0
0
Let’s be honest—most EV road trip guides recycle the same overhyped routes. Coastal highways, desert loops, the usual suspects. But what about the hidden gems? The roads less traveled (and less crowded) with reliable charging infrastructure? Here’s the deal: they exist. And they’re spectacular.
The Forgotten Midwest: Great River Road (Minnesota to Illinois)
You wouldn’t expect the Mississippi River to be an EV-friendly corridor, but surprise—it’s quietly become one. The Great River Road winds through 10 states, but the Minnesota-to-Illinois stretch is a standout. Think bluffs, historic river towns, and—yes—plenty of chargers.
Why it’s underrated: Most drivers blast through on I-35, missing the scenery. Meanwhile, towns like Red Wing and Galena have installed DC fast chargers to lure road trippers.
Key Stops & Charging Points
- Red Wing, MN: Charge at the municipal lot while exploring pottery shops
- La Crosse, WI: Fast chargers downtown near the riverwalk
- Galena, IL: Level 3 chargers steps from 19th-century storefronts
Pro tip: Time your drive for fall. The river valley becomes a tunnel of gold and crimson—like driving through a Bob Ross painting.
The High Desert Secret: Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway (Route 375)
Sure, it’s famous among UFO chasers. But hardly anyone talks about its EV readiness. This 98-mile stretch from Crystal Springs to Warm Springs has charging stations at both ends and—get this—a solar-powered charger at the infamous Little A’Le’Inn in Rachel.
Why it’s underrated: Most assume desert = charging desert. Wrong. The state’s been quietly upgrading infrastructure to support mining operations. Bonus: zero light pollution for stargazing.
Charging Strategy
- Start with a full charge in Tonopah (multiple fast chargers)
- Top up at Rachel’s quirky solar station (Level 2, so grab a burger while you wait)
- End in Warm Springs with enough juice to detour to Area 51’s back gate
The Southern Surprise: Natchez Trace Parkway (Tennessee to Mississippi)
This 444-mile parkway is America’s forgotten scenic drive. No billboards. No trucks. Just rolling hills, Civil War sites, and—since 2021—strategically placed chargers. The secret? The National Park Service partnered with local businesses to install stations near trailheads.
Why it’s underrated: Most EV drivers assume rural South = charging dead zone. Not here. Even tiny towns like Tupelo now have fast chargers near Elvis’ birthplace.
Can’t-Miss Charging Stops
| Milepost | Location | Charger Type |
| 266 | Collinwood, TN | DC Fast (50kW) |
| 193 | Tupelo, MS | DC Fast (150kW) |
| 41 | Natchez, MS | Level 2 (historic district) |
Fun fact: The parkway follows a 10,000-year-old animal migration path. Today, it’s migrating EVs instead.
The Northern Lights Route: Minnesota’s North Shore (Duluth to Grand Portage)
Most Lake Superior drives focus on Michigan. Big mistake. Minnesota’s North Shore has better EV infrastructure than you’d guess, with chargers at state parks and harbor towns. Plus, aurora sightings are shockingly common.
Why it’s underrated: Charger maps show gaps, but locals know the workarounds. Lutsen Resort has Tesla and J1772 plugs, and Grand Marais installed fast chargers last summer.
Winter Road Trip? No Problem
- Precondition your battery while plugged in at Duluth’s Canal Park
- Range drops in cold? Split the drive over two days—there are cozy B&Bs with chargers
- Pro move: Book a room at Naniboujou Lodge (yes, they have a charger)
The New England Alternative: Mohawk Trail (Massachusetts)
Everyone does Vermont’s Route 100. The Mohawk Trail—Massachusetts’ first scenic byway—offers similar foliage with half the crowds. And thanks to a state grant, chargers now dot the route like apple orchards in October.
Why it’s underrated: Western Mass gets overshadowed by coastal tourism. But between the hairpin turns and roadside cider donuts, it’s an EV driver’s autumn dream.
Charging With a View
- North Adams: Charge at Mass MoCA while touring avant-garde art
- Charlemont: Zappy’s Diner has Level 2 chargers and blueberry pancakes
- Greenfield: Fast charger near the energy-efficient courthouse
Local quirk: The route’s famous “Hail to the Sunrise” statue has a parking lot—no charger yet, but rumor says it’s coming.
The Bottom Line
EV road trips aren’t just about the big-name routes anymore. As charging infrastructure spreads—sometimes in unexpected places—the real adventure lies in the roads less juiced. So next time you plug in, ask yourself: Where could I go that’s not on every top 10 list? The answer might surprise you.
