Kingman, Arizona: Where Route 66 History Meets Electric Vehicle Travel

The Powerhouse Visitor Center: From Coal to Current

Driving into Kingman, Arizona, you can’t miss the imposing Powerhouse Visitor Center. This massive brick structure was built in 1907 to provide electricity to the town and the surrounding mines. For decades, it hummed with the energy of coal-fired generators. Today, that same building buzzes with a different kind of power—tourists, history buffs, and electric vehicle (EV) drivers.

The Powerhouse now serves as the main attraction in Kingman’s Route 66 scene. Inside, you’ll find exhibits detailing the building’s industrial past, artifacts from the Mother Road, and a welcome center staffed by locals eager to share tips. The transformation from power plant to visitor hub mirrors the changing face of travel in this part of Arizona.

Route 66 Revival in Kingman

Kingman has long been a cornerstone of Route 66. The city sits at the junction of two historic alignments, making it a natural stopping point for road trippers. The Powerhouse anchors this heritage with its Route 66 museum and gift shop. You can walk through restored gas stations, vintage cars, and neon signs that recall the highway’s golden age.

Beyond the Powerhouse, the downtown area offers classic diners, motels, and murals. Kingman has embraced its role as a living museum of Americana, and the Powerhouse is its crown jewel. Visitors often spend an hour or two exploring the exhibits before heading out to the desert.

EV Charging Hub: Powering the Future on the Mother Road

For EV drivers, the Powerhouse is more than a museum—it’s a lifeline. The center hosts multiple DC fast chargers and Level 2 stations, making it one of the most convenient charging stops between the Southwest’s big cities. Located off Interstate 40 (old Route 66), it’s a strategic pit stop for anyone traveling from Las Vegas to Flagstaff or heading toward the Grand Canyon.

Kingman has earned a reputation as an EV-friendly gateway. The city’s charging network extends beyond the Powerhouse, with stations at hotels, restaurants, and even parks. Route 66 enthusiasts driving a Tesla, Chevy Bolt, or any other electric vehicle can confidently plan a trip through this stretch, knowing they’ll have ample juice to continue.

But the real beauty is the adventure that begins here. From Kingman, you can reach the south rim of the Grand Canyon (about 2 hours east), explore the ghost town of Oatman (1 hour southwest), or hike in Hualapai Mountain Park (just south of town). Each destination is within easy EV range, especially when you top off at the Powerhouse.

Charging Tips for Your Route 66 EV Trip

• Plan ahead: Use apps like PlugShare or A Better Routeplanner to confirm charger availability.
• Charge at the Powerhouse: It’s open daily and often faster than other stations in the area.
• Combine stops: Visit the museum or grab a bite downtown while your car charges.
• Check altitude: The climb to the Grand Canyon reduces range; leave with a full battery.

Easy Adventures Beyond the City

Kingman is the perfect base camp for exploring northwestern Arizona. Here are a few highlights:

1. Hualapai Mountain Park – Just 15 minutes south, this pine-covered retreat offers hiking, camping, and cool summer temperatures. There are even a few EV chargers at the park entrance.
2. Oatman Ghost Town – A wild-west relic where burros roam the streets. You’ll drive along a scenic stretch of the original Route 66 to get there.
3. Grand Canyon’s South Rim – A 2-hour drive east on I-40. Several hotels and the national park’s visitor center have EV chargers.

Whether you’re an EV enthusiast or just love road trips, Kingman delivers. The Powerhouse bridges the gap between the historic Route 66 and the future of travel—electric, quiet, and full of possibilities.

Planning a trip? Start at the Powerhouse Visitor Center, charge up, and explore the Route 66 heritage before heading to the adventures beyond the city.