Exploring America in an EV: Our 2025 Road Trip Adventures
Exploring America, 2025
2025 started quietly, but it didn’t stay that way for long!
From spontaneous getaways to epic cross-country drives, Cheryl and I spent the year discovering incredible destinations—all powered by electric vehicles.
Whether it was cruising through the Ozarks, riding battery-assisted rail cars in Iowa, or exploring the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast, this year proved that EV road trips are not only possible—they’re unforgettable.
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to travel far and wide in an electric vehicle, here’s a look back at our journey and why you should consider planning your own EV travel adventure.
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EV Road Trips Across America:
Highlights from Our Year on the Road
Waymo, San Francisco, California
February Escape to Big Cedar Lodge
Our first adventure of 2025 began with an irresistible email from Branson, Missouri’s Big Cedar Lodge offering reduced winter rates.
That sparked a three-day getaway, complete with a detour to Eureka Springs, Arkansas, where we visited the majestic lions and tigers at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge.
This trip reminded us how easy it is to plan charging stops for short EV-friendly road trips.
May in San Francisco with Waymo
In May, I found myself in San Francisco, cruising The Mission District in a Waymo self-driving Jaguar I-Pace EV.
Watching the car navigate traffic effortlessly was a glimpse into the future of autonomous EV travel.
Summer Fun in Iowa and Minnesota
June brought us to Boone, Iowa, for a unique ride on Rail Explorers’ battery-assisted rail cars—a blast with friends!
By August, we were in Pella, Iowa, dreaming of tulips and already booking our Airbnb for the 2026 Pella Tulip Festival.
Rainey Lake, Voyageurs National Park
From there, we headed north to Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota, where rocky shorelines and endless woodlands reminded us why explorers fell in love with this region centuries ago.
One unexpected perk was crossing into Canada to charge, since International Falls, Minnesota currently lacks public EV chargers.
The Big One: 21 Days, 10 States, 5 National Parks
Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park
Our most ambitious EV adventure kicked off on Interstate 80, starting in Lincoln, Nebraska, and stretching all the way to Astoria, Oregon.
Crater Lake National Park
From there, we turned south to cruise the stunning Oregon Coast, taking in rugged shorelines and ocean views before detouring inland for a two-day side trip to the deep-blue beauty of Crater Lake.
After marveling at the towering Redwood trees, we headed east across northern California, stopping at Lassen Volcanic before heading onto Nevada’s legendary Loneliest Highway—US Highway 50—an unforgettable drive through wide-open landscapes and endless horizons.
Great Basin National Park turned into Capitol Reef National Park, tuned into the Colorado Rockies.
As the trip wound down and we found ourselves chatting about Kansas history, we both agreed: another week would have been perfect—a testament to our compatibility after 20 days of true road-warrioring in an EV.
Avenue of the Giants, Redwood National Park
Crater Lake National Park – A breathtaking deep-blue gem worth every mile.
Redwood National Park – Walking among towering giants is a humbling experience.
Lassen Volcanic National Park – A perfect EV-friendly day trip near Redding, CA.
Great Basin National Park – Nevada’s Loneliest Highway led us to stunning vistas and serene landscapes.
Capitol Reef National Park – Utah’s red rock beauty never disappoints.
From the Oregon Coast to the Colorado Rockies and across Kansas plains, every mile reinforced how practical and enjoyable electric vehicle road trips can be.
Gateway Arch National Park
Exploring the Gateway Arch in St. Louis
One of our favorite Missouri stops is St. Louis, home to the iconic Gateway Arch.
We explored Gateway Arch National Park and rode the tram to the top for stunning views of the Mississippi River.
With multiple interstates entering the city and EV charging stations nearby, St. Louis becomes a rewarding EV destination.
George Washington Carver
Closing the Year in Oklahoma
Our final EV road trip of 2025 was a perfect mix of relaxation and reflection.
We headed south on Interstate 44 to enjoy a date night concert in Oklahoma City.
On the way back, we made an easy detour to the George Washington Carver National Monument.
This site honors one of my childhood heroes—a man whose innovations still inspire today.
Standing there, reflecting on Carver’s legacy, felt like the perfect way to wrap up a year dedicated to EV road trips and exploring America in a cleaner, greener way.
Every EV trip starts with PlugShare to research destinations and charging options.
Once we’ve chosen a destination, I verify which charging providers are available along the route. Then read the reviews for reliability and tips on the best pedestals, nearby amenities, and even hidden chargers. Cheryl adds a nostalgic twist by marking those stations on a paper atlas, giving us a colorful snapshot of the route.
Blending digital tools with old-school mapping makes planning quick, stress-free, and a little adventurous. Read this article to see how this combo keeps our road trips smooth and fun!
Birds Eye Review: Nearly 9,000 Miles of EV Adventures
Looking Ahead to 2026
US Highway 50 Outside of Austin, Nevada
What a year!
Nearly 9,000 miles of EV-powered road trips, countless memories, and a renewed appreciation for America’s diverse landscapes.
While 2026 will include some international travel, we’ve already planned an Arizona EV adventure for March and a return to Pella for the Tulip Festival in May.
If you’ve been thinking about taking your EV on the open road, I encourage you to start small—two or three days can be the perfect recharge for your soul.
Here’s to a fantastic 2025 and an even more exciting 2026!
A casual runner, John’s fascination with electric vehicles began the day he left a 1970s Citicar in the dust.
Since then, he’s worked to educate readers that EVs aren’t futuristic novelties—they’re simply cars powered by an alternative energy source.
His favorite way to experience it? Road-tripping along the Great American Electric Highway, where the miles turn into opportunities to visit family, reconnect with friends, and soak in the country’s scenic beauty.
When John isn’t writing about EV adventures, running in new places, or exploring new destinations, you’ll probably find him catching a well-earned nap before the next journey begins.
Learn how to charge your electric vehicle at home, work, and on road trips. Discover the types of EV chargers and tips for stress-free charging wherever you go.