Feature: The 3 Best EVs for Road Tripping

Three Places To Cruise the Country on Electrons

There are a variety of benefits to swapping your gas guzzler for an electric vehicle. In addition to being eco-friendly, EVs save drivers on gas, provide more trunk space and can even earn you a spot in the HOV lane.

Sure, you’ll have to plug in and recharge eventually, but with a median range of more than 250 miles per charge, you won’t have to worry about refueling for a while in a modern EV. Plus, charging stations are becoming more prevalent, so you’ll have little trouble finding somewhere to charge.

Are you ready to take an EV on a road trip? Rent, lease or buy one of the following models. 

1. Tesla Model 3

If you’re looking for a car that’ll go further and faster, the Tesla Model 3 should be your top choice. Drive more than 350 miles on a single charge (Long Range model) and go from zero-to-60 mph in about three seconds (Performance model).

Use Tesla’s Supercharger network (25,000+ chargers worldwide) to juice up your ride and add 175 miles worth of power in just 15 minutes. An autopilot adaptive cruise control feature and 15 cubic feet of storage space also lend themselves well to road-tripping.

2. Audi E-Tron 

Are you in need of more storage space? The Audi E-Tron fits up to five passengers (with 28.5 cubic feet for cargo) or features more than 55 cubic feet of cargo room with two passengers. This luxury SUV EV will quickly charge to 80% in 30 minutes and drive 222 miles on a full battery. New E-Trons come with 1000 kilowatt-hours of free charging at Electrify America fast-charging stations.

Just don’t leave it plugged in overnight or you’ll lower the battery capacity and have to recharge more frequently. If you run out of power, Audi roadside assistance will dispatch a tow truck to take you to the nearest charging station.

3. Polestar 2

Enjoy the view and the drive in a Polestar 2. This Chinese-Swedish five-seater hatchback features a panoramic glass roof, vegan upholstery and a 33-minute fast charge time. Opt for the dual-motor model to go nearly 250 miles on a single charge and zero-to-60 in 4.5 seconds (the single motor version will take you 265 miles on a single charge, but takes seven seconds to reach 60 mph).

If you need help getting around, the Polestar 2 has Google built in, including the Google Assistant, which can understand user commands in various languages, Google Maps and Google Play Store for entertainment along the way.

Top Three EV Road-Trip Destinations

You’ve picked your EV. Now, where should you go? Choose one of the following destinations for scenic views, a smooth drive and plenty of charging stations.

1. Maine

Take a trip up the East Coast to breathtaking Maine. This state is home to 65 historic lighthouses and plenty of delicious seafood, including fresh lobster. Remember to visit Acadia National Park for picturesque views of mountains, lakes and the rugged coastline.

2. Michigan

Michigan retailer Meijer has teamed up with Electrify America to offer EV charging stations across the state, so you can travel anywhere you please without running out of juice. Head to Traverse City for wine tasting or drive over Mackinac Bridge and explore the upper peninsula.

3. California

If you’re still concerned about finding places to recharge, head to the West Coast. California has more than 14,000 charging stations—more than any other state in the country. The Golden State is also home to scenic State Highway 1, a coastal route that stretches from the rustic north through San Francisco down past Big Sur on the way to LA and San Diego.

Planning Your Trip

Planning an EV road trip requires a little more time and effort than if you were to take a gas-powered car. Use A Better Routeplanner, an EV-specific navigation app that provides information regarding intended speed, energy consumption and where to find charging stations along your route.

ABRP also tells you the charging time needed at each one so you can plan the fastest trip possible, minimize mishaps and simply enjoy the ride.

Road Trips We’ve Taken So Far:

Road Trip: 2021 Polestar 2

Road Trip: 2021 Volkswagen ID4

Road Trip: 2021 Ford Mustang Mach-E

Road Trip: 2020 Nissan Leaf