TripCaptain

San Diego to Phoenix EV Road Trip

Prepare for an EV trip on San Diego to Phoenix — approximately 354 miles via I-8. This guide introduces seasonal conditions and range estimates. Continue to the planner to check weather for your date, compare departures and plan charging stops.

Quick answer

  • Distance: 354 mi (570 km)
  • Elevation gain: 1,969 ft
  • Highways: I-8
  • Chargers to know: El Centro Supercharger, Yuma Supercharger, Gila Bend Supercharger
  • In winter: rare desert ice, wind shear over mountains
  • In summer: extreme heat over 115°F, flash flooding, haboob dust storms

Estimated range & charging stops by EV

Compare estimates for the available vehicles in mild, cold and arctic scenarios. These examples illustrate the effect of cold; they are not today's forecast or a measurement of your battery's range.

San Diego to Phoenix, 354 mi: full charge, steady 65 mph, no headwind. Terrain included: 600 m of cumulative climb, with descent approximated from the endpoint elevations; intermediate passes are not resolved. These are reference scenarios, not today’s forecast.
EV ModelMild (70°F / 21°C)Cold (20°F / -7°C)Arctic (-10°F / -23°C)
Tesla Model Y Long Range294 mi · 1 stop215 mi · 2 stops159 mi · 2 stops
Tesla Model 3 Long Range316 mi · 1 stop230 mi · 1 stop170 mi · 2 stops
Ford F-150 Lightning ER303 mi · 1 stop228 mi · 1 stop171 mi · 2 stops
Rivian R1T Large Pack311 mi · 1 stop233 mi · 1 stop176 mi · 2 stops
Hyundai IONIQ 5 LR AWD252 mi · 1 stop186 mi · 2 stops139 mi · 3 stops
Chevy Bolt EUV234 mi · 1 stop163 mi · 2 stops118 mi · 3 stops
Ford Mustang Mach-E ER AWD275 mi · 1 stop204 mi · 2 stops152 mi · 2 stops
Kia EV6 Long Range294 mi · 1 stop215 mi · 2 stops160 mi · 2 stops

Notable chargers on this route

El Centro Supercharger, Yuma Supercharger, Gila Bend Supercharger are charging locations to consider along I-8. Confirm vehicle compatibility, access hours and current availability with the operator before relying on a stop.

Winter hazards on San Diego to Phoenix

Winter on this corridor includes rare desert ice, wind shear over mountains. Compare forecasts around your planned departure, then save the trip to follow changes in Live Mode. A higher score indicates lower forecast risk.

Summer conditions

In summer, plan for extreme heat over 115°F, flash flooding, haboob dust storms. Heat and air conditioning also cut range, so keep a buffer between chargers.

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