Why EVs Are Better for Long Road Trips

When it comes to long-distance travel, many people still imagine that electric vehicles (EVs) might be limiting. In reality, EVs often make road trips more enjoyable, less expensive, and easier to plan than their gas-powered counterparts.

 

Plentiful Charging Along the Way

Public fast-charging networks now cover major interstates, highways, and scenic routes across the country and growing.

 

Free Destination Charging

One of the most underrated perks of EV travel is destination charging. Many hotels and restaurants now offer free charging for guests, allowing you to “fuel up” while you sleep or dine. Instead of wasting time at a gas station, you wake up each morning with a full battery, ready for the next leg of your journey.

 

Hands-Free Driving for the Long Haul

EVs aren’t just changing how we fuel — they’re redefining how we drive. Many come equipped with the most advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) available, capable of automatically steering through even the trickiest highway interchanges, reducing missed exits, hesitation, and accidents. Unlike most gas vehicles, EVs receive over-the-air software updates, so their safety systems get smarter and more capable over time — without a single trip to the dealership. On long stretches of open road or when approaching busy urban areas, these features ease fatigue, keep you centered in your lane, and adapt your speed to traffic automatically. The result? A drive that’s not only safer, but far more relaxing — so you reach your destination refreshed and ready to enjoy the journey.

 

Lower Travel Costs

Charging an EV — especially with free or discounted destination charging — can cost a fraction of what you’d spend on gas. Combine that with less maintenance and no oil changes, and EV road trips are both cleaner and cheaper.

 

Real EV Road Trip Stories

 

John Mo. (Scottsdale)

John’s experience demonstrates that a cross-country EV trip from Arizona to Indiana wasn’t difficult or risky. With a little planning, it was convenient, efficient, and enjoyable:

“I drove my Cadillac Lyriq from Scottsdale, Arizona to Bloomington, Indiana, and the trip showed me how practical long-distance electric travel has become. I used A Better Route Planner (ABRP) to map the route and checked chargers with PlugShare and provider apps so I always knew my options.

The best rhythm was driving 150–180 miles between stops and charging for about 15–20 minutes, which put roughly 200 miles of range back in the battery. That lined up perfectly with rest breaks for food or bathrooms, so charging rarely added extra time.

I never had to wait for a charger. A couple of times, one unit wasn’t working, but the next stall was fine. Today, with more charging networks available, the options would be even better.

The EV itself was quiet and comfortable, and with hands-free driving with GM’s SuperCruise®, the long stretches were easy and relaxing. The regular charging breaks kept me fresh, so even on multi-day legs I wasn’t fatigued at the end of the day.”

 

John Ma. (Scottsdale):

“In the summer of 2023, my wife and I drove our Tesla Model X on a loop road trip from Scottsdale to St. John’s, Newfoundland, and back (see map) through 28 U.S. States and 6 Canadian Provinces—10,632 miles in two months. We never had a problem charging — and over half our hotel stays included free charging. A road trip this long always allows for side trips and deviations. Finding chargers was never an issue.

Once we left the Tesla Supercharging network at Enfield, Nova Scotia, we were able to charge easily as Canadian CCS1 DC Fast Charging networks with an adapter from Tesla, so we were never without access to power. Across Newfoundland (only reachable by ferry from the mainland), there was a charging station every 100 km and all were in perfect working order.”

Key Takeaways

  • Long EV Road Trips Work: A 10,632-mile journey across 28 U.S. states and 6 Canadian provinces was completed smoothly.

  • Charging is Reliable: No charging problems were encountered over two months of travel.

  • Free Destination Charging Adds Value: More than half of the hotel stays included free charging, reducing trip costs.

  • Beyond Tesla Superchargers: Even outside Tesla’s network, CCS1 fast chargers and hotel chargers provided dependable coverage.

  • Rural & Remote Coverage Exists: Even in Newfoundland—only reachable by ferry—there was a charger every 100 km, all in perfect working order.

  • Peace of Mind: Careful planning isn’t always necessary—charging networks are robust enough for confidence on long, international trips.

 

Stories like John Ma.’s demonstrate that EVs aren’t just capable of long trips — they excel at them.

 

A Better Way to Travel

EVs turn long drives into stress-free adventures: no fumes, no gas stations, predictable charging costs, and the bonus of clean energy fueling your journey. With free charging at many destinations and ever-expanding networks, road tripping in an EV isn’t just possible — it’s often better than driving gas.