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

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 Chicago to Austin?

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

Chicago to Austin

Q: How many charging stops from Chicago to Austin?

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 Chicago to Austin?

The EV drive from Chicago to Austin 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

Chicago

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

Austin

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 Chicago to Austin?

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: Chicago to Austin

This 1273-mile journey means you'll need to plan for 7 charging stops. Apps like PlugShare or your vehicle's built-in trip planner can help locate the best DC fast chargers along the route and estimate wait times.

One of the biggest perks of this EV trip: fuel savings. You'll spend roughly $50 on electricity versus $148 at the pump, keeping $98 in your pocket. Charging at home overnight is even cheaper than using public fast chargers.