Ask anyone involved in the travel industry right now, and they’ll tell you that Electric Vehicles, or EVs, are the future of travel. With many states shifting their focus to the production of EVs and federal infrastructure measures allocating funds to building EV charging stations, it’s important to think about the new possibilities of traveling with an EV. And since EVs tend to not only be better for the environment but are also much easier on the upkeep (goodbye oil changes), there’s never been a better time to start thinking about purchasing an EV or traveling with yours if you already own one! There are multiple charging stations available up and down the Outer Banks and several of our Seaside Vacations properties even offer EV charging stations at the home, so it’s never been easier to bring your EV to the beach!
You won’t have to worry about not having access to a charger, as more and more places are installing EV charging stations for easy access, but there are a few things to keep in mind when considering taking your EV on the road. Keep reading for our tips on taking a road trip with your EV as well as a list of places that offer EV charging stations on the Outer Banks!
Tips for Taking a Road Trip with an EV
Same as when you’re planning for any type of trip, planning for a road trip with an electric vehicle requires taking some specific things into consideration. Traveling with your EV can be a great way to limit your carbon footprint while saving on gas and enjoying a fun driving experience. Here are some tips for making your next trip to the Outer Banks in your EV easier.
Map Out Charging Stations
Just like you would plan pit stops during any other type of road trip, it’s helpful to plan ahead and map out charging points along your planned route. Check out the Alternative Fuels Data Center’s “Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations” for a complete map of charging stations throughout the U.S. Plan your route, make note of where the stations are, and get ready for an easy, breezy, fossil fuel-free adventure. But don’t forget to make a Plan B for charging, just in case there are any closures, road work, or broken/down chargers during your trip. And speaking of making a backup plan…
Have a Backup Plan for Weather and Delays
This is one of those things that you’re probably already doing with your gasoline-fueled vehicle, but it’s worth mentioning here. It’s important not to fully rely on the mileage estimate on your dashboard. Rain, accidents, and other unexpected delays can affect the efficiency of your EV’s battery, so don’t take the mileage estimate as absolute. Have a charging backup plan if you know you’re going to be a long way between charging stations or if you’re planning to drive through inclement weather. You wouldn’t get on a highway with a quarter tank of gas, so you can’t really expect your EV to go any farther with half a charge. Plan ahead and always know where the closest charging station is.
Download the Apps
If you’ve read any of our other blog posts, you’ll know that here at Seaside Vacations, we love a useful app. Planning your EV roadtrip is no different! When looking at apps, you’ll want to make sure you know exactly what type of EV you have and what type of charging station is best for your car. Plugshare is one of the more popular apps for EV drivers since it features more than 600,000 charging stations and includes multiple networks and brands. You can also filter by plug type, share updates, plan your next trip, and bookmark charging stations that you’ll be visiting regularly, making this a must-have for any EV owner. Other options include Chargepoint, which provides information about specific network chargers, and Electrify America, which provides information about Level 3 DC fast chargers.
Take Advantage of Summer Travel
The warm summer months are one of the busier seasons on the Outer Banks and the time that most people come spend their vacation on the coast. And if you’re planning to drive cross-country with your EV, you can use that warm weather to your advantage. Just like a phone or any other electronics, EV batteries tend to lose power a little more quickly in the colder weather. It’s not impossible or even impractical to drive an EV in the winter, but you’ll get more mileage when traveling during the summer.
Try Renting an EV First
If you don’t already own an EV and you’re thinking about purchasing one, consider renting one for your next vacation. Most of the major companies like Hertz, Turo, and Enterprise offer EV options, so you can take an EV for a test-run before you commit. This can also be a great way to save on gas expenses and get a feel for planning around charging stations instead of gas stations!
EV Charging Station Locations on the Outer Banks
Even if your OBX beach rental with EV charging includes a private charger, knowing where to find public EV charging stations can be helpful—especially for longer drives along the coast. The Outer Banks offers a variety of charging locations, from Tesla Superchargers to universal charging stations, ensuring that EV travelers have easy access to power whenever needed.
Top Public EV Charging Stations on the Outer Banks
Corolla
Twiddy Sales Office
1142 Ocean Trail
Duck
The Waterfront Shops
1240 Duck Road
Southern Shores
Town Hall
5377 N. Virginia Dare Trail
Kill Devil Hills
Brewing Station
600 S. Croatan Highway
Harris Teeter
2012 S. Croatan Highway
Nags Head
Outlet Mall
7100 S. Croatan Highway
Manteo
The Roanoke Island Inn
305 Fernando Street
Hatteras Island
Kitty Hawk Kites (Rodanthe)
24502 NC Hwy 12
Avon Pier (Avon)
41001 NC Hwy 12
Inn on Pamlico Sound (Buxton)
49684 NC Hwy 12
Hotels With EV Charging vs. Vacation Rentals
Some hotels with EV charging offer shared charging stations, which may require waiting or limited availability. In contrast, Outer Banks rentals with EV charging provide private access to a dedicated charger, allowing you to charge overnight and start each day with a full battery.
For the most convenient and uninterrupted charging experience, book an OBX beach rental with EV charging today!
Rentals with Charging Stations
Check out our Outer Banks rentals with EV charging for a stress-free and eco-friendly vacation!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Outer Banks Rentals with EV Charging
How much does it cost to fully charge an EV at a charging station?
Charging costs change depending on the level, location, and network. On the Outer Banks, you can expect to pay anywhere from $10 to $30 for a full charge. Level 2 Chargers generally cost $1-$5 an hour. Use apps like PlugShare to find EV charging stations near me and compare pricing.
Who pays for free EV charging stations?
Some businesses offer free EV charging stations for customers, while others charge a fee. Many Outer Banks rentals with EV charging include private charging at no additional cost.
What is the 80% rule for EV charging?
The 20-80 rule suggests keeping your battery charge between 20% and 80% to prevent degradation. Public EV charging stations are ideal for maintaining optimal charge levels.
How long does it take to charge an electric car at a public charging station?
Charging time depends on the charger type:
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Slow/AC Chargers: Common at hotels with EV charging, parking lots, and resorts—takes a few hours.
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Fast/DC Chargers: Found at service stations—adds up to 100 miles in 8 minutes.
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Weather Impact: Charging slows in cold temperatures, while hot weather affects battery efficiency.
Are there Tesla Superchargers and other EV charging stations near me in the Outer Banks?
Yes! Major EV charging station locations include:
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Harris Teeter, Kill Devil Hills – Tesla Supercharger (8 stations, 120.0 kW)
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Duck Sanderling Tesla Destination Charger – (4 stations, 10.0 kW)
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Barrier Island Station, Duck NC – J1772 Stations (6.2 kW)
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Outer Banks Brewing Station – ChargePoint Stations (3 stations, 6.0 kW)
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Nags Head Outlet Mall – Public charging is available
Use Google Maps or PlugShare to find EV charging stations near me while traveling through the Outer Banks.
Do all Outer Banks vacation rentals have EV charging stations?
Not all vacation rentals offer EV chargers, but you can check out our homes with EV charging stations here for a stress-free Outer Banks vacation rental experience.
Book Your Next Outer Banks Vacation Now!
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next unforgettable adventure to the Outer Banks. There so much to do and see. With amazing food and drinks, exciting excursions, and plenty of sand for everyone to relax, there's something for everyone here on the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
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