Embarking on a road trip from the San Francisco Bay Area to Arnold, Dorrington, or Bear Valley in an electric vehicle combines the fun of a family road trip with the satisfaction of eco-friendly travel. Here are some of our thoughts about how and why to take your EV to the area, whether you are staying at Evergreen Dorrington Chalet and Cottage or any other great cabin or hotel.
Maximizing Your EV’s Range
The drive from the Bay Area to Arnold is comfortably within the range of most modern EVs. Vehicles like our Chevrolet Bolt EV boast ranges that can easily cover this distance, allowing you to bypass the need for a mid-trip charge. The freedom to drive straight to your mountain retreat without range anxiety means you can start unwinding the moment you hit the road! From the energy-efficient cruise down the highway to the regenerative braking on downhill slopes, your vehicle will optimize its battery life, ensuring you arrive with plenty of charge left.
Preparing for the Trip: The Right Tools for Charging
Before setting off, it’s wise to plan your charging stops, even if you might not need them. You just might leave home without a full charge and if so, some planning will be needed. PlugShare.com and the PlugShare app are invaluable tools for EV drivers. They provide an easy way to locate charging stations along your route. With real-time updates from other drivers, you can find the most convenient charging locations and even check their availability status. There may be newer tools out there, but this is our tried-and-true!
Charging Along the Way: A Personal Experience
While most EVs can make it to Arnold from the Bay Area on a single charge, there are still plenty of charging options should you want to top off. Before we had chargers installed at our cabins we often used the public charger at Cruisers Gas Station in Arnold. It served as a reliable spot to ensure we had enough charge for our stay in Dorrington or for unplanned detours to explore the charming towns and scenic spots along the way. Our route includes Highway 580 and the fast chargers in Tracy have been pit stops for us over the years.
Tesla drivers are in luck because there’s a convenient Supercharger station in Copperopolis, just an hour from Dorrington. This high-speed charging option provides Tesla owners with a quick and efficient way to top up their batteries, ensuring they can continue their journey with ease. There has been talk that some superchargers will open up to non-Teslas, but the last time we checked, the Copperopolis station is still Tesla only.
Plug in at the Cabins: Level 2 JuiceBox Chargers at the Chalet and Cottage
Once you arrive at either the Chalet or the Cottage, you’ll have access to our Level 2 JuiceBox chargers. These aren’t just any chargers; they’re powered by 100% solar energy through PG&E’s Solar Choice program, aligning with our commitment to sustainability. You can recharge your EV with energy harnessed directly from the sun, reducing your carbon footprint even further. These chargers are fast, efficient, and compatible with a wide range of EV models, which means no matter what you drive, you can rest easy knowing that your vehicle will be ready for any local adventures or for your journey back home. Tesla drivers, be sure to bring the adapter that came with your car.
EV Charging at Evergreen Dorrington Chalet and Cottage: Balancing Convenience and Costs
When we first introduced EV charging at the cabins, our goal was to offer an added convenience for our guests and to encourage more people to go electric. Initially, we provided this service for free. However, as the popularity of EVs grew and more guests began to take advantage of this amenity, we encountered the challenge of managing the increased electricity costs, especially with some guests charging multiple cars with large batteries! After careful consideration, we decided to adjust our policy to charge for EV use. This decision was made to essentially cover most of our electricity costs, not to turn a profit on electricity. Our pricing strategy is designed to be fair, reflecting the actual costs incurred while providing this service. We believe this approach is reasonable, akin to how travelers pay for their gasoline on road trips and don’t expect free gas!
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey to the Arnold and Dorrington area with your electric vehicle is not just eco-friendly but also a showcase of modern EV efficiency. At Evergreen Dorrington Chalet and Cottage, we’re dedicated to making your green travel seamless, offering amenities like solar-powered chargers to enhance your experience. This trip represents a step towards sustainable living, blending the beauty of California’s landscapes with the innovation of electric travel. Charge up and prepare for an unforgettable adventure where nature meets technology in perfect harmony.
