How I Planned EV Charging for a Road Trip to Oklahoma City’s Tower Theatre
The Beautiful Art Deco Tower Theatre, Oklahoma City, OK
A 1,000 Mile EV Road Trip Date Night
In mid-November 2025, we had the opportunity to attend a concert in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and with a few extra days on our hands, it instantly became our latest EV road trip date night.
Since we don’t drive a Tesla with automatic charging stop planning or a Chevy Sierra with 500 miles of range, we needed to do a bit of research to determine the best charging plan.
Using the PlugShare app, I focused on Electrify America and Pilot Flying J chargers to see how they were spaced along our route and discovered a total of seven chargers—plenty of options for planning lunch breaks and other necessary stops.
Covering roughly 450 miles, this route offers reliable charging stations, scenic detours, and plenty of attractions along the way.
Whether you’re heading to Oklahoma City for business or on a date, this guide will help you plan every detail—including specific charging stops for both directions—so you can travel stress-free.
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Route Overview: Jefferson City → Oklahoma City
The most direct route begins by traveling south on US-54 to Camdenton, MO, then continuing down Missouri 5 to Lebanon, Missouri.
This initial stretch of approximately 90 miles won’t require recharging the Kia EV6. From Lebanon, turn west onto Interstate 44 and head toward Oklahoma City.
Charging Stops Along the Way
Electrify America Charging in Bristow, Oklahoma
Springfield, MO – Multiple charging options available
Mount Vernon, MO – Electrify America station
Joplin, MO – Pilot Flying J just off the highway
Vinita, OK – First Electrify America stop in Oklahoma
Tulsa, OK – Pilot Flying J
Bristow, OK – Electrify America station
Oklahoma City, OK – Variety of chargers in the metro area
Trip Details
Total Distance: ~425 miles
Estimated Drive Time: 7–8 hours (including charge time)
Major Cities: Springfield, MO, Joplin, MO, Tulsa OK
Selected Chargers: Electrify America & Pilot Flying J
Why This Route Works for EV Drivers:
This route follows major highways with strategically placed fast chargers, making it easy to plan stops for both charging and meals. With Electrify America and Pilot Flying J stations along the way, you can travel confidently and stress-free.
Amp’d Advice: Look for Level 2 chargers at public destinations like museums, botanical gardens, zoos, and sports venues. These spots offer a convenient way to add charge while you enjoy the activities. Read more here.
Driving to the Concert
EV Charger Decision Making
Knowing that a 100% charge provides a range of 190 to 220 miles of stress-free highway driving—and wanting to incorporate lunch into the schedule I planned our first stop at the Springfield Pilot Flying J, approximately 140 miles from home.
Why Springfield?
Perfect distance for the first leg
Offers both charging and lunch options
20–30 minutes of charge time fits a meal break
Deciding the Next Move
After Springfield, I faced a choice:
Option 1: Push for Tulsa and deal with city traffic when leaving the highway for a charge
Option 2: Stop briefly at Vinita, Oklahoma (Electrify America) at 50–60% SOC, top up to 90%, then continue through Tulsa to Bristow (Electrify America)
The Safer Choice
The 170 miles from Springfield to Tulsa made me uncomfortable due to the wind and the 75 MPH limit, so I opted for a quick stop:
Joplin Pilot Flying J
Located 60 miles down I-44
Brought SOC back up to 90%
Quick 10-minute charge for a nature break
Tulsa and Beyond
The Tulsa Pilot Flying J was conveniently right off I-44.
Activities during charge:
Snack break
Cleaned the windshield
20-minute charge completed
From there, we headed to Oklahoma City with enough charge to:
Check into our Airbnb
Drive across town to The Tower Theatre
Return to the Airbnb
For overnight charging, I used our portable 110-volt charger for an opportunity top-up.
The Return Trip
Oklahoma City Back to Jefferson City
The next day, we were ready to head home with a planned stop at the George Washington Carver National Monument, just south of Joplin, Missouri.
I wanted to limit our charging stops to allow more time at the monument.
Morning Charge
While Cheryl finished getting ready, I drove one mile to a conveniently located Francis Energy station and brought the car up to 71% SOC.
After packing up, we headed back to I-44 for the 74-mile drive to Bristow, OK (Electrify America).
Lunch and Charging in Bristow
The Bristow Electrify America station is located at a Walmart, and our hope was to combine charging and lunch.
Challenge: Walmart didn’t have a Subway
Solution: Took an extra 30 minutes to drive into town for a great meal at Boom-a-Rang Café on old Highway 66
Next Stop: Joplin
Feeling like we were running behind, we set our sights on the Joplin Pilot Flying J.
Reason: Only 11 miles from the George Washington Carver National Monument
Plan: After visiting the monument, continue to Lebanon, MO, where we switch back to Missouri Highway 5 north
Final Leg
We arrived in Lebanon needing 84 miles to get home.
Charging Location: Casey’s Convenience Store (Electrify America)
Charge Level: Brought SOC to 60%
Arrival: Made it home with 23% SOC—no reason to be nervous about that drive!
Amp’d Advice: One of the easiest ways to save money while road-tripping in your EV is to avoid overcharging at pricey public stations. Instead, charge just enough to get home—or to your next affordable stop.
My personal rule of thumb? Add a one-third buffer. So if you need 100 miles to reach your destination, aim for about 135 miles and stop there. This approach keeps your costs down and your trip efficient.
EV Road Trip Eating
Preparing BLTs while Road Tripping
Let’s just lay it out there: when it comes to food, we’re frugal and plan to eat two meals a day from the car.
Breakfast: Eaten at the Airbnb with food we carry in our cooler
Lunch: Enjoyed while charging
Dinner: Usually at a budget-friendly family restaurant
I’ll admit it—we’re easily pleased and cheap!
Amp’d Advice: When you charge in a Wal Mart parking lot, use the time to purchase food for the cooler and lunch bag. If you already have your food, then use to time to grab a bite.
A great way to utilize your time.
Cheap Means More Than Dollars
For us, “cheap” isn’t just about money—it’s also about time.
Breakfast at the Airbnb: Fits into the time we’re getting ready to leave
Lunch from the cooler: Utilizes charging stops so we can maximize sightseeing time
Dinner at a local restaurant: Adds a bit of local vibe to the trip
The Bonus: The monetary savings allow us to EV road trip more often, which is the ultimate win.
What to Do When Recharging
Aside from the common question, “How much does it cost to replace your battery?” (hint: I never will), I often hear comments about wasted time during recharging. We make this time useful by completing travel tasks and preparing for the next driving stint.
How We Use Charging Time
Nature breaks – Hey, I’m close to 60, and this becomes a priority.
Eat lunch or dinner – We eat from the cooler or occasionally at a restaurant.
Clean windshield / car body – Improves visibility and helps protect the paint job.
Shop at Walmart – A great time to replenish travel food.
Verify the next charging stop – Use the charging provider app to confirm details.
Discuss a future EV road trip – Honestly, we do this pretty frequently at all times.
Amp’d Advice: Every time we stop, we throw out any trash, clean the windshield, and remove bugs or bird residue from the paint. It’s a simple habit that keeps the car looking great and ready for the next leg of the trip.
Birds Eye Review: Your EV Road Trip Made Easy
Quirky roadside guardians: The iconic robot sculptures along old Route 66 in Oklahoma City add a dash of retro-futuristic charm to the Mother Road.
Ready to Hit the Road?
So, pack your bags, plan your stops, and hit the road with confidence. Your EV is ready—are you?
There you have it—a quick overview of how we make EV road trips simple and stress-free.
Our Approach
Select a destination
Verify charging locations along the route
Plan meals to save time and money
Keep the car clean and organized while planning the next adventure
Why It Works
By planning your stops to minimize your stops and maximize your charge time keeps you rolling down the road. Use the provider app to check the next charger.
Eating from the car saves both time and money, and maintaining a clean interior makes every trip more enjoyable.
What Can Make it Better
My pipe dream is that two things will happen:
The public charging network expands to nearly every gas station location.
Manufacturers improve navigation systems to accurately select charging stations while driving to a set destination.
But alas, considering where we were just three years ago, EV road trips today are actually pretty easy.
