Virginia—Ride the Lightning
In the summer of 2016, Shenandoah National Park made an announcement that most motorcyclists probably overlooked. Charging stations had been installed for the convenience of visitors on electric vehicles. Based on the technology of the time, the park was just a little too far away for me to make it there on a single electric motorcycle charge.
Much has changed in the EV world in the past eight years. Manufacturers like Zero have continued to improve and update their products, extending the distance you can ride before depleting the battery. Fast-forward to 2025, and I firmly believed that the Zero DSR/X could make an electric Shenandoah National Park (SNP) round-trip a reality.
Perched along the peak of Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, SNP is one of the East Coast’s most popular national parks. With its proximity to Washington, D.C., and Richmond metro areas, about 1.5 million people visit the park each year. The fact that it’s within an easy day’s drive from these cities means that it is also potentially within the range of an electric motorcycle. With one central road—the 105-mile Skyline Drive—SNP is an inherently rideable national park. Following the ridgeline, the Skyline Drive offers magnificent views to the east and west.
Motorcycle & Gear
2023 Zero DSR/X
Helmet: Schuberth S3
Jacket: Klim Latitude
Pants: Klim Latitude
Boots: Altama Abootabad Trail
Gloves: Klim Induction
Comm System: Schuberth SC2
Camera: Canon 7D Mk II
Electric Touring
In 2023, Zero Motorcycles introduced the DSR/X as the company’s premier touring and adventure motorcycle. With its 17.3 kWh battery, the company claims a 134-mile “combined” range with a mix of city and highway riding (the latter at 55 mph). On paper, it looked like getting from my doorstep to a park charging station was certainly possible. Charging stations are located at two places in SNP: at Skyland (north) and Big Meadows (south), nearly at the Skyline Drive’s mid-point. Although there are only 10 miles between the stations, this distance could be crucial for those on electric vehicles.
At the Skyland Resort office, there are two Level 2 charging stations, one of which has the J1772 connector that the Zero requires. At Big Meadows, the charger is located right in front of the Harry F. Byrd Visitor Center. It is also Level 2 with a single J1772 connector. Charging stations can’t be reserved, so it’s first come, first served.
The distance from downtown D.C. to the Skyland charger is about 120 miles, while Richmond to Big Meadows is 136 miles. Either route is right at the edge of the Zero’s range, and to get that far requires avoiding the interstates and staying under 60 mph. If you plan to make these trips, map your chargers along the way. In Front Royal, at the park’s northern entrance, there are several charging stations, including the one at Jack Evans Chevrolet less than a mile from the park entrance, with two Level 2 chargers with J1772 connectors. Coming from the east to the park’s southern entrance, the last charger is at Pro Re Nata Brewery on US 250, just 10 miles from the park. There are numerous charging stations four miles away in Waynesboro, on the western side of the southern entrance, as well. I recommend calling ahead to make sure the stations are working and plan extra time into your trip in case you get there and all are in use.