So, you're thinking about taking the wheel of an Electric Vehicle (EV) this summer? Or maybe you're considering purchasing one? Either way, you’re definitely not alone. With numerous attractive rebate offers available, nearly 70% of Canadians planning to buy a new vehicle in the next five years are leaning toward EVs. And Alberta is stepping up its game!

What are you waiting for? Let’s gear up for an electrifying road trip with these practical tips. Fully charge your EV and prepare for an unforgettable adventure with this guide.

Charge Up Before You Go

Begin your journey with a fully charged EV battery. Ensure you’re topped up at home before hitting the road. Chargers can be installed indoors or outdoors based on your space requirements. Don’t stress, Albertans—these chargers work efficiently between -40°C and 50°C, perfectly handling our fluctuating temperatures.

Free to Roam

Alberta is making EV exploration smoother than ever. Map out your route and locate charging stations along the way using online resources. Thanks to Peaks to Prairies, a community-driven initiative, 20 fast-charging (Level 2) stations have been set up across Southern Alberta. Their goal? To ensure rural communities reap the economic and environmental advantages of EVs—including attracting road-tripping visitors like you.

Depending on the model, electric cars typically cover 300 to 500 kilometers on a single charge. That’s more than enough to get you from Calgary to Waterton Lakes National Park. EV road trips are now more accessible than ever in Alberta.

Pack a Cooler

Keep your stomach satisfied with this road-trip snack menu, featuring puffed wheat squares, peanut butter granola squares, and no-bake fruit and nut granola bars. Packing snacks ahead of time helps save money, encourages healthier choices, and gives you more time to pull over for scenic views rather than fast-food stops.

Remember the 2-hour rule when eating out of your home. Perishable or frozen items should be refrigerated within 2 hours of sitting at room temperature or outdoors. On hotter days (above 27°C), reduce that time to 1 hour and use your cooler. Discard any perishable food left at room temperature for longer than these times. Properly packing your cooler ensures your food stays fresh and safe throughout your journey.

Play Some Games

For road-trippers of all ages, games are always a great way to pass the time.

Classic options include I Spy, 20 Questions, or the License Plate Game. I Spy is ideal for admiring the agricultural landscapes and roadside landmarks across Alberta. Look out for the Giant Corn Stalk in Taber, the World’s Largest Wind Gauge in Lethbridge, the Big Blue Ring in Calgary, or the Starship Enterprise Replica in Vulcan—all located along the Peaks to Prairies network!

If you’re unfamiliar with 20 Questions, one player thinks of a person, place, or thing, and the others have exactly 20 chances to ask yes-or-no questions to guess the answer.

The license plate game is another fun twist on I Spy, where players search for every letter of the alphabet on other vehicles' plates. Bonus points can be awarded for repetitions, like three of the same letter or number on a plate.

Travel-sized games like Mad Libs can also be great for the car. If you have a smartphone or tablet, consider downloading group trivia apps from the app store.

Lastly, while car games are fun and engaging, make sure your driver remains focused on the road at all times.

Rock Out to Some Tunes

Frequent travelers know that radio signals aren't always reliable in rural Alberta. Satellite radio subscriptions can help keep you connected, or create a Spotify playlist featuring local Alberta musicians!

Many music streaming platforms let you share playlists, allowing everyone in the car to contribute. Shuffle through a collaborative playlist to ensure there's something for everyone.

Alternatively, stick to the classics and bring along a few CDs. Encourage passengers to bring compilations from their favorite albums or school days to test how many lyrics they still remember.

Savings That Are Worth the Trip

An independent consumer report from 2020 found that EV owners who charge mostly at home can save around $1,000 annually in fueling costs compared to gas-powered vehicles. Plus, you’re reducing your carbon footprint. By choosing an EV for your road trip, you'll save money to splurge on other vacation essentials. What town has the best ice cream shop? You’ll just have to find out!

No matter if you're shopping for an EV or already a proud owner, add a backyard electric road trip to your summer bucket list. Now’s the perfect time to charge up the car, load your cooler with snacks, and crank up the tunes. With plenty of charging stations across the province, the possibilities for adventure are endless.