Wawona EV Charging Station

Overview

If you’re road-tripping in an EV, this is your Wawona lifeline. The Wawona EV Charging Station sits in the parking lot next to the Wawona Store and offers 24 Level 2 ports (J1772), each up to 11 kW. It’s free to use, funded by Yosemite Hospitality, and available 24/7, so you can top up while grabbing supplies or planning your next hike.

What to Expect

These are Level 2 chargers—think roughly 30–40 miles of range per hour for most vehicles—so plan to linger a bit. The bank of 24 ports means turnover is decent, but summer afternoons can still see a queue. There are no DC fast chargers in Wawona, so this is about steady refueling, not a splash-and-dash.

Compatibility & Gear

Ports are J1772. Most non-Teslas plug right in; Tesla drivers should bring a J1772 adapter. That tiny piece of plastic and metal turns “stressful detour” into “easy top-up.”

Planning Tips

• It’s free to charge here, but you still need a valid park entry to access the lot.
• Budget Level 2 time into your day—pair it with a grocery run or a meal break.
• Move your car when you’re done; etiquette keeps everyone rolling.

Nearby & Alternatives

Being next to the Wawona Store makes this one of the more convenient charging