Ask anyone involved in the travel industry right now, and they’ll tell you that Electric Vehicles, or EVs, are the future of travel. With many states shifting their focus to the production of EVs and federal infrastructure measures allocating funds to building EV charging stations, it’s important to think about the new possibilities of traveling with an EV. And since EVs tend to not only be better for the environment but are also much easier on the upkeep (goodbye oil changes), there’s never been a better time to start thinking about purchasing an EV or traveling with yours if you already own one! There are multiple charging stations available up and down the Outer Banks and several of our Seaside Vacations properties even offer EV charging stations at the home, so it’s never been easier to bring your EV to the beach!
You won’t have to worry about not having access to a charger, as more and more places are installing EV charging stations for easy access, but there are a few things to keep in mind when considering taking your EV on the road. Keep reading for our tips on taking a road trip with your EV as well as a list of places that offer EV charging stations on the Outer Banks!
Tips for Taking a Road Trip with an EV
Same as when you’re planning for any type of trip, planning for a road trip with an electric vehicle requires taking some specific things into consideration. Traveling with your EV can be a great way to limit your carbon footprint while saving on gas and enjoying a fun driving experience. Here are some tips for making your next trip to the Outer Banks in your EV easier.
Map Out Charging Stations
Just like you would plan pit stops during any other type of road trip, it’s helpful to plan ahead and map out charging points along your planned route. Check out the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s “Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations” for a complete map of charging stations throughout the U.S. Plan your route, make note of where the stations are, and get ready for an easy, breezy, fossil fuel-free adventure. But don’t forget to make a Plan B for charging, just in case there are any closures, road work, or broken/down chargers during your trip. And speaking of making a backup plan…
Have a Backup Plan for Weather and Delays
This is one of those things that you’re probably already doing with your gasoline-fueled vehicle, but it’s worth mentioning here. It’s important not to fully rely on the mileage estimate on your dashboard. Rain, accidents, and other unexpected delays can affect the efficiency of your EV’s battery, so don’t take the mileage estimate as absolute. Have a charging backup plan if you know you’re going to be a long way between charging stations or if you’re planning to drive through inclement weather. You wouldn’t get on a highway with a quarter tank of gas, so you can’t really expect your EV to go any farther with half a charge. Plan ahead and always know where the closest charging station is.
Download the Apps
If you’ve read any of our other blog posts, you’ll know that here at Seaside Vacations, we love a useful app. Planning your EV roadtrip is no different! When looking at apps, you’ll want to make sure you know exactly what type of EV you have and what type of charging station is best for your car. Plugshare is one of the more popular apps for EV drivers since it features more than 600,000 charging stations and includes multiple networks and brands. You can also filter by plug type, share updates, plan your next trip, and bookmark charging stations that you’ll be visiting regularly, making this a must-have for any EV owner. Other options include Chargepoint, which provides information about specific network chargers, and Electrify America, which provides information about Level 3 DC fast chargers.
Take Advantage of Summer Travel
The warm summer months are one of the busier seasons on the Outer Banks and the time that most people come spend their vacation on the coast. And if you’re planning to drive cross-country with your EV, you can use that warm weather to your advantage. Just like a phone or any other electronics, EV batteries tend to lose power a little more quickly in the colder weather. It’s not impossible or even impractical to drive an EV in the winter, but you’ll get more mileage when traveling during the summer.
Try Renting an EV First
If you don’t already own an EV and you’re thinking about purchasing one, consider renting one for your next vacation. Most of the major companies like Hertz, Turo, and Enterprise offer EV options, so you can take an EV for a test-run before you commit. This can also be a great way to save on gas expenses and get a feel for planning around charging stations instead of gas stations!
EV Charging Stations on the OBX
When you come to the Outer Banks, you'll find that there are plenty of places to charge your EV! Here's a list of all the places on the Outer Banks that offer charging stations so that you can spend more time enjoying your vacation and less time worrying about how you're going to get around.
Corolla
Twiddy Sales Office
1142 Ocean Trail
Duck
The Waterfront Shops
1240 Duck Road
Southern Shores
Town Hall
5377 N. Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills
Brewing Station
600 S. Croatan Highway
Harris Teeter
2012 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head
Outlet Mall
7100 S. Croatan Highway
Manteo
The Roanoke Island Inn
305 Fernando Street
Hatteras Island
Kitty Hawk Kites (Rodanthe)
24502 NC Hwy 12
Avon Pier (Avon)
41001 NC Hwy 12
Inn on Pamlico Sound (Buxton)
49684 NC Hwy 12
Rentals with Charging Stations
Check out our Outer Banks vacation rentals that offer EV charging stations!
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About the Author: Lauren is a mom, author, and travel enthusiast. She grew up on the Outer Banks and only left for a few years to get her degree at UNC-Chapel Hill and complete a tour in the Coast Guard before making her way back to the beach in 2017. When she isn’t writing for the Seaside Vacations Travel Blog, Lauren can usually be found with a book and cup of tea in hand, planning her next travel adventure.
