Starting My All-Electric Route 66 RV Adventure

Jennifer Sensiba has embarked on an ambitious electric vehicle adventure, marking the second century of the iconic Route 66 with an all-electric RV journey. Departing with a Chevrolet Silverado EV towing a fully electric travel trailer equipped with its own solar microgrid and battery storage, she aims to demonstrate the viability of electric towing and sustainable travel. The trip symbolises a shift from the fossil-fuel dominance of Route 66’s first century to a cleaner, electric-powered future, showcasing how EV technology can support long-distance, off-grid exploration. The early stages of the trip were marked by unexpected challenges that tested the practicality of electric RV travel. Delays caused by a major traffic accident, family needs, and a malfunctioning charger disrupted the schedule, forcing a rethink of the original itinerary. Despite these setbacks, Sensiba managed to avoid unhooking the trailer for charging by employing creative solutions, such as using adjacent parking spaces at charging stations. These experiences highlight some of the logistical hurdles that still face electric RV travellers, particularly when towing trailers. Adjustments to the route included starting the journey at Amboy, California, rather than Santa Monica, due to time lost on the road. This change meant missing the full length of Route 66 but allowed the trip to begin at a location steeped in Americana, with the neon sign of Roy’s Motel & Cafe providing a nostalgic backdrop. The detour to Saddle Mountain offered a welcome respite, where Sensiba and her family engaged in nighttime desert activities such as hunting for fire agates, helping to alleviate the stress of earlier delays. A notable challenge arose at a Rivian charging station near Joshua Tree National Park, where the so-called “trailer-friendly” charging spot was not a pull-through bay as advertised. While entering the space was straightforward, leaving required reversing the trailer onto a busy highway, a manoeuvre that would be difficult without assistance. This incident underscores the ongoing need for EV infrastructure that better accommodates larger vehicles and trailers, an important consideration as electric RV travel grows in popularity. Despite the obstacles, Sensiba’s journey continues into the Mojave Desert, capturing the spirit of adventure that defines Route 66. The trip not only serves as a practical test of electric vehicle capabilities but also as a statement about the future of sustainable travel. As EV technology and supporting infrastructure evolve, journeys like this one will likely become more accessible, encouraging a new generation of explorers to embrace clean energy on America’s historic highways.