How long does the EV trip take from Austin to Chicago?

Total trip time is approximately 23h 42m, including 21h 12min driving and ~150 minutes of charging.

How much does it cost to drive an EV from Austin to Chicago?

Electricity cost is approximately $50, compared to $148 for gas - saving you $98.

Austin to Chicago

Q: How many charging stops from Austin to Chicago?

You'll need approximately 5 charging stops for this 1273-mile EV trip, assuming a 250-mile range per charge.

Electric Vehicle Road Trip

1273

Miles

Stops

23h 42m

Total

$50

Cost

Open in Google Maps Return Trip View Gas Route

How Long Is the EV Drive from Austin to Chicago?

The EV drive from Austin to Chicago takes approximately 23h 42m (including charging stops), covering 1273 miles. Charging costs are estimated at $15 — saving ~$134 compared to gas ($149).

Plan for charging stops every 150-200 miles depending on your EV's range. Fast chargers (DC) typically add 150+ miles in 20-30 minutes.

Traffic Estimate

🟢 Light

20h 9m

🔵 Typical

23h 42m

🔴 Heavy

34h 22m

Includes estimated charging time. Heavy traffic adds drive time but not charging time.

EV Trip Details

Distance1273 miles

Drive Time21h 12min

Charging Stops5

Charging Time~150 min

Total Trip23h 42m

Cost Comparison

EV$50

Gas$148

Save$98

Recommended Charging Stops

Austin

Start with full charge

Charging Stop 1

~212 mi · Fast charge ~30 min

Charging Stop 2

~424 mi · Fast charge ~30 min

Charging Stop 3

~636 mi · Fast charge ~30 min

Charging Stop 4

~848 mi · Fast charge ~30 min

Charging Stop 5

~1060 mi · Fast charge ~30 min

Chicago

1273 mi · 23h 42m

EV vs Gas Cost

⚡ EV

$15

Charging cost

⛽ Gas

$149

At 30 MPG, $3.50/gal

💰 You save ~$134 by driving electric!

EV Trip FAQ

How many charging stops from Austin to Chicago?

You'll need approximately 5 charging stops for this 1273-mile EV trip, assuming a 250-mile range per charge. Plan for 5 charging stops along the route.

How long does the EV trip take?

Total trip time is approximately 23h 42m, including 21h 12min of driving and ~150 minutes of charging stops.

How much does it cost vs gas?

EV cost: $50 vs Gas: $148. You save $98 driving electric!

Where can I charge along the route?

Multiple charging options available along major highways. Use PlugShare or your vehicle's navigation to find stations. Tesla Superchargers and Electrify America are common on this route.

EV Charging Guide: Austin to Chicago

For this 1273-mile drive, EV owners should plan on 7 charging stops. Check charger availability ahead of time, especially on holiday weekends when popular stations can get busy. Having a backup charger location in mind is always a good idea.

Electric driving shines on this route with estimated energy costs of just $50, compared to $148 for a conventional vehicle. That $98 in savings per trip makes a real difference for frequent travelers.