This is the first of a multi-part series on the 2024 North American Total Solar Eclipse. First up: New England.
On Monday, April 8, 2024, parts of North America will be able to observe a total solar eclipse. We’ll be sharing tips on making the trip in your electric vehicle and where to charge for the different states where you can see the eclipse!
The first three states we'll be covering in this post are:
In addition to downloading Chargely and planning your trip, don’t forget to:
Get eclipse glasses to look directly at the eclipse. Sunglasses aren’t enough protection for your eyes!
Budget extra travel time in case of traffic & crowding. Highways and freeways will be particularly crowded after totality. On the plus side, EVs are more efficient in stop-and go-traffic because of energy recovered from regenerative braking.
Check the weather as the date approaches! If it’s forecast to be cloudy, you may want to change your plans.
All that said, catch this one if you can! The next one observable from North America won’t be until over 20 years from now on Aug. 23, 2044. Who knows what the world will be like then 🤔
The path of the solar eclipse on April 8, 2024 over New England
To see totality in New England, you’ll need to drive up to the northern parts of Vermont, New Hampshire, or Maine. Unfortunately, the EV charging infrastructure is sparse in these parts, particularly if you don’t drive a Tesla.
Because of the lack of public charging and potential crowding, we highly recommend charging up as much as possible before you go and bringing your car’s charging cable with you if you have one (just in case). You’ll also want to make sure your EV has adequate range to make the round trip with a buffer that meets your personal comfort level.
Driving an electric car to see the solar eclipse in Maine
Eastern Maine
Rating: 1 out of 5 (non-Tesla) / 3 out of 5 (Tesla)
On the eastern side of Maine, you’ll be able to see about 3 minutes of totality from Island Falls, ME. There are no chargers in that area and limited options on the drive up.
Where to charge
Medway (30 miles from Island Falls)
Non-Tesla: No fast chargers available
Tesla: Supercharger station with 6 chargers with a Circle K nearby
Bangor Area (90 miles from Island Falls)
Non-Tesla: There are a few fast chargers in Bangor, but they are mostly installed at dealerships without walkable food options
Tesla: Supercharger station with 8 chargers next to a Ruby Tuesday
A map of fast chargers on the way to Island Falls, ME in Chargely
Western/Central Maine
Rating: 2 out of 5 (non-Tesla) / 4 out of 5 (Tesla)
In Western and Central Maine, the choices are just as slim. You’ll be able to see close to 3 minutes 30 seconds of totality from Jackman, ME, but if you don’t want to drive that far north, you’ll still get close to 3 minutes of totality near The Forks, ME.
Where to charge
Jackman, ME
Non-Tesla: Fast charging station with 2 chargers
Tesla: Supercharger with 4 chargers
These chargers are located next to each other and walkable to two restaurants: Four Seasons and Mama Bears.
Skowhegan, ME (50 miles away from The Forks or 75 miles from Jackman)
Non-Tesla: Fast charging station with 2 chargers
Tesla: Supercharger with 8 chargers
These chargers are located near each at a Hannaford grocery store.
A map of fast chargers on the way to Jackman, ME in Chargely
Find out more about visiting Maine for the solar eclipse here:
Driving an electric car to see the solar eclipse in New Hampshire
Rating: 1 out of 5 (non-Tesla) / 3 out of 5 (Tesla)
You’ll be able to see some of the totality starting in Lancaster, NH, but if you want to see it for 3 minutes or more, you’ll need to travel north of Colebrook, NH.
Where to charge:
Lincoln, NH (75 miles away from Colebrook)
Non-Tesla: No fast chargers available
Tesla: Supercharger with 6 chargers with Jimmy Seas Pan Pasta and The Moon Bakery and Cafe about a 3-minute walk away
A map of fast chargers on the way to Colebrook, NH in Chargely
Find out more about visiting New Hampshire for the solar eclipse here:
Driving an electric car to see the solar eclipse in Vermont
Burlington Area
Rating: 3 out of 5 (non-Tesla) / 5 out of 5 (Tesla)
You’ll be able to see over 3 minutes of totality from Burlington, VT, and if you want an extra 30 seconds of viewing time, you can drive north about 30 miles to St. Albans, VT.
Be sure to budget extra time (and EV range) for traffic in the Burlington area, particularly after totality.
Where to charge:
Non-Tesla
Fast charging station with 2 chargers about a 5-8 minute walk from the University Mall with a food court and a few other restaurants.
Fast charging station with 2 chargers at a Hyundai dealership. There are a few restaurants within a 3-5 minute walk from here, including Union Jacks, Suvi's Kitchen Thai Cuisine, and others.
Tesla:
Supercharger with 8 chargers in South Burlington next to a Healthy Living grocery store
Supercharger with 8 chargers in Williston near Folinos Pizza
A map of fast chargers around Burlington, VT in Chargely
Eastern Vermont
Rating: 2 out of 5 (non-Tesla) / 3 out of 5 (Tesla)
If you want to avoid the crowds in Burlington, you’ll be able to see up to 3 minutes 30 seconds of totality from Newport, VT.
Where to charge:
St Johnsbury, VT (45 miles from Newport)
Non-Tesla: There are 2 fast chargers at a Ford dealership without walkable food options
Tesla: Supercharger with 8 chargers but no food options nearby
A map of fast chargers on the way to Newport, VT in Chargely
Find out more about visiting Vermont for the solar eclipse here: