Key Takeaways from U.S. Road Trips 2024, Latest Trends & Outlook for EV Travel

Car on a road trip
by Andy Gonzalez
Marketing Coordinator

This year, we partnered with Longwoods International once again to present our webinar, “U.S. Road Trips 2024, Latest Trends & Outlook for Electric Vehicle Travel”. The session provided fresh data and compelling insights into the latest trends in U.S. road trips, highlighting the drive market’s interests and planning behaviors and also shared the most recent developments in electric vehicle (EV) travel. 

Road Trip Appetite Remains Strong

Road trips remain a popular choice for travelers across the country. In 2023, U.S. travelers took over 137 million road trips, contributing more than $50 billion in direct spending. 

The average road tripper uses a range of resources during the crucial trip-planning stage, including destination websites, social media and online travel agencies, and 74% of surveyed travelers used a smartphone to plan their road trips. Common planning topics include refueling and recharging infrastructure, destinations to visit and states to cross. Travelers taking longer road trips (five nights or more) are more likely to seek planning information from certain sources, like DMO websites, social media and government tourism offices.

A graphic of trip planning information.

Road trippers often make use of a wide range of information available both online and offline. DMOs that identify the resources these travelers use to plan their adventures can effectively update and promote their destinations by providing timely information, simplifying the complexities of road trips. 

Meet the EV Traveler: Affluent, Educated and Young

The rise of electric vehicles (EVs) is changing the face of road trips, requiring new infrastructure and marketing strategies. EV travelers are a specific subsegment of road trippers with their own priorities.

So, what are the characteristics of EV travelers and how can DMOs assist those who choose to travel electrically? Generally speaking, EV travelers tend to be more affluent - 46% have an average household income of $100k, compared to 19% of gas vehicle travelers. They’re also well educated - 73% are college graduates - and skew younger, with 77% falling between 18-44 years old. In terms of destinations, they gravitate towards outdoor, cultural and sporting activities. 

A photo of Longwoods EV traveler statistics.

For DMOs, the growing popularity of EV road trips presents an opportunity to target this affluent, educated and young demographic. By positioning their destination as both adventure-rich and environmentally responsible, DMOs can establish stronger connections with EV travelers seeking meaningful, low-impact experiences. For more insights on younger generations and outdoor-focused travelers, check out our recent research, "Traveler Segments, Powered by The State of the American Traveler.

Benefits & Barriers to EV Travel

As EV travel gains momentum, more travelers are making the switch to electric for a variety of reasons. 49% of surveyed travelers point to environmental benefits as the key factor, showcasing the growing demand for sustainable travel options. Another 45% emphasize the financial savings EVs offer, especially in a time of rising fuel costs, while 28% appreciate the convenience of modern charging and the ease of lower maintenance. 

A graphic of EV benefits.

Despite the growing shift toward greener travel, significant hurdles remain. The biggest challenge? A lack of widespread charging stations - 59% of travelers express hesitation to take an EV road trip due to limited access. Similarly, 53% are concerned about the restricted driving range of EVs and 51% find the lengthy charging times inconvenient, especially when compared to the quick refueling of gas-powered vehicles. 

By expanding charging infrastructure and investing in fast-charging options, DMOs can alleviate the worries of EV travelers, making their destination more appealing to this growing market of eco-conscious visitors. For more insights, read our blog on how tourism can pave the way for the electric vehicle revolution.

For the full research findings, you can find the webinar deck, recording and additional resources here. Be sure to sign up for our upcoming webinars for the latest insights, trends and updates related to U.S. travelers. 

Get in touch

Let's work together
· Contact Us · Contact Us · Contact Us