California is the easiest place in the United States to take a road trip in an electric car. It has the largest number of electric vehicles in the country and a dense network of public chargers along its major highways and in its cities. Many rental companies offer electric models. Still, the most beautiful roads in the state often lead to places with few services, and charging takes longer than filling a tank, so a little planning goes a long way.

Charging basics

  • DC fast chargers are what you use on a road trip. Depending on the car and charger, a session to bring the battery from low to around 80 percent often takes somewhere from twenty minutes to an hour. Charging slows as the battery fills, so stopping around 80 percent usually saves time.
  • Level 2 chargers are slower and suit overnight stays or long stops. Many hotels, parking garages, shopping centers and some parks have them.
  • Networks and plugs: several fast-charging networks operate in California, each with its own app and payment method. The largest single-brand fast-charging network, originally built for one carmaker, has been opening to other brands, some of which need an adapter. Install the main apps and set up payment before you leave.

Planning your route

Use a route planner or the car's own navigation to plan stops, and keep a backup charger in mind for each one, since chargers can be broken, busy or blocked. A good rule is to arrive at each planned stop with a comfortable margin rather than on fumes. Main corridors such as Interstate 5, US 101 and Interstate 80 have frequent fast chargers. The trouble spots are the scenic ones.

The coast and Big Sur

Charging is easy in San Francisco, Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo, but sparse along the roughly 90 miles of Big Sur. Charge fully in Monterey or Carmel heading south, or in Cambria or San Luis Obispo heading north. See the Pacific Coast Highway for the route.

Yosemite and the Sierra

Climbing from the Central Valley into the mountains uses a lot of energy. The good news is that regenerative braking recovers some of it on the way down. Charge fully in the foothill towns before entering, and check what chargers are available inside or near the park; they are limited. Cold weather in the mountains reduces range, especially overnight.

North of San Francisco

Napa, Sonoma and Marin have plenty of chargers. The coast road north toward Mendocino has fewer, and the curves and hills use more energy than the distance suggests, so top up before leaving the Bay Area or the Santa Rosa area.

The Eastern Sierra and the desert

Highway 395 and the desert parks have long stretches with few services. Plan each leg carefully. In summer heat, the car uses energy to cool the battery and the cabin, and running out of charge in the desert is a genuine safety risk.

For ideas on which roads to drive, see California's most scenic drives.

Renting an electric car

  • Ask what charge level the car should be returned at, and what happens if it is lower. Policies vary.
  • Ask which charging cards, apps or adapters come with the car.
  • Take a few minutes in the parking lot to learn the controls, regenerative braking settings and how to find chargers on the car's screen.
  • If you have never driven an EV, a first day in the city before a long mountain drive is a good idea.

Our guide to renting a car in the US covers licenses, insurance and tolls.

Etiquette and practical tips

  • Move your car as soon as charging is done; many networks charge idle fees.
  • Do not park in a charging space unless you are charging.
  • Pick charging stops with something nearby: food, a restroom or a walk. A charging stop becomes a coffee break.
  • On hot days, precondition the cabin while still plugged in.
  • Keep the charging cable stowed securely, and do not leave valuables visible while you wait away from the car.
  • Prices vary by network, time of day and membership. Check in the app before plugging in.

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive Big Sur in an electric car?

Yes, easily, if you start with a full or nearly full battery from Monterey or Carmel heading south, or Cambria or San Luis Obispo heading north.

Is it hard to find chargers in California?

Not in cities and along main highways. In remote mountain and desert areas they are fewer, so plan ahead.

Does the cold affect range?

Yes. Cold temperatures reduce range and slow charging. Allow a larger buffer in the mountains in winter.