Electric Vehicle Road Trip
The EV drive from San Diego to Chicago takes approximately 42h 0m (including charging stops), covering 2251 miles. Charging costs are estimated at $15 — saving ~$248 compared to gas ($263).
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.
Includes estimated charging time. Heavy traffic adds drive time but not charging time.
Start with full charge
~225 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
~450 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
~675 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
~900 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
~1125 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
~1350 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
~1575 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
~1800 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
~2025 mi · Fast charge ~30 min
2251 mi · 42h 0m
💰 You save ~$248 by driving electric!
At 2251 miles, expect to make around 13 charging stops during this EV trip. Time your stops with meal breaks or rest stops to make the most of charging downtime. Most DC fast chargers will get you back on the road in under 30 minutes.
The cost advantage of going electric is clear on this route: about $90 for electricity versus $262 for gasoline, saving you $172 each way. If you charge at home before departing, your per-mile cost drops even further.