Electrify the Run Celebrates Route 66’s Centennial with EVs on the Mother Road
Historic Route 66 came alive with a unique blend of automotive heritage and transportation innovation as electric vehicle owners joined hundreds of classic car enthusiasts for the 37th Annual Historic Route 66 Arizona Fun Run and the 4th Annual Electrified Fun Run, held May 1–3, 2026.
As Arizona’s longest continuous stretch of Route 66 helped launch celebrations for the highway’s upcoming 100th anniversary, electric vehicles took their place alongside vintage classics to demonstrate how the Mother Road continues to evolve into its second century.
The weekend began with participants gathering in Seligman, the birthplace of Historic Route 66 preservation, where excitement built for the iconic journey across one of America's most celebrated highways.
Saturday morning saw Fun Run participants line up before sunrise in Seligman before embarking on the legendary drive westward. Traveling through small Route 66 communities, EV drivers experienced the same scenic landscapes and historic towns that have attracted travelers for generations while demonstrating that electric vehicles are equally at home on America's most famous highway.
One of the highlights of the journey was a stop in Peach Springs, the capital of the Hualapai Tribe and cultural headquarters of the Hualapai Nation. More than a dozen electric vehicles gathered in a dedicated display area, where EV owners spent the morning engaging with local residents, tribal members, and fellow Fun Run participants. Visitors had the opportunity to explore a variety of electric cars and trucks, ask questions about charging and ownership, and hear firsthand experiences from EV drivers who have embraced electric transportation for both daily driving and long-distance travel.
The day's journey concluded in Kingman, where the Show ’N Shine Car Show transformed downtown into a celebration of automotive culture. Dedicated EV parking and displays from DRIVE Electric Arizona and the Electric Vehicle Association provided an opportunity for attendees to learn more about electric transportation while comparing vehicles spanning more than a century of automotive innovation.
Throughout the event, EV owners shared their experiences with curious visitors, discussing topics ranging from road-trip charging and towing capabilities to battery technology and the expanding selection of electric vehicles available today. Kingman's growing network of fast chargers once again demonstrated that electric road trips along Historic Route 66 are not only possible, but increasingly convenient.
Igor Klyashchitskiy taking home the “Best EV” award!
On Sunday, participants attended the awards ceremony before continuing the journey through the winding mountain roads of Oatman and onward to Topock, completing one of Arizona’s most iconic automotive experiences. Congratulations to Igor Klyashchitskiy, whose spectacular Ford Mustang Mach-E earned the Best EV award, proving that Ford's iconic Mustang nameplate is still turning heads and winning awards on America's highways—now powered by electricity and helping lead the next chapter of automotive innovation.
The Electrified Fun Run continues to demonstrate that electric vehicles are not replacing automotive history—they are becoming part of it. As Route 66 approaches its centennial celebration, events like this highlight the connection between America's transportation past and its electric future.
DRIVE Electric Arizona extends its appreciation to the Historic Route 66 Association of Arizona, the Hualapai Nation, the Electric Vehicle Association, and the many EV owners who participated throughout the weekend. Together, we helped demonstrate that the spirit of adventure that built Route 66 remains alive and well—and increasingly electric.
Photo Credit: Shaun Barnette, Scott Toughill, Amanda Toughill, Peter Culin
