130 W Evans St.Williamsburg, IA 52361 Grab a slice of Casey’s famously delicious pizza while your car charges, then drive about 30 minutes east and you’ll hit Iowa City. In the city you can see a show at the Englert Theater, catch a University of Iowa Hawkeye game at Nile Kinnick Stadium, or take a stroll through the past at the Old Capitol Museum. 11. Ottawa, ILSierra Motors510 E Norris Dr.Ottawa IL, 61350 This charger is near the Lincoln-Douglas park, which has a seasonal ice rink, the Ottawa Visitor’s Center, and Fox River Park, offering views of the river, some shade, and large grassy areas, making it picnic perfect12. Mishawaka, INParking Lot200 N Mill StreetMishawaka, IN 46544This parking lot is in a busy part of Mishawaka, surrounded by all sorts of restaurants and not far from the Beutter Park on the riverwalk. It's a summer concert spot, but the park itself is beautiful.13. Fremont, OHRutherford B Hayes Presidential LibrarySpiegel GroveFremont, OH 43420The Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Library & Museums honors the 19th president. This was the first presidential library open to the public, established in 1916 and holding around 90,000 books. You can also visit the Hayes Museum, 25 acres of parks, and even President Hayes' and his wife's graves. 14. Clarion, PAWalmart 254063 Perkins Rd.Clarion, PA 16214 This charging station has a few restaurants and hotels nearby in case you need to take a break. The Clarion Oaks Golf Club is also very close if you want to get in a game. 15. Moosic, PAShoppes at Montage Mountain8021 Shoppes BlvdMoosic, PA 18507 The Shoppes at Montage Mountain houses this charging station and many popular clothing stores and services (including a place to get your phone or tablet repaired) and several restaurants. Once you’re done charging, you can explore the Houdini Museum, Everhart Museum, and Electric City Trolley Museum, all located within 10 miles of the charging station. 16. Hartford, CTConnecticut State Capitol210 Capitol AveHartford, CT 06013 This parking spot right outside the Connecticut State Capitol is also in Bushnell Park. The capitol building itself is beautiful enough, but the park has a variety of tours and a serene pond and is filled with history. 17. Portland, MEParking Area98 High StPortland, ME 04101 This parking area is in the middle of everything. Lotos of restaurants, the Portland Museum of Art, the State Theatre, and so much more are all within walking distance. 18. Fairfield, MEKennebec Valley Community College677 Skowhegan Rd.Fairfield, ME 04937 The KVCC Open EV Charger is on the Kennebec Valley Community College campus. Due to Covid-19, the two nearby museums, L.C. Bates and the Hinkley WWI Memorial, are closed as of April 2022. Keep an eye open for these sites coming back! In the meantime, take a look around the lovely KVCC campus.

