Quick Summary
- EVs can fit the Highway 1 rhythm if you treat charging as part of the scenic stop pattern.
- Overnights with chargers and lunch breaks at view towns keep your day flowing.
- If you chase long, remote stretches without stops, choose a hybrid or petrol car.
Highway 1 is made for stopping
From San Francisco’s headlands to Big Sur’s cliffs and the beaches north of Los Angeles, Highway 1 is as much about viewpoints as it is about driving. You will pause at bridges, pullouts and cafés regardless of your engine. With that in mind, book your airport car hire first so you know the charging connector and battery size you will be working with.
How to fit charging into the day
Use natural breaks. Coffee in Pacifica, a walk at Pigeon Point or lunch in Carmel becomes your charge window. Hotels with on site chargers are gold because you roll out with a full battery and avoid early detours. For brand specific counters at SFO and LAX, check Hertz at SFO and the LAX airport page before you finalise timings.
When an EV may slow you down
If you plan dawn to dusk mileage with few planned stops, or you are covering longer inland legs between chargers, the waiting can feel intrusive. Winter weather and mountain detours reduce range. Families who need maximum flexibility often choose a balanced itinerary, mixing short scenic legs with a longer inland cut on US 101 or I 5.
Route planning that actually helps
Think in segments. Northbound from Los Angeles, you could break at Santa Barbara, then Morro Bay or Cambria, then Big Sur and Monterey. Southbound from San Francisco, the same towns work in reverse. For local pitfalls around bridge tolls and scenic viewpoints, bookmark our notes on Golden Gate viewpoints and Golden Gate Bridge tolls. If you will drop in a different city, this short guide to one way rentals explains fees and when they are worth it.
Why book with Hola Car Rentals
Hola Car Rentals gives you control on California’s signature road. Free Cancellation up to 48 hours means you can adapt to weather and closures, our All Inclusive plus rate with maximum coverage protects scenic detours and transparent pricing helps you spend on meals and outlooks, not extras.
FAQs
Is an EV realistic for Big Sur Yes if you weave charging into coffee, lunch and photo breaks. Overnight charging at your hotel keeps day two simple.
What if my accommodation has no charger Plan a midday top up around a beach town where you wanted to stop anyway and avoid running the battery low on remote cliff sections.
Is one way SFO to LAX sensible Very. It reduces backtracking. Read our note on one way rentals for cost trade offs.
Should I pick an EV or a petrol car If you enjoy slower, scenic days with regular stops, an EV fits perfectly. If you plan very long continuous drives, a petrol car saves time.
Wherever you point the bonnet, reserve with Hola Car Rentals and make Highway 1 the highlight of your California trip.
