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Some road trips are all about bucket list stops and scenic routes, while others end up proving how far an electric vehicle can take you when you lean into the experience. That’s exactly what Leon Frank Pfeiffer set out to explore when he took his 2022 Ford Mustang Mach-E California Route 1 on a 14,500-mile journey across 22 states and British Columbia. I came across his post in the “Mustang Mach-E Owners” group on Facebook, and his trip stood out because of how effortlessly the EV supported their lifestyle over four months of adventure. In his own words, he writes:
“Posted an update during our trip but thought I would post a final note since we’re back. We recently finished a 14,500 mile, four month road trip in our 2022 Mach-E Cali Route 1. We stayed with friends, motels, cruise ships, AirBNB, and car camped about 25 nights. We visited 22 states plus British Columbia. Car camping was cozy for two but worth it since we could stay inside state and national parks with the air or heat on all night if needed, but we rarely needed it. We also charged in a few campgrounds with 50 amp plugs. Charging was not an issue with some pre-trip planning plus a little planning each day. We did get down to 3% a few times but using PlugShare we knew we would get to a reliable charger. We also adjusted speed occasionally to make sure we made it to our charger. We got skunked at a charger just once, and just travelled 12 miles to the next one to charge. We travelled more than 300 miles on a charge a few times, again driving slower if necessary to make it to a charger. If you’re thinking about buying an EV or taking a big road trip, just do it. We would do this trip in an EV again and are considering a similar trip across Canada. Pic is from Yellowstone.”
Sleeping, Charging, and Exploring in an EV
The idea of car camping in an EV is starting to gain traction. For Leon and his partner, the Mustang Mach-E wasn’t just a vehicle, it was shelter, comfort, and capability all rolled into one. Being able to sleep with the climate control running thanks to the car’s large battery was a game-changer. Not only did it allow them to stay inside state and national parks, but it made 25 nights of car camping surprisingly cozy.
We’re continuing to see the versatility and durability of the Mach-E’s design, as it has already been highlighted by some owners who’ve dealt with some unforeseen incidents. Take for example this owner, who was rear-ended and walked away impressed with how sturdy their 2023 Premium model proved to be.
Range Anxiety Didn’t Ruin the Trip
Leon mentioned that charging wasn’t an issue with some pre-trip and daily planning. Using apps like PlugShare and adapting their driving speed made the journey smooth, even during moments where the battery dropped to just 3%. He also noted that they only got “skunked” at a charger once but simply drove 12 miles to the next one. That kind of flexibility, along with more than 300 miles of range when driven conservatively, really showcases how manageable EV travel has become.
The Mach-E California Route 1 trim is designed for this kind of experience. With extended range, good efficiency, and regenerative braking, it stands as a worthy road warrior. It’s not surprising that many EV owners today are finding similar confidence, and in some cases, satisfaction that grows over hundreds of thousands of miles.
Community Reactions and Shared Journeys
Leon’s post drew admiration and curiosity from fellow Mach-E owners. Curtis Nikkel was one of the first to jump in, commenting: “I’d be curious to see a map with the path you guys traveled. That’s an impressive trip for any car! Wow. We just did a trip from near Vancouver, British Columbia through the Rockies and back. I thought that was a fair trip lol. And our 2023 Premium 4X did perfectly too.”
What was once seen as extraordinary for an EV is quickly becoming the new normal. Long road trips across multiple terrains and regions are proving to be possible for EVs of all shapes and sizes.
Mark Pavelko followed up with a more emotionally charged reaction: “Outstanding! This is just what needs to be shared to win the opinion. There’s so much negative and false info about traveling. When I first bought ours, a friend said nice but you can’t go anywhere! I was like screw that stuff they feed you. I’m going everywhere.”
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Mark hits on a deeper truth here. The EV conversation is still filled with skepticism and doubt, often perpetuated by people who’ve never owned one. Stories like Leon’s push back on that narrative with real-world miles and personal experience.
Then came Jason Stiesi, who shared a different perspective altogether: “I’ve been to 49 out of 50 States since I was 17 last almost seven years traveling with 4 big dogs in tow. Sadly I have to run a diesel as there is no way a 6ft person with two Belgian Malinois and two German Shepherds are fitting in anything less than a 9 passenger SUV. I know everyone is going to say that a diesel is so costly to run, but a bio-diesel is slightly different. Fuel fill ups range between 15 bucks if I only fill the primary 36 gallon gas tank or 60 if I fill up all three which are two 50 gallon secondary tanks and then the primary one.”
Jason’s comment is a reminder that while EVs can handle a lot, they’re not one-size-fits-all. Sometimes your lifestyle requires something different, and it’s important not to treat EVs as a moral high ground. There’s room for all types of road travelers. But Leon’s story does show that if your needs are even somewhat aligned with what the Mach-E offers, you may be surprised how much it can deliver.
More Tech, More Range, More Confidence
Ford is continuing to improve the Mach-E lineup, and the 2025 models are already shaping up to be the most refined versions yet. With added tech and sportier handling dynamics, the upcoming Mach-E is getting more capable and exciting for road trip warriors and daily drivers alike.
So for me, who’s watched the public conversation around EVs evolve over the last few years, I find Leon’s story both encouraging and timely. We’re reaching a turning point where electric vehicles are no longer niche, as they’re dependable tools for real-world adventure. This isn’t about proving a point anymore. It’s about enabling new kinds of travel, redefining expectations, and doing it in a way that can often be cheaper, cleaner, and more comfortable.
That’s not to say every EV is perfect or that every trip will be flawless. But this kind of story shows that with some research and flexibility, the freedom of the open road is just as real for EV drivers as it is for anyone else. And while some owners explicitly criticize Ford’s choice of design, many owners are drawn to the way this car looks, which all plays a big part in what makes this Mustang feel special.
Key Takeaways for Anyone Considering an EV Road Trip
- EVs like the Mustang Mach-E are fully capable of long-distance travel, even across remote areas and national parks.
- Pre-trip planning and charging apps like PlugShare are essential, especially when pushing the limits of range in unfamiliar areas.
- The ability to car camp with climate control adds unique flexibility, especially for travelers looking to save on lodging or staying inside national parks.
- Range anxiety fades with experience, and real-world range often exceeds expectations when driven smartly.
- EV ownership isn’t for everyone, but it’s more accessible and practical than many believe.
- Stories like Leon’s help reshape public perception, replacing outdated myths with inspiring real-world success.
Share Your Thoughts With Us
What’s the longest trip you’ve taken in your EV? Did it change how you think about electric travel?
Or for those of you who haven’t made the switch, what’s holding you back?
I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences in our comments below, so don’t hesitate to share.
Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.
Images Sources: The “Mustang Mach-E Owners” public Facebook group and Ford’s gallery, respectively.
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Source: torquenews.com
