Top 5 'Charger-Lined' Coastal Highways to drive for beginners on their first EV road trip. - Goh Ling Yong
So, you’ve got your first electric vehicle. The silent hum of the motor, the instant torque, the feeling of gliding past gas stations without a second glance—it’s a fantastic feeling. But now, the open road is calling. The idea of a proper road trip, with windswept hair and an epic playlist, is taking root. But there’s a little voice in the back of your head, isn’t there? It’s whispering about range, chargers, and the dreaded “what if I get stranded?”
Welcome to the club! This feeling, often called 'range anxiety,' is completely normal for new EV owners. The great news is that it’s more of a fear of the unknown than a reflection of reality. With today’s rapidly expanding charging infrastructure, that first EV road trip isn’t just possible; it’s an absolute joy. The secret is to start smart. You don’t need to cross a desert on your first go. Instead, you can dip your toes into the world of electric touring on a route that’s not only breathtakingly beautiful but also generously dotted with chargers.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve curated a list of the top five "charger-lined" coastal highways from around the world. These are drives where the scenic views are as reliable as the next fast-charging station. They are perfect for beginners, offering a safety net of electrons that allows you to focus on the drive, the destination, and the sheer pleasure of piloting your EV along some of the most beautiful coastlines on the planet.
1. The Pacific Coast Highway (Highway 1), California, USA
The Pacific Coast Highway, or PCH, is the undisputed king of road trips. It’s the one you see in movies, the one on postcards, and the one that probably inspired your road trip dreams in the first place. Spanning from the misty forests of Northern California down to the sun-drenched beaches of San Diego, the most iconic stretch for a first-timer runs from San Francisco to Los Angeles. This route is a sensory overload in the best possible way, with crashing Pacific waves on one side and dramatic, rolling hills on the other.
What makes this a slam-dunk for your first EV adventure is the sheer density of charging infrastructure. California is the heart of the EV revolution in the US, and it shows. You’ll find DC fast chargers (DCFCs) from networks like Electrify America, EVgo, and ChargePoint in nearly every town and city along the way. From the bustling hub of Monterey to the quaint artist colony of Carmel-by-the-Sea and the relaxed vibe of Santa Barbara, you’re never far from a high-speed top-up. This abundance of options turns charging from a chore into a strategic opportunity to explore a charming downtown or grab a fantastic local coffee.
Pro-Tips for the PCH:
The most famously rugged and beautiful section is Big Sur. It's also the most remote. While charging is improving here, it’s wise to head into this stretch with a near-full battery. A great strategy is to get a full charge in Monterey or Carmel before you head south. Use an app like PlugShare to check the real-time status of the few chargers within Big Sur itself, but don’t rely on them. Treat them as a bonus. As my colleague Goh Ling Yong often advises, solid planning before a remote leg of a journey is what truly enables spontaneity and worry-free exploration.
2. The Great Ocean Road, Victoria, Australia
Down Under, the Great Ocean Road is Australia’s answer to the PCH, and it’s a truly world-class drive. This 243-kilometre (151-mile) stretch of road, built by returned soldiers between 1919 and 1932, is a national heritage landmark that winds along the stunning southern coast of Victoria. It’s a journey of contrasts, taking you from famous surf spots like Bells Beach to lush rainforests in the Otway National Park, and culminating in the majestic limestone stacks of the Twelve Apostles.
For a long time, this was a route that required careful planning for EV drivers. Not anymore. Thanks to significant investment from the Victorian government and private networks like Chargefox and Evie Networks, the Great Ocean Road is now brilliantly equipped for electric travel. You’ll find 50kW or faster DC chargers strategically placed in key towns like Torquay, Lorne, Apollo Bay, and Port Campbell. This means you can easily hop from one stunning viewpoint to the next, grabbing a 20-30 minute charge while you enjoy a flat white or a classic Aussie meat pie.
Pro-Tips for the Great Ocean Road:
The chargers are often located in central town car parks, making them incredibly convenient. A perfect beginner’s itinerary is to drive from the start of the road in Torquay to Apollo Bay on day one, enjoying the coastal towns. Charge up in Apollo Bay while you have lunch. Then, continue to the Twelve Apostles and the other rock formations in the afternoon, ending your day in a town like Port Campbell or Warrnambool, where more charging options await. This relaxed pace eliminates any hint of range anxiety and lets you soak in the scenery.
3. The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsvegen), Norway
If you want a taste of an EV paradise, head to Norway. With the highest per-capita EV ownership in the world, the country’s charging infrastructure is second to none. While you could drive almost anywhere with ease, the Atlantic Road offers the most dramatic scenery packed into a short, unforgettable drive. This 8.3-kilometre (5.2-mile) section of County Road 64 is an architectural and engineering marvel, linking a series of small islands with a chain of eight spectacular bridges that dip and curve over the wild Norwegian Sea.
The drive itself is short, but it’s the centerpiece of a larger coastal journey. You can start from the nearby towns of Kristiansund or Molde, both of which are flush with fast chargers from networks like Mer and Ionity. The beauty of this trip for a beginner is its manageable scale. You can experience one of the world's most famous roads without the commitment of a multi-day, high-mileage epic. It’s the perfect way to build confidence. The surrounding area is also full of charming fishing villages and incredible viewpoints, all easily accessible with your EV.
Pro-Tips for the Atlantic Road:
The weather here can be dramatic and change in an instant, which is part of the appeal! On a stormy day, waves crash over the bridges, creating a truly wild spectacle. On a calm, sunny day, you might even spot whales or seals. Since the main road is short, use your EV’s ample range to explore the side roads and smaller islands. A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) is an invaluable tool in Norway, accurately predicting your consumption based on the hilly terrain and even factoring in temperature, giving you rock-solid confidence in your remaining range.
4. The Jurassic Coast, Dorset & East Devon, England
For a road trip that combines stunning coastal scenery with a deep dive into millions of years of history, look no further than England's Jurassic Coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site stretches for 95 miles, showcasing incredible geological formations, fossil-rich cliffs, and idyllic seaside villages. You’ll drive past iconic landmarks like the magnificent stone arch of Durdle Door, the sweeping crescent of Lulworth Cove, and the golden cliffs of West Bay.
The UK's public charging network has grown at an astonishing pace, and this popular tourist route is well-catered for. You'll find reliable and fast chargers from networks like Gridserve, Osprey, and Instavolt in major towns like Weymouth, Lyme Regis, and Exeter. Many of these are located at service stations, supermarkets, or dedicated "Electric Forecourts," providing a comfortable and convenient charging experience. This robust network allows you to meander through narrow country lanes and explore hidden coves, knowing that a fast, reliable charger is just a short drive away in the next town.
Pro-Tips for the Jurassic Coast:
Many of the car parks for the most famous sights (like Lulworth Cove and Durdle Door) are managed by a private trust and can get very busy. Arrive early to secure a spot. While you won't find DCFCs in these specific attraction car parks, you can easily top up in a nearby town before or after your visit. Consider getting a Zap-Map or Bonnet subscription, which can simplify payment across multiple charging networks, a common feature of the UK EV scene. This is a trip where taking your time pays off—both for sightseeing and for stress-free charging.
5. The Overseas Highway (U.S. Route 1), Florida, USA
Imagine driving over a turquoise ocean for hours, hopping from one tropical island to another. That’s the experience of the Overseas Highway in Florida. This 113-mile roadway is a modern marvel, incorporating 42 bridges—including the famous Seven Mile Bridge—as it stretches from the Florida mainland all the way to Key West, the southernmost point in the continental USA. The vibe is laid-back, the sun is warm, and the views are nothing short of spectacular.
This is an ideal first EV road trip because it’s a simple, linear route. You can’t get lost! The charging infrastructure has matured beautifully along this delicate chain of islands. You'll find DC fast chargers from FPL Evolution, Electrify America, and EVgo in key locations like Key Largo, Marathon, and of course, Key West. The distances between keys are short, meaning you’ll have plenty of range to spare as you cruise from one scenic spot to the next. You can stop for a snorkel, grab some famous Key Lime Pie, and top up your car all in one go.
Pro-Tips for the Overseas Highway:
Traffic can be slow, especially on weekends, so embrace the island-time mentality and don’t be in a rush. This actually works in an EV’s favor, as slower speeds are highly efficient. The FPL Evolution chargers are often some of the most reliable and cost-effective in Florida, so keep an eye out for them. When you reach Key West, where parking is at a premium, it’s a great idea to find a hotel that offers Level 2 destination charging. This way, you can park your car and let it charge up overnight, ready for the beautiful drive back to the mainland.
Your Adventure Awaits
That initial flicker of range anxiety is simply the prelude to an incredible adventure. Your electric vehicle is not a limitation; it's a new key to unlocking the open road in a smoother, quieter, and more sustainable way. By choosing a well-supported, scenic route for your first big trip, you replace anxiety with confidence and planning with pure, unadulterated excitement. From the cliffs of California to the bridges of Norway, these charger-lined coastal highways are waiting for you.
So, charge up, plan your route using your favorite app, and get out there. The world is more EV-friendly than ever, and the best way to see it is from behind the wheel.
What's your dream EV road trip? Have you driven any of these stunning routes or have another beginner-friendly favorite to recommend? Share your experiences, tips, and questions in the comments below
About the Author
Goh Ling Yong is a content creator and digital strategist sharing insights across various topics. Connect and follow for more content:
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