Route 66 becoming green with charging stations, solar panels

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) – Route 66, a highway made famous for attracting gas-guzzling Chevrolet Bel Airs traveling from Chicago to Los Angeles, is turning green.

The Mother Road is seeing a growing number of electric car charging stations along the 2,500-mile path, and some states are pushing for solar panels and electric buses.

Illinois is installing a network of electric vehicle charging stations from Lake Michigan to the Mississippi River.

And earlier this year, Missouri's highway department announced it was considering a project to cover a portion of its Route 66 with road-ready solar panels.

Route 66-area motel owners also are getting in on the action.

Bella Roma Bed & Breakfast innkeeper Laura Ferrary says she installed a Tesla supercharger at her Albuquerque spot because she anticipates more environmentally-conscience travelers in the future.