A New Kind of Southern Road Trip
There’s something timeless about a Southern road trip. Rolling down the windows, catching the scent of barbecue in the air, stopping off at quirky roadside attractions—it’s a tradition that runs deep through Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, and beyond. But in the last few years, I’ve noticed something different out there on the road. Fewer gas stations, more charging stations. Less engine rumble, more quiet hums of electric vehicles. The Southern road trip isn’t disappearing—it’s evolving.
As someone deeply involved in renewable energy and sustainability, I find it exciting to see electric vehicles (EVs) becoming part of everyday life down here. The shift from fuel to electric is changing not just how we drive, but how we travel, plan, and connect with our region. The EV road trip is here—and it’s already reshaping Southern travel in ways we didn’t expect.
Planning Around the Plug
Let’s be honest: the biggest hurdle to taking an EV on a long road trip used to be range anxiety. That fear of getting stuck between towns without a place to charge was real, especially in rural parts of the South. But things are changing fast. Charging networks are expanding rapidly across Louisiana and neighboring states. Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America stations, and regional co-op initiatives are filling in the gaps between cities and interstates.
Now, planning an EV road trip means being a little more strategic—but that’s not a bad thing. Drivers are becoming more intentional. They’re choosing routes based on charging access, but also discovering small towns and hidden gems along the way. In some ways, EV travel is bringing the romance back to the road trip. You’re not just zipping through—you’re stopping, exploring, supporting local businesses while you charge up.
Charging Stops as Destinations
One of the more interesting effects of the EV boom in the South is how it’s creating mini-hubs of activity. In places like Lafayette, LA or Oxford, MS, businesses are popping up near charging stations—coffee shops, local markets, even museums—because they know travelers will spend 30 to 45 minutes there. It’s a chance to stretch your legs and soak in some local culture while your vehicle recharges.
I’ve had some of my favorite travel experiences during those pit stops. I’ve found roadside diners with the best catfish I’ve ever had. I’ve wandered through art galleries I wouldn’t have known existed. In a world that’s often too fast, EV travel forces you to slow down a bit—and that’s something Southerners can appreciate.
Local Infrastructure and Community Buy-In
As an advocate for renewable energy in Baton Rouge, I’ve been working with local partners to encourage more investment in EV infrastructure, especially in places off the main highway routes. We’re seeing state and federal incentives help rural towns get on the charging map. When communities realize that EV tourism can bring in new dollars and foot traffic, they start to get excited.
It’s not just about Teslas and high-end cars anymore. EVs are becoming more affordable, and as trucks like the Ford F-150 Lightning roll out, they’re starting to match the needs of Southern drivers. That’s opening up EV travel to hunters, contractors, families, and more—not just city commuters.
Sustainability on the Road
Beyond convenience and culture, there’s a deeper motivation driving this shift: sustainability. The South has seen its fair share of climate-related challenges—floods, hurricanes, extreme heat. Transitioning to electric vehicles is one way to reduce emissions and start protecting what we love about our land.
When I take an EV trip, I know I’m leaving a lighter footprint. That’s a powerful feeling, especially when you’re driving through our state’s most beautiful landscapes—Atchafalaya Basin, the Natchez Trace, the Gulf Coast. It feels good to enjoy these places without polluting them.
Challenges Still Ahead
Of course, there are still challenges. Not all areas are well-covered with chargers yet. Some local power grids need upgrades to support multiple fast chargers. And we need to keep working to make EV ownership accessible to more people, not just the early adopters.
But I’m optimistic. The progress I’ve seen in just the last three years has been incredible. With the right mix of private investment and public policy, we can make sure the benefits of EV travel reach everyone—from city centers to the most rural parishes.
A Personal Shift
I took my first EV road trip a few years ago, from Baton Rouge to Nashville. I was nervous at first—checking apps constantly to track charger locations. But by the end of the trip, I was hooked. It was quiet, smooth, and surprisingly fun. I found new places to explore, and I came back with a sense that the future of travel didn’t have to be at odds with tradition.
Now, I take my EV almost everywhere. Whether it’s to visit family in Lake Charles or attend a clean energy summit in New Orleans, I’m seeing the South in a new light—literally and figuratively. And I’m not the only one.
Final Thoughts
Southern travel is changing—but it’s not losing its soul. In fact, the rise of EV road trips is helping us reconnect with the land, communities, and stories that make this region special. We’re charging forward, but in a way that respects where we’ve been.
As Louisiana and the broader South embrace the EV revolution, we have a chance to lead—not just in miles driven, but in how we reimagine travel itself. From touring to charging, the road ahead is electric—and it’s looking bright.