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Big Bear - where to charge?

Discussion in 'California' started by SoCalNick, Dec 20, 2020.

  1. SoCalNick

    SoCalNick Member

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    So, taking the family to Big Bear in February for a week. Really want to take the Tesla...

    But, where to charge?

    I have figured out I can use the SuperCharger at the bottom of the mountain, and can make it to the top with 65% remaining. But for a week in BB, that will not last, so I will need to charge up there.

    I have found a destination charger in Lake Arrowhead, but do not know if I can use it
    I have found a chargepoint in Running Springs.
    I've read about people charging in camp grounds, but have never done that myself, and don't even know if they're open in the Winter.

    Has anyone found a good place to charge in Big Bear itself?
     
  2. gene

    gene Supporting Member

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    If you are staying in house or cabin, simply charge on 120. Gets you 4o miles over night. Every night. Also, you do have the plugshare app, right?
     
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  3. cwerdna

    cwerdna Active Member

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    +100 on Plugshare. Filter by J1772, Tesla and Tesla Supercharger.

    As for campgrounds, they may be closed due to COVID-19. Google for california campground closed covid-19 and limit search results to the past month.

    If you're willing to buy the $450 CHAdeMO Adapter, that might help. Or, maybe you can borrow/rent one? CHAdeMo charging for Tesla - Adapter, Rent by the week is OOS right now.
     
  4. ucmndd

    ucmndd Well-Known Member

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    Not a lot of great options in Big Bear. Agree that if you can siphon off some 120 wherever you’re staying that’s more than enough.

    You’ll use almost zero energy on the way back down - maybe even GAIN a few kWh.
     
    • Like x 1
  5. cwerdna

    cwerdna Active Member

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    Also, for Plugshare, trying turning on NEMA 14-50 and residential chargers. You'd of course need to buy a NEMA 14-50 adapter for your mobile connector if you don't have it.

    You might be able to swing a deal/agreement w/a resident in the area to charge up a bit. I do see some residential entries in/around there.

    (I'm not familiar with the Big Bear area as I wouldn't ever go there besides it being over 400 miles away from me...)
     
  6. Need

    Need Active Member

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    #6 Need, Dec 21, 2020
    Last edited: Dec 21, 2020
    That. It is scary the first time as you don't really know you could make it down, but then you see that you are "gaining" miles as you go down. We go up to Big Bear/Lake Arrowhead every year from our home (a few miles from Fontana Supercharger). We didn't have to charge in between. Just charge up at home and come back home.

    Use abetterrouteplanner.com to estimate. It is pretty accurate. Just charge up at Fontana or SB supercharger, you should be good for the week unless you drive a lot up in the mountain. You only need about 40 miles on the gauge to make it down to one of those 2 superchargers.
     
    • Informative x 1
  7. SoCalNick

    SoCalNick Member

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    Yeah, this is my first case of true Range Anxiety - thanks guys.
     
  8. Choochoosparky

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    Ca
    There's also a 250 charger in Hesperia, if you'd like to top off there and then roll down the hill charging to the exit.
     
  9. SoCalNick

    SoCalNick Member

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    UPDATE.

    Did the trip. Took the Model X.

    Charged at the bottom (San Bernadino) and got to cabin at 65%.
    Cabin had a garage with an outlet! Only Nema15, but okay...

    Charging was at 12A, 110V, but I got 15-20% overnight.
    We had a couple of emergency trips to Lake Arrowhead, which took 10% or more each way.
    Lowest we got was 20%.
    Still finished the week at 65% at the top - and made it home without charging.

    I found that there was a charger in Running Springs, but only 7.5kW.
    There was a Tesla Destination Charger in Lake Tahoe, but those max out at 10kW.

    Would be really nice to get a charger at the top somewhere.
     
    • Informative x 1

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