South Coast-to-Coast EV Road Trip

The southern U.S. has more charging stations than the north, which may make this EV road trip more appealing to some. For instance, there's a relatively straight shot from San Diego, CA, to Savannah, GA, with all the stations within one mile of the highway. Note that we’ve mapped it out from the West Coast to the East Coast, but you can also drive this from east to west. 1. San Diego, CAAT&T Building101 W BroadwaySan Diego, CA 92101 There are well over 100 public electric vehicle charging stations in San Diego, so this one was chosen for its proximity to activities and amenities. It is very close to the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, the Balboa Theater, San Diego Repertory Theater,Broadway Pier, parks, hotels, food…basically a little bit of everything! 2. Yuma, AZTarget T20831450 S. Yuma Palms ParkwayYuma, AZ 85365 This charging spot is about a 10-minute drive from Colorado River State Historic Park. The Yuma History Museum.Gateway Park offers picnicking areas right on the shore of the Colorado River and is next door to Colorado River State Historic Park. 3. Tucson, AZTucson Premium Outlets6401 W. Marana Center Blvd.Tucson, AZ 85742 Whether shopping, dining, or axe-throwing is your thing, the Tucson Premium Outlets caters to your tastes while you wait for your vehicle to charge. 4. Lordsburg, NMLordsburg Chevron1882 Stagecoach Rd. Lordsburg, NM 88045 This Chevron station is home to an Electrify America charging station. The company says it can charge your vehicle in as little as 30 minutes, so this is just a quick stop. And once you’re done charging, go four miles south to check out Shakespeare Ghost Town for a glimpse of life during the wild west. 5. El Paso, TXDeadBeach Brewery406 Durango St.El Paso, TX 79901DeadBeach Brewery lays claim to having the best BBQ in the area, making this a prime place to enjoy some BBQ and beer (if you're not the driver) while you wait for your car to charge. 6. Pecos, TXSonic Drive-In5101 South Cedar St.Pecos, TX 79772 This Electrify America Charging Station is near a Walmart, auto parts shops, and several hotels, making it a good place to restock and/or turn in for the night. Once you and your car are recharged, head about two miles to the West of the Pecos Museum, where you’ll see artifacts and hear stories about the old American West. 7. Sweetwater, TXWalmart 3381407 NE Georgia AveSweetwater, TX 79556 This is another fast Electrify America charging station in close proximity to several hotels. You’re about a 10-minute drive from the National WASP (Women Service Airforce Pilots) WWII Museum, and about 15 minutes from Lake Sweetwater, which has a golf course and campgrounds. 8. Grand Prairie, TXTarget2100 W Interstate 20Grand Prairie,TX 75052 If you’re looking to stretch your legs and get in some hiking, the 37-acre Fish Creek Nature Preserve is within walking distance of this charging station. Or, if you prefer water to land, you can drive a few miles to Lynn Creek Park at Joe Pool Lake for a quick dip in the water. 9. Bossier City, LAHorseshoe Parking Garage711 HorseshoeBossier City, LA 71111 This charging station is attached to the Horseshoe Bossier City hotel and casino, which is home to the Riverdome, a lively concert venue. Across the river (a short drive away), you can find the Sci-Port Discovery Center, Shreveport Aquarium, Spring Street Historical Museum, and many other things to do while enjoying this historic area. 10. Jackson, MSPaul Moak Honda802 Harding St.Jackson, MS 39202 Jackson, a city steeped in American history, has no shortage of sites to visit and things to do. The Mississippi Civil Rights Museum, Eudora Welty House and Garden, and Smith Robertson Museum are all within a five-mile radius of this charging station. 11. Meridian, MSMeridian City Hall601 23rd Ave.Meridian, MS 39301 This charging station at the Meridian City Hall building is right by the Meridian Museum of Art. It's just a quick turn to the entire arts district. You can find a little bit of everything artsy and lots of food in this area. 12. Oxford, ALWalmart 80992 Plaza Ln.Oxford, AL 36203 This Electrify America station is an excellent place to stop to restock on road trip needs. Once you’re done, head about 15 minutes down the road to see Morgan Lake Waterfalls and, if you have the time, experience the natural beauty of Talladega National Forest. 13. Macon, GABibb County Courthouse275 2nd St.Macon, GA 31201 On the corner outside the Bibb County Courthouse, this charging station is next to The Grand Opera House and near Macons Dueling Piano Bar. 14. Savannah, GASavannah Eastern Wharf301 Passage WaySavannah, GA 31401 This spot is right on the Savannah Riverwalk, near a few hotels and places to eat, and a ton of historical sites. Savannah is considered one of the most haunted cities in the United States, with one of the top sites—The Pirates' House, a Southern food restaurant—very close to this stop. Stay a few days to check out their ghost and the history tours.

Experience America With a Cross-Country Road Trip in Your EV

America is a country with natural landscapes that are just as unique and varied as its culture and history. Whether you’re driving 50 miles or 500, there is no shortage of attractions to entertain, educate, and inspire. Deciding between the northern or southern cross-country routes will really come down to what you’re trying to experience. If you’re more into desert landscapes, wide open skies, and all of the culture the American South has to offer, then the southern route may be best for you. If you’re looking for something a little more scenic, complete with glacier-carved mountains, lush forests, and a dose of East Coast culture, the northern route may appeal to you more. And no one’s saying you can’t do both! If you’re seeking additional ways to get the most out of your car, consider auto loan refinancing. By refinancing, you could potentially lower your monthly car payment by qualifying for a loan with better rates and terms than your original loan. Compare auto loan refinancing rates in minutes, without affecting your credit, on Lantern.Ready for more adventures on the open road? Check out our guides for top EV road trips in other parts of the country:

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About the Author

Sarah Mattie

Sarah Mattie is a researcher and writer with an education background. She's passionate about teaching others about financial issues and has written extensively for a variety of degree sites and financial institutions. Her writing covers credit cards, lending products, and paying for college, among other economic topics.

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