# Driving Route 66 Electric
Route 66 celebrates its centennial this year, and electric vehicle owners now have a viable path along America's most iconic highway. The 2,448-mile stretch from Chicago to Santa Monica has historically presented charging challenges for EV drivers, but infrastructure improvements make the journey feasible in 2024.
Charging networks have expanded dramatically along the Mother Road. Tesla's Supercharger network and third-party operators like Electrify America and EVgo have installed stations in small towns that once had no EV infrastructure. A driver traveling from Chicago through Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California now finds charging options within 150-200 mile intervals, manageable for most modern EVs with 200-300 mile range.
The experience differs from traditional Route 66 travel. Charging stops add time but create unexpected benefits. Rather than rushing between destinations, EV drivers pause for 20 to 40 minutes at a time, discovering local diners, vintage motels, and roadside attractions that gasoline travelers typically skip. Towns like Williams, Arizona and Seligman, Arizona have seen renewed interest from EV road trippers who fuel up and explore.
Practical considerations remain. Weather affects range in New Mexico and Arizona deserts. Winter driving in Missouri and Illinois demands careful route planning. Route 66 itself sometimes runs parallel to major highways where charging exists, requiring slight detours. Planning apps like PlugShare and A Better Route Planner help drivers navigate charging logistics.
Vehicle choice matters. Tesla owners benefit from the largest Supercharger network. Hyundai Ioniq 5, Ford F-150 Lightning, and Chevy Blazer EV owners find increasing compatibility with various networks. Budget travelers should research their specific vehicle's charging options before departure.
The cost calculation favors EV