EV Charging on the Coast

EV Charging Coastside

The Bay Area’s Coastside region is known for its stunning stretch of California’s scenic Highway 1, but it’s far more than just a tourist attraction. Thousands of residents depend on Highway 1 for their daily lives—traveling to work, supporting coastal businesses, and sustaining the communities that make the coast vibrant and livable. Yet for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, the Coastside presents a mix of progress and ongoing challenges when it comes to public charging infrastructure. As EV adoption surges, ensuring access to reliable charging along the coast is increasingly critical—not just for visitors, but for the people who call the Coastside home.

EV Adoption Outpacing Charging Expansion

In 2024, San Mateo County led California in EV adoption, with a remarkable 25% of all new car sales being electric. This reflects the county’s technologically savvy, environmentally conscious citizens and the state’s aggressive push toward clean transportation. However, a glance at public charging resources like PlugShare reveals a stark imbalance: the vast majority of public chargers are concentrated on the Bay side of the peninsula, while the coastal side remains underserved. For Coastside residents who rely on Highway 1 for commuting to jobs in Half Moon Bay, Pacifica, and beyond, this shortage complicates the transition to electric vehicles.

Current Charging Infrastructure on the Coastside

Half Moon Bay, one of the largest coastal cities, has made strides in expanding its EV charging network. The city now hosts several Level 2 charging stations at locations like the Half Moon Bay Library and Bank of America on Main Street, along with a few DC fast chargers. The New Leaf Shopping Center also features an EVgo fast-charging station, providing one of the few rapid-charging options in the area.

Despite these efforts, gaps remain significant. As of 2021, Half Moon Bay (zip code 94019, 4.76% registered EVs) and Montara (94037, 6.29%) had the highest EV ownership rates on the coast, but still lag behind the county average of 7.71%. Meanwhile, wealthier bayside communities such as Atherton, Los Altos, Palo Alto, and Portola Valley boast EV adoption rates twice as high—or higher. Coastal communities like Montara, El Granada, and Pescadero have few or no public chargers, leaving residents with limited home charging options or requiring them to make long detours inland for a reliable charge.

This shortage doesn’t just affect visitors exploring the coastline; it impacts Coastside workers, teachers, healthcare providers, farmers, and service industry employees who rely on Highway 1 for daily transportation.

Local and County Initiatives

Recognizing the need, local and county governments have started investing in charging infrastructure. Half Moon Bay installed several public Level 2 chargers under a 2019 initiative supported by a Bay Area Air Quality Management District (BAAQMD) grant. However, most county-led efforts, such as those at Coyote Point Park and the San Mateo Medical Center, have focused on the Bayside, where population density and political pressure are higher.

Closing the gap on the Coastside will require targeted investments that prioritize the needs of both residents and visitors. Expanding fast-charging networks in towns along Highway 1 is critical to supporting the workers and families who sustain the coastal economy.

Challenges and the Path Forward

Several obstacles complicate rapid expansion of EV charging on the coast. Many older coastal buildings and manufactured home parks lack the electrical capacity for high-power charging installations, and limited commercial development in small towns offers fewer sites for public chargers.

Overcoming these barriers will require collaboration among local governments, utility companies, and private businesses. Public-private partnerships could fund additional fast chargers in strategic locations, while incentive programs could help small businesses add chargers that serve both employees and the broader community.

For now, EV drivers on the coast must plan their trips carefully. As the Bay Area continues to lead the transition to electric transportation, it’s essential to remember that the Coastside isn’t just a postcard—it’s home to thriving communities that deserve the same EV infrastructure as the rest of the region.

Notes

California electric car sales boomed in 2023 (Sacramento Bee)

Who buys electric cars in California — and who doesn’t? (CalMatters)

Electric vehicle charging stations | Half Moon Bay, CA (includes 2019 expansion)

BAAQMD’s Charge! Program (funding for public EV chargers)

PG&E Residential & Business EV Rate Plans

How To Charge an Electric Car for Free (Kelley Blue Book)

Electric Vehicle Chargers in California (California Energy Commission)