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The Climb to Big Bear - in an EV

Posted: 12/10/25

Electric vehicles in Big Bear require a little more travel planning. Be sure your lodging can accommodate charging, note Big Bear charging locations, and take temperatures and road conditions into consideration.

We've put together some helpful tips and frequently asked questions that'll help you plan for an easy stay without the hassles.

First - Is It Possible With EV?

Of course - driving to Big Bear is possible with an EV with numerous locals and visitors using them for trips around town, plus on and off the mountain. And, our EV drivers know and love brake regeneration, which charges your car's battery while you brake. This means going down the mountain leaves you with more charge than you started with - now that's mountain power!

As mentioned, you do need to consider your charging options, air temps, and road conditions when planning your EV drive.

A photo of a Tesla parked in an electric vehicle parking space in Big Bear - the chargers are by Tesla and are non-exclusive.

2. Find Your Road To Big Bear

Whether you're planning a mountain adventure, enjoying a work reset, or setting out for a day on the slopes - knowing how to get here is the important part. With three open roads and one beautiful destination - Big Bear invites you to take the scenic route!

Highway 18 from Lucerne - Quickest climb with an added bonus of similar drive times from Orange County and Los Angeles.

Highway 18 through Waterman Canyon - One of the most scenic routes (Not recommended in winter.)

Highway 330 from Highland - Most popular route with a lower drive time to Big Bear than Highway 38 (Highway 38 is currently closed, please use alternative routes listed above.)

Roads To Big Bear

3. Charge Up Before You Arrive

Take note of charging stations along your route.

Highway 18 from Arrowhead

  • Inland Center - West (Tesla Exclusive) | 500 Inland Center Dr, San Bernardino, 92408
  • San Manuel Parking Structure (J-1772) | 2804 Piedmont Dr, Highland, 92346
  • 2 Via Vis Dr N Lot (J-1772) | 2 Via Vis Dr N, Highland, 92346
  • Palm Travel Center (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 3235 W Little League Dr, San Bernardino, 92407

Lake Arrowhead

  • SkyPark at Santa's Village (J-1772) | 28950 CA-18, Skyforest, 92385
  • Lake Arrowhead Village (Tesla Exclusive) | 28200 CA-189, Lake Arrowhead, 92352

Highway 330 through Running Springs

  • Burger King (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 4150 E Highland Ave, Highland, 92346
  • Costco (CCS1) | 28000 Greenspot Rd, Highland, 92346
  • Mi Cocina Restaurant (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 27961 Highland Ave, Highland, 92346

Highway 18 from Lucerne Valley

Victorville / Apple Valley

  • Victor Plaza Shopping Center (Tesla Exclusive) | 14664 7th St, Victorville, 92395
  • Home Depot (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 15655 Roy Rogers Dr, Victorville, 92394
  • Restaurant Row (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 11702 Dunia Rd, Victorville, 92392
  • Apple Bear Shopping Center (CCS1, J-1772) | 19575 Bear Valley Rd, Apple Valley, 92308

Barstow

  • Eastgate Rd Barstow (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 1503 E Main St, Barstow, CA 92311
  • The Outlets at Barstow 3 (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 2796 Tanger Way, Barstow 92311
  • Baymont by Wyndham Barstow Historic Route 66 (J-1772) | 1861 Main St, Barstow, 92311
  • Walmart (CCS1, CHAdeMO) | 301 Montara Road, Barstow, California, 92311

Yucca Valley

  • Carl’s Jr. (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 57220 - 57274 Twentynine Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, 92284
  • Yucca Valley Founders Plaza (J-1772) | 29 Elk Trail, Yucca Valley, 92284
  • Warren Vista Center (CCS1) | 57677 29 Palms Highway, Yucca Valley, 92284
  • Southern California Edison (J-1772) | 6999 Old Woman Springs Rd, Yucca Valley, 92284

4. Charge Up In Town

Take note of public charging stations available in Big Bear.

  • Interlaken Shopping Center (Non-Tesla Exclusive) | 42170 Big Bear Blvd
  • Village Liquor Market (Tesla Exclusive) | 40568 Village Dr
  • Bartlett Parking Lot (J-1772, CHAdeMO, CCS1) | 654 Bartlett Rd

5. Alpine Winter - EV Style

With EV chargers both down and up the mountain making traveling with an electric vehicle a cinch - here are some winter travel tips to make getting here during the snow season a winter breeze!

  • Allow extra time to charge your vehicle and any phones to full.
    (Remember: EVs take time to charge up to full and time to charge increases with usage of plugged in electronics.)
  • Carry a traction device such as chains, cables, or tire socks as not only is it better to be prepared - it's also required by law between November 1st and April 30th.
    (Make sure to check your drivers manual as some EVs may only support alternative traction devices like snow socks.)
  • Before your trip - stock up on water, blankets, extra batteries, flashlights, food, gloves, etc in case of severe delays.
  • When snow conditions are in effect - make sure to lower speeds, keep at least 3 car distance, and take turns slower.
    (Remember: roads can be icy especially in shady areas even if snow is not present.)
  • Begin slowing down sooner and be mindful of downhill speed as the distance to come to a complete stop on ice is longer than normal.
  • When using chains, cables, or another traction device keep your maximum speed at 20 to 30mph as this ensures the longevity of the traction device.
  • Utilize turnouts for putting on your traction devices as well as letting faster traffic pass.
    (Reminder: DO NOT stop on the highway to put on traction devices)

For When You Are Here

  • When snow conditions are present make sure to prepare for departure in advance as EVs take longer to defrost due to not having an engine.
  • Make sure to brush off any snow or ice before plugging in your EV.
  • If your EV has the feature - you can choose to turn on battery heating which can allow the vehicle's battery to last longer in the cold weather.

More Winter Safety Info