# Route 66 Goes Electric
Electric vehicles now make the historic Route 66 traversable for EV drivers celebrating the road's centennial. The iconic 2,400-mile highway stretching from Chicago to Santa Monica remains drivable for modern travelers, though charging infrastructure presents real challenges across stretches of rural America.
EV owners report mixed experiences on the Mother Road. Urban segments offer adequate charging stations, but long stretches through the Southwest test both battery range and patience. Kansas, Oklahoma, and parts of Arizona still lack reliable charging networks. Drivers report planning routes around ChargePoint and Tesla Supercharger locations rather than spontaneously exploring small towns along the way.
The journey requires practical adjustments. Most EVs handle 200-300 miles per charge, necessitating strategic stops in larger towns. Trip duration extends significantly compared to gas-powered vehicles. Drivers spend 30-45 minutes charging versus five-minute fill-ups at traditional gas stations.
The appeal persists despite logistics. EV drivers praise lower operating costs and zero-emission travel through pristine desert landscapes. Some hotels along Route 66 now install Level 2 chargers, recognizing opportunity in the growing EV tourism segment.
Route 66's centennial celebrates both nostalgia and innovation. Electric travel transforms the classic American road trip into a slower, more deliberate experience. For committed EV owners, the road remains fully navigable, just differently than grandpa's Cadillac once managed it.