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EV Road Trip California: Charging, Routes and Range
Plan an EV road trip in California: charging networks and apps, Big Sur and Highway 395 charging gaps, national park charging and range tips that work.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 2 min read
California has more public EV chargers than any other state, but Big Sur, Highway 395 and the national parks have gaps.
This guide covers charging networks, apps, the tricky routes, park charging and range management.
In This Guide
EV Charging Networks in California
Plan on DC fast charging on highways and Level 2 overnight. Set up network accounts before you leave.
- Tesla Supercharger: largest fast network, many stations open to other EVs via the Tesla app
- Electrify America: freeways and shopping centers
- EVgo: cities and suburbs
- ChargePoint: Level 2 at hotels, wineries and town centers
- Rivian Adventure Network: growing, many sites open to other EVs
Best Apps for Planning an EV Road Trip
PlugShare shows every network, with check-ins that flag broken stations. A Better Routeplanner (ABRP) plans stops by car, speed, elevation and weather.
See my travel apps guide for other apps.
Charging on the Big Sur Coast
Carmel to Cambria on Highway 1 is about 95 to 100 miles with steep grades and very few public chargers. Leave Carmel or Monterey fully charged.
Some Big Sur lodges charge guest cars; confirm before booking. See my Big Sur driving guide.
Charging on Highway 395
Lone Pine, Bishop and Mammoth Lakes have fast charging, with long gaps between. Charge in each town.
Cold and the climb to Mammoth cut winter range. Keep a bigger buffer; see my Highway 395 itinerary.
Charging Near California National Parks
Yosemite’s Level 2 chargers are few and busy. Charge in Oakhurst, Mariposa or Groveland, or at a lodge with chargers.
Death Valley charging is limited; arrive full. For Joshua Tree, charge in Yucca Valley or Twentynine Palms.
How to Manage Range on a California Road Trip
Arrive at each charger with at least 20 percent. Climbs, speed, cold and heating or AC all cut range.
Don’t rely on regenerative braking downhill. Plan stops so one broken charger won’t strand you.
Sample EV Plan: San Francisco to Los Angeles
Charge fully in San Francisco and top up in Monterey or Carmel. After Big Sur, charge in Cambria, San Luis Obispo or Santa Barbara.
This fits a three to five day Pacific Coast Highway road trip with Level 2 overnight.
EV Charging Etiquette and Where to Stay
At busy fast chargers, unplug around 80 percent and move your car when done. Don’t park in EV spaces unless charging.
Filter for EV charging on booking sites or check PlugShare, then confirm with the hotel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you do a California road trip in an EV?
Yes. California has the largest public charging network in the country. Big Sur and Highway 395 need more planning.
Are there EV chargers in Big Sur?
Very few. Charge fully in Carmel or Monterey; the drive to Cambria is about 95 to 100 miles.
Can non-Tesla EVs use Tesla Superchargers?
Many are open to other EVs through the Tesla app. Check compatibility and adapter needs.
Are there EV chargers in Yosemite?
A few Level 2 chargers. Charge in Oakhurst, Mariposa or Groveland.
What is the best app for EV road trips?
PlugShare for finding chargers and reviews. A Better Routeplanner for planning stops.
