Driver One: Barrett Hunnicut, New Chevy EV Blazer 2025 Owner
700 miles Round Trip from Arkansas Down to Louisiana and Back
I took my Chevy Blazer EV on a 700-mile round trip from Monticello, Arkansas, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for the Louisiana Clean Fuels Summit, hosted by the Louisiana Clean Fuels Coalition. I wasn’t just going to a conference. I wanted to see for myself how practical long-distance EV travel really is. Spoiler: it was easier than I expected.
Planning the Route
One thing that made the trip surprisingly easy was the Blazer EV’s built-in Google Maps system. It automatically routed me to charging stations along the way, so I did not have to worry about finding a spot or running low on power. On the way down, my first stop was in Jackson, Mississippi, at an Electrify America station right next to a Walmart. It was the perfect chance to stretch my legs, grab a snack, and move around while the car charged.
Once I was back on the road, I felt confident that the next stop would be just as convenient. Sure enough, the second stop in Hammond, Louisiana, was another Electrify America station, this time right by a restaurant. I grabbed lunch while the car charged, and by the time I finished, I was ready to go again. The stops did not feel like interruptions. They felt like natural breaks in the drive, giving me a chance to recharge myself along with the car.
Charging Infrastructure and Range Confidence
I have to say, I did not experience any range anxiety on this trip. The Chevy Blazer EV has an estimated range of up to 283 miles on a full charge, which easily covers each leg of the drive. Knowing that fast-charging stations were available along the route made the drive feel relaxed and stress-free.
During my stay in Baton Rouge, I was also able to use Level 2 charging at the hotel. This meant my car was fully charged and ready to go the next morning with only one additional stop, which made the trip back even smoother.
And it is not just my experience. Across the country, alternative fuel infrastructure is growing quickly. As of January 2025, there were nearly 196,000 public charging ports in the U.S., up from around 30,000 in 2016 (Climate Central, 2025). That growth is making long-distance travel practical and convenient, whether you are driving electric, propane, compressed natural gas, or using another clean fuel.
Reflections on my Journey
By the time I rolled into Baton Rouge, I realized just how far alternative fuels have come. A 350-mile trip in an EV, something that might have felt intimidating just a few years ago, is now completely doable and even comfortable. The stops became moments to stretch, eat, and refresh myself as well as the vehicle.
The return trip was even easier. I only needed to stop once at the station in Jackson, Mississippi, before heading back to Monticello. Experiencing the round trip, 700 miles in total, really reinforced how manageable long-distance EV travel has become.
Trips like this really drive home a bigger point. Alternative fuels are no longer just a niche option. They are practical, reliable, and increasingly accessible for everyday travel.
If you have been curious about trying alternative fuels, now is a great time to explore your options. Whether you drive an electric vehicle, use compressed natural gas, propane, or another clean fuel, the opportunities are expanding. Attend a Ride and Drive event, plan a trip using alternative fuel stations, or connect with Arkansas Clean Cities to see how clean transportation is changing the way we travel across the state and beyond.
Driver Two: Sarah Sidani, New Volkswagen ID.4 2025 Leaser
1000 miles Round Trip from Austin to Hot Springs, AR and Back
Earlier this fall, I took a road trip from Austin, Texas to the scenic town of Hot Springs, Arkansas, a 1,000-mile round trip. all in my 2025 Volkswagen ID.4. I’ll admit, I had a few nerves setting out. This was my first long-distance journey in an electric vehicle. Would I spend more time charging than exploring? Would I end up stranded somewhere off the highway with zero percent battery?
Spoiler alert: the trip was not only smooth and stress-free, it was actually one of my favorite road trips ever.
Charging Stops: Seamless and Surprisingly Convenient
We planned our route to take advantage of Electrify America (EA) charging stations because one of the perks of owning a VW EV is free EA charging. I also chose to charge up to 100% at each stop, just to maximize range and keep things simple.
Our first stop was the Walmart in Royse City, Texas, where we paired our charging session with lunch. We plugged in at 30% and were back on the road with a full charge in just 30 minutes, about the time it took to eat and stretch.
Later, we stopped at the Walmart in Hope, Arkansas. This one felt like a full pit stop: we grabbed snacks, stocked up on firewood, used the bathrooms while the ID.4 topped up from 25% to 100% in about 40 minutes. We weren’t twiddling our thumbs waiting; it felt natural, like a more intentional version of a typical gas station break.
Charging at the Campground
Once we reached Hot Springs, we stayed at a campground that had an outlet for our Level 1 plug. It wasn’t fast charging by any means, but we were spending the night, so it didn’t matter. We were able to charge while we set up camp, make dinner over the fire and sleep in our camp. Best of all, the electricity was free with the site. No hassle. No line. Just plug in and enjoy nature.
What the EV Skeptic Had to Say
A friend of mine who’d never been in an electric vehicle came along. He was fully expecting long waits and frustrating delays. By the end of the trip, he was impressed. He said the charging stops were “a lot faster than I expected,” and honestly, didn’t feel much different from stopping for gas. Get out, grab a snack, use the bathroom — and the car is ready to go.
Hot Springs: Where EVs Rule the Road
One cool surprise? All the Ubers in Hot Springs National Park were EVs, almost all Ford Mach-Es. It felt like EVs were just… normal there. No one batted an eye, and the infrastructure made it easy to get around without burning a drop of gas.
Final Thoughts
I couldn’t have asked for a better first EV road trip. The charging experience was simple, the ID.4 performed beautifully, and the trip proved that electric vehicles aren’t just for city driving, they’re absolutely road trip ready.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. In fact, I’m already planning the next one.
ARKANSAS CLEAN CITIES 
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