We know that transitioning to clean modes of transportation, like electric vehicles, is a crucial step in improving our air quality. But many people are still wary of electric vehicles. The health and environmental benefits are clear; zero-emission vehicles cut down on tail-pipe emissions which pollute our air and contribute to many health issues including asthma flare-ups, heart attacks and strokes, lung cancer, adverse birth outcomes, heart and lung damage and even premature death. But factors like “range anxiety” and cost concerns cause some people to stick with their gas-powered vehicles. This is mostly due to a misunderstanding of the advancements that have been made, not only in the vehicles themselves, but also in the charging infrastructure, which has expanded dramatically and includes faster charge times. This summer, as gas prices continue to climb and people look to take that annual road trip, it may be time to give EVs a second look.
Defeating Range Anxiety: Charging Stations Galore
Though modern electric vehicles can travel between 200–400+ miles on a single charge, many people still worry about running out of battery before they can reach a charger. But the growing number of charging stations, especially along highways, should put doubters at ease. As of June 2026, more than 288,000 charging ports across 95,000 locations in the U.S. were available for use. Federal funding passed in 2021 established the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) initiative to ensure that charging stations are located about every 50 miles along major roads.
Additionally, many of these chargers are DC fast chargers, meaning they are specifically designed for highway travel and can charge an EV battery up to 80% in about 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the vehicle and the charger speed. As a bonus, charging stations are often found near restaurants, stores and rest areas, so that travelers have time to stretch, eat and relax. While 20 minutes might seem like a while, many individuals and family need that amount of time (or more) during a pit stop. American Lung Association staffer Diana Van Vleet, who started leasing an EV last year, said “On our road trip last summer with my two kids under three, our car had finished charging long before all of the bathroom/diaper changing trips were complete and we had all had something to eat.” Furthermore, these stops can be particularly important, especially during long drives. People who sit for long periods of time are at risk for health complications, like a pulmonary embolism. So, though charging a car may take a little longer than filling a gas tank, it encourages drivers to take regular breaks.
Saving Time and Money Traveling
Many people who already switched to EVs did so because it helps them save money, especially on long trips. An EV costs less per mile than a gas vehicle, often by 20-50%. As gas prices reach record highs, these savings become even more clear. And some charging stations are discounted or free, such as stations at home, campgrounds or hotels, making the gap even greater. Over a long road trip, those savings can really add up.
Another major benefit is that electric vehicles have fewer moving parts and do not need oil changes. This means less maintenance and fewer chances of something going wrong during a long trip. For road trips, EVs reliability is a big advantage. Travelers can feel more confident knowing their car is less likely to have mechanical issues and cost them time and money that would be needed to fix them.
Your Road Trip Copilot
The rise in the electric vehicle market has also led to more technology that helps with navigation and planning. Many EVs can show nearby charging stations, estimate how far the battery can go, and suggest the best routes. One app, Better Routeplanner (ABRP) calculates optimal charging stops based on your specific vehicle and driving conditions. Another, PlugShare, provides a crowdsourced map of charging stations that include reviews, photos and real-time availability. Most major charging networks, including Electrify America, ChargePoint, and EVgo, also have apps that allow easy payment and monitoring. And as more charging stations pop up, more apps offer features to make road trips less stressful and help you plan every stop. If you want to stick with a navigation app, Google Maps and Waze provide directions to EV charging stations as well.
Enhancing Your Experience and Giving You a Safe Ride
Electric vehicles are known for being a much quieter ride than their gas-powered counterpoints. Unlike gas cars, EVs don’t have loud engines or constant vibrations, making the ride more comfortable, especially on long drives. The quiet engine allows EVs to travel in places like national parks or other wildlife preserves without scaring away animals, enhance wildlife viewing. Inside the car, passengers can enjoy music, podcasts or conversations without background noise. “I never thought about how loud a gas engine was until I had an EV and I could hear music so much better. When I drive in a gas car now it seems so loud!” said Diana Van Vleet.
The combination of more charging stations, faster and safe technology, and smart planning tools has made EV road trips easier than ever. With charging stations located near restaurants and rest areas, charging can be worked easily into the normal travel experience. And switching to zero-emission vehicles can greatly improve air quality and protect people’s health, making EVs an important part of a cleaner future.
Learn more about the lung health benefits of electric vehicles today at lung.org/ev.
Blog last updated: June 15, 2026
