6 Best Electric Cars for Taking a Road Trip

We live in an age where electric vehicles are no longer strictly for short trips around town. Technological advancements have finally caught up with our ambitions giving EVs enough range for long distances. You can finally take your green vehicle on a road trip!

Just as combustion engine vehicles need gasoline, electric vehicles need power. The network of public car chargers has sufficiently expanded to provide good coverage in many places around the globe. With good range and places to plug in, road trips are becoming a viable activity for most electric car drivers.

But what is the best EV for a road trip? One thing to look at is the vehicle’s range.The average electric car has a range of about 200 miles on a single charge which can get you to a lot of places. If you plan on taking a lot of long trips, consider a car with a range of 300 miles for peace of mind.

Since you will likely want to drive more than a few hours per day, recharge time is another factor to carefully consider in your next EV. A car with a high-voltage architecture will allow you to charge rapidly at pit stops. This will greatly increase your time on the road.

If you’re planning on spending a lot of time in your vehicle, you need to plan for comfort. Look for an EV that can comfortably accommodate the number of passengers you plan to bring. Don’t forget cargo space for all of your stuff too.

The best EV for a road trip will depend on your needs, expectations, and your budget. While there may not be a simple answer, here is a rundown on some strong contenders.

1. Tesla Model X

The Tesla Model X is one of the best EVs for a road trip if you plan on moving a lot of people around. It has seating for 7 adults plus an additional 88 cubic feet of cargo space and 5,000 lbs of towing capacity. An excellent choice for family trips or outings with friends.

The dual motor AWD model offers ample power and an impressive range of 330 miles to get your whole party where it needs to be. It can give you up to 175 miles of range on a 15 minute rapid recharge. It’s on the expensive side with a price tag starting at $120,990 but it comes with nice to have features such as autopilot to make those long drives a little easier.

2. Ford F-150 Lightning XLT

Ford’s first zero emission pickup truck is the Ford F-150 Lightning and it is a powerhouse. The XLT has a range of 320 miles on one charge to get you and your toys to your destination. This truck seats 5 and has an extra 14.1 cubic feet of storage space under the hood just in case a whole cargo bed isn’t enough.

This is not your average truck. The F-150 Lightning can double as a battery to power your campsite or even your house for 3-10 days. It has a 98-kWh battery pack with V2L capacity as well as 11 electric outlets. This EV starts at $59,474 which is quite reasonable all things considered.

3. Chevrolet Bolt EV

This affordable electric vehicle is the least expensive on our list starting at only $25,600 but that doesn’t make it any less capable of tackling that road trip. The Chevrolet Bolt EV has a generous range of 259 miles on one charge. It can also accommodate fast charging adding 100 miles of driving in only 30 minutes.

This emission free car can seat up to 5 people but it is limited on cargo space with only 16.9 cubic feet at your disposal. That being said, this is a responsive little car that’s fun to drive. It might just be the best EV for a road trip for 1 to 3 people.

4. Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo

The Porsche Taycan 4 Cross Turismo offers a comfortable and luxurious ride to all 4 of its occupants. This body style has a larger rear luggage compartment offering 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space. Arrive in style and make a statement with this all electric Porsche.

This EV has a decent range of 235 miles on one charge but what really makes this vehicle shine is its rapid charge capabilities. Get an additional 62 miles of range in just 4 minutes at a DC fast charging station. It’s a really handy feature to have around on a road trip that just might be worth the $97,700 price tag.

5. Hyundai Ioniq 5

This solid all electric car delivers a solid performance. The Hyundai Ioniq 5 has a range of 303 miles on a full charge. It takes under 7 hours to charge from 10% to 100% at a standard 240v outlet and you can get from 10% to 80% in only 18 minutes at a rapid charging station.

Starting at $44,000 this EV seats 5 passengers and has a generous cargo capacity of 27.2 cubic feet. It has some nice features too such as a sliding center console and highway driving assist to take the pressure off on the road. A good all around option and certainly deserving of a spot on any list of best EVs for a road trip.

6. Tesla Model 3

Although we already have one Tesla on our list, the Model 3 can’t be omitted. This is the best-selling electric car in America and a Guinness World Record holder for the fastest charge time. The Tesla Model 3 has been getting plenty of attention and it’s about to get even more with the Long Range model coming out in 2023.

The upcoming model will have a whopping 358 miles of range on one charge. The Model 3 can rapid charge up to 175 miles in only 15 minutes. It can accommodate 5 passengers and has a surprising 23 cubic feet of cargo capacity.

If you’re serious about putting some miles under your wheels these electric vehicles will serve you well. Each of these cars has some strengths and nice features. The best EV for a road trip is the one that works for you.

Ready to hit the road for that unforgettable adventure? myAutoloan to help make it happen!