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Electric vehicle (EV) owners, rejoice! Gone are the days of worrying about range anxiety or navigating a charging desert during a long-distance road trip. With the rise in EV adoption across the U.S. and an ever-growing charging infrastructure, planning an EV road trip has never been easier—or more fun. Whether you’re cruising down the East Coast, tackling the iconic Route 66, or exploring the West Coast’s scenic highways, the right tools can help you plan a stress-free adventure.
This guide will introduce you to the best free apps for planning EV charging stops on I-95, Route 66, and beyond. We’ll cover essential tips and step-by-step instructions to craft the ultimate EV road trip, complete with cost-saving hacks and survival strategies for remote areas.
Top Free EV Charging Apps to Power Your Journey
When it comes to planning an EV road trip, having the right apps on your phone is essential. These tools can help you identify charging locations, filter options, and plan your route efficiently.
A Better Route Planner (ABRP)
- Features: Cross-country route planning, real-time estimates of battery consumption, and integration with various EV brands.
- Perfect For: EV apps tailored for cross-country trips.
- Pro Tip: ABRP’s detailed options allow you to factor in cargo weight, weather, and charging preferences for unbeatable accuracy.
PlugShare
- Features: User-generated reviews, photos, and filters for specific chargers like CCS, CHAdeMO, or Tesla.
- Perfect For: Finding EV charging stations on road trips, particularly in less-traveled areas.
- Why Choose It: The community-based reviews help you avoid broken or overcrowded chargers.
ChargePoint & Electrify America
- Features: Real-time charger availability, pricing information, and subscriber perks.
- Perfect For: A reliable free EV charging location app with an easy-to-use interface.
- Bonus Tip: Electrify America’s vast network makes it ideal for major routes like I-95 and I-80.
Tesla Trip Planner (For Non-Tesla EVs)
- Features: Navigate Tesla Superchargers with adapters (mainstream adoption of the NACS charging connector by 2024 will make compatibility even smoother).
- Perfect For: Non-Tesla EVs needing fast, widely available charging solutions.
How to Plan Your EV Road Trip Like a Pro
Planning an EV road trip can feel overwhelming at first, but with the right steps, it’s a breeze. Follow this checklist for a foolproof adventure:
Set Your Route
Choose highways with dense charging networks, such as I-95 or I-80. These corridors are well-equipped with reliable chargers to keep your trip smooth.
Calculate Your Range
Factor in external factors like weather, elevation, and even how much cargo you’re carrying.
Identify Charging Stops
Bookmark EV charging stations every 100–150 miles using apps like ABRP or PlugShare.
Plan for Contingencies
Always locate backup chargers near your planned stops in case your first choice is unavailable. It’s better to be safe than sorry!
EV Charging Stops on Major USA Routes
Curious about specific charging stops along the most iconic U.S. routes? We’ve got you covered.
I-95 (East Coast)
- Key Stops: Boston, Washington DC, Jacksonville.
- Best Apps: Electrify America for I-95 chargers, especially on the NJ Turnpike.
Route 66
- Why It’s Tricky: Sparse charging stations in Arizona and New Mexico require meticulous planning.
- Must-Have App: PlugShare for filtering high-speed (150kW+) chargers.
I-5 (West Coast)
- Key Insight: Tesla Superchargers dominate this route, but CCS gaps in Northern California mean non-Tesla EV drivers must plan carefully.
- Tip: Tesla adaptors are game-changers on this route.
I-10 (Southern USA)
- Critical Stops: El Paso, Houston, Phoenix.
- Apps to Use: Electrify America for dense network support.
I-80 (Cross-Country)
- Cold Weather Tips: Winter temperatures in Wyoming and Nebraska can reduce range—plan charging stops closer together.
- Best Tool: I-80 EV Charging Planner or A Better Route Planner.
Avoiding “Charging Deserts”: Survival Strategies
Even with expanding infrastructure, some remote stretches lack EV chargers. Here’s how to handle them like a pro.
Identify Charging Deserts
The Department of Energy’s Alternative Fuel Corridor map can help you map gaps.
Workarounds to Keep Moving
- Slow-Charge at RV Parks: NEMA 14-50 outlets at RV parks offer emergency charging options.
- Rental Cars: If you’re heading into extreme wilderness, consider temporarily switching to a gas-powered car.
Emergency Tips
- Reduce speed to conserve battery life.
- Pre-condition batteries when you’re nearing a charging station to make the most of your remaining range.
How to Road Trip Cheaply in an EV
Worried about costs adding up? Try these hacks:
Free Charging Opportunities
Take advantage of free chargers at places like Walmart (Volta), hotels, and some car dealerships.
Membership Discounts
Sign up for programs like Electrify America Pass+ ($4/month) for reduced rates.
Time-of-Use Rates
Charge overnight at your hotel or off-peak hours for cheaper rates.
EV Road Trip FAQs
Some burning questions EV road trippers often have:
- “Can a Chevy Bolt handle Route 66?”
Yes! However, its charging speed (55kW max) means you’ll spend more time at stations. Plan accordingly.
- “How long does charging add to a cross-country trip?”
Typically, it adds about 20–30% more time compared to a gas car. Apps like ABRP can give you a precise estimate.
- “Are there enough chargers on I-95 for non-Tesla EVs?”
Absolutely! But avoid peak holiday traffic to skip long waits at popular stations.
Plan Your Stress-Free EV Adventure Today
Long-distance road trips in 2024 don’t have to be intimidating for EV drivers. With the right apps, careful planning, and a sprinkle of adventure-ready spirit, your electric road trip can be smooth and memorable.
Have a great road trip story to share? Head to the comments or share your experience with us on social media. And don’t forget to download our free EV road trip checklist [link] to ensure you’re fully prepared for your next adventure
Read about: How to Plan a Long Distance Trip in an Electric Car
