California is the ultimate road trip state. You’ve got the picturesque Pacific Coast Highway, majestic redwood forests and magnificent desertscapes, not to mention wine country and various mountain ranges. But if you’re cruising the Golden State in an electric vehicle (EV), a little preparation goes a long way.
Whether you’re zipping from San Diego to San Francisco or detouring through Yosemite, here’s your go-to EV road trip packing list to keep your adventure smooth and stress-free.
Charging Essentials: Cables, Adapters and Apps
Your EV is only as good as its charge. So any packing list for your road trip requires a standard charging cable, along with any adapters your car might need. Keep in mind that some older charging stations might not be compatible with your plug type, so having a universal adapter or CHAdeMO adapter for older EVs like the Nissan Leaf could be a lifesaver.
And before you ever hit the road, be sure to download EV charging apps like PlugShare, ChargePoint and EVgo. These will help you find the nearest charging stations, check availability and even let you plan your route around high-speed chargers. Many of the apps also allow you to start a charge directly from your phone.
Portable Power Banks and Emergency Chargers
While your main focus will be on keeping your car charged, be sure to bring along portable power banks to charge your phone, tablet or smartwatch too. And consider investing in a compact EV emergency charger or portable Level 2 charger, especially if you’re heading into remote areas where charging stations are sparse. It’s the kind of thing you hope you never need but will be grateful to have in the event that you do.
Google Maps, Waze and Apple Maps are fine, but they’re not always EV-savvy. Apps like A Better Route Planner (ABRP) take into account your car’s range, elevation changes and charging station locations. They’ll guide you to the most efficient route and help avoid range anxiety. It’s also a smart idea to not ditch the old-school map completely. If cell service drops in the middle of rural California, a paper map or downloaded offline maps on your device can help keep you on track.
Weather-Appropriate Gear for California’s Diverse Climate
From foggy mornings in San Francisco to triple-digit temps in Palm Springs, California can throw a lot of weather at you. Add layers to your list, including lightweight jackets, breathable clothes and a rain poncho. If you’re heading into higher altitudes like Lake Tahoe, don’t forget warm gloves and thermal layers, even in spring and fall. Bring sunscreen, a wide-brim hat and sunglasses for late spring and summer trips. And keep your EV’s interior cool with windshield shades, especially if you’re parking in sunny areas.
Snacks, Water and Comfort Items for Long Drives
Even though EVs often require breaks for charging, you’ll still want to keep yourself fueled along the way. Pack a cooler with water, your favorite snacks and a few meals just in case you’re in a remote location during meal times. Protein bars, trail mix, fruit and sandwiches are easy-to-pack road-trip classics.
Don’t forget comfort items for yourself in the car, either. Be sure to pack a pillow, blanket, chapstick and lotion, reusable water bottles, headphones and anything else you normally travel with.
Emergency Kit Items
You should always have an emergency kit in your car in the event of something unexpected, but it’s worth upgrading a bit if you plan on taking a longer trip in your EV. Consider including the following items:
- A fully stocked first aid kit
- LED flashlight with extra batteries
- Jumper cables (for 12V systems)
- Multi-tool or basic toolkit
- Tire repair kit or portable air compressor
- Reflective warning triangles
- Emergency chargers
Also, make sure your roadside assistance plan is up to date and that it includes EV-specific services.
Entertainment and Tech for Passengers
Charging breaks are the perfect time to relax. Load up your favorite playlists, podcasts, audiobooks or downloaded Netflix shows. Make sure each passenger has headphones and their own charger or power bank.
Kids or backseat passengers? Bring coloring books, novels, games or tablets. Some EVs even come with built-in games or streaming apps — just don’t forget the Wi-Fi hotspot if you’ll be far from cell towers.
Documentation for Your Trip
Don’t leave home without the paperwork. You’ll need:
- Driver’s license
- EV registration
- Proof of California car insurance
- Any relevant charging membership cards (Tesla, Electrify America, ChargePoint, etc.)
And while you’re at it, double-check your California auto insurance policy before the trip. Some plans offer roadside assistance, towing or even coverage for trip interruption. If your coverage isn’t cutting it, consider shopping around for the best auto insurance in California — especially providers that understand EVs and offer perks like charger reimbursement or discounted rates for eco-friendly drivers.
With the right gear, thoughtful planning and the right California car insurance coverage, you can hit the road confidently and comfortably.
Image: Unsplash, Matthew Hamilton
