Route 66 in an EV - New ways to do the old.

Focusing on the 255km stretch of Route 66 that runs through Arizona, this iconic segment of Route 66 is renowned worldwide for its charming small towns, quirky attractions, and its ability to evoke the nostalgia of the highway's golden days. 

However, what's new and modern is the recent addition of charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) at various stops along the route. These stations are changing the way travellers can experience the allure of Route 66 while embracing the future of transportation. 

Read on to discover how easy it is to plan an EV-powered adventure on Arizona's Historic Route 66, east to west.  There are lots of links for you to do a deep dive on anything of special interest to you.  As always, we hope this helps make planning your trip easier and don't hesitate to talk to our expert reservations people about vehicle information DriveNow.com.au .

Holbrook: Explore the Petrified Forest National Park, home to the world's largest concentration of petrified wood and experience the natural beauty of the colourful hills of the Painted Desert, near Holbrook. Then,  For a unique stay, book a wigwam (a type of teepee) at the Wigwam Motel, a beloved choice for travelers since the '50s.

Charge your EV at Holbrook's Supercharger or Blink charging stations. 

Petrified Forest National Park - image courtesy of  Arizona State Office of Tourism 

Winslow: Queue up the Eagles' "Take it Easy" on Spotify for your arrival in Winslow and discover the scene depicted in the song when you're 'Standing on a Corner Park in Winslow Arizona', just a short walk from the Winslow Visitor Center & Hubble Trading Post.  Explore the town's history by crossing the street to find American Indian, Santa Fe Railway, and Route 66 artifacts at the Old Trails Museum. Stay at the historic La Posada Hotel, designed by renowned architect Mary Colter, and enjoy exquisite dining at the Turquoise Room, along with two charging stations.

Such a fine sight to see - Standing on a corner in Winslow Arizona - Image courtesy of Arizona Office of  Tourism and words the Eagles

Flagstaff: While in Flagstaff, take a leisurely stroll around the city, sampling its restaurants, breweries, and shops.  Experience the starry skies that earned Flagstaff the First International Dark Sky City designation at the Lowell Observatory, where Pluto was discovered. Stay at the DoubleTree Hilton Hotel on Route 66 or the nearby Courtyard by Marriott Hotel, both offering multiple charging stations. Afterward, explore hiking trails in the Coconino National Forest and visit Sunset Crater and 'Wupatki National Monument'. - feature image - courtesy of AOT.

Charge your EV at the historic visitors center located in the heart of downtown.

Arizona Dark Skies - Image courtesy Arizona Office of Tourism

Williams: Williams, known as a "train town," offers approximately 20 charging stations to support EV road-trippers. For utmost convenience, stay at the Grand Canyon Railway Hotel, with two EV chargers next to its iconic Grand Canyon Railway train depot. This charming hotel allows guests to take a daily train to and from the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. A short walk to downtown Williams and Route 66 offers an opportunity to explore numerous Route 66 memorabilia stores and vintage restaurants. Before heading to Bearizona, a drive-through wildlife park, recharge your EV at Williams' Electrify America charging station.

Grand Canyon Railway departs from Williams - Image courtesy of Arizona Office of Tourism

Seligman: Seligman is where the salvation of Arizona's Route 66 began, thanks to local barber Angel Delgadillo, known as the "Guardian Angel of Route 66." Visit the Historic General Store to find the perfect Route 66 souvenirs before enjoying a milkshake and fun at Delgadillo's Snow Cap drive-in. Accommodations are available at Seligman/Route 66 KOA, offering cozy cabins or tent spaces and an EV charging station. Call ahead to inquire about a Tesla adapter.

Peach Springs to Hackberry : Before embarking on this segment, ensure your EV is fully charged to explore the captivating attractions along the way. The Peach Springs to Hackberry stretch of Route 66 offers picturesque spots for road trip photos, Travellers will recognize Peach Springs as the inspiration for 'Radiator Springs' in the Pixar film "Cars." including the retro Hackberry General Store with its vintage gas pumps and cars. For this region stay at the Hualapai Lodge to explore the West Rim of the Grand Canyon. 

Hackberry General Store - Image courtesy of Arizona Office of Tourism

Kingman: Kingman is a great place to finish your Arizona/ Route 66 journey, offering an array of thrills for travellers, including a Route 66 shield large enough for your EV to pass through - Instagram photo!  You don't have to be a motor history enthusiasts to appreciate the Route 66 Electric Vehicle (EV) Museum, the world's first electric vehicle museum, conveniently located within the Kingman Visitor Center. Here, EV drivers can admire 28 vintage EVs while recharging at the museum's charger or the adjacent Supercharger. The visitor center also features an intriguing artificial intelligence (AI)-driven exhibit highlighting Angel Delgadillo, a dedicated Route 66 preservationist. Afterward, savor a classic American meal at Mr. D's Diner '50s-style eatery.  

The Arizona Office of Tourism champions sustainable tourism practices across the state's stunning landscapes and unique destinations through its Appreciate AZ program. Serving as Arizona's statewide initiative for responsible tourism, Appreciate AZ educates residents and visitors alike on their role in preserving the state's beauty for future generations as they recreate responsibly.

As you wander Arizona don't forget to pay your respects to the traditional custodians of the land on which you travel, their Elders, past present and emerging.  Travel respectfully leaving only footsteps and taking only photo's. 

Other Blog articles that you might be interested in: 

https://www.drivenow.com.au/blog/dark-skies-arizona-road-trip/

https://www.drivenow.com.au/blog/how-to-do-an-arizona-canyons-road-trip/

The Arizona Office of Tourism champions sustainable tourism practices across the state's stunning landscapes and unique destinations through its Appreciate AZ program. Serving as Arizona's statewide initiative for responsible tourism, Appreciate AZ educates residents and visitors alike on their role in preserving the state's beauty for future generations as they recreate responsibly.

Shelley Richardson

Shelley has been working in the travel industry for over 30 years, in aviation, for tour operators and since 2016 for DriveNow. Having travelled extensively worldwide, alone, as a couple and with her family, Shelley has experience to share about how to make the most of your holiday, especially road-trips to amazing destinations.

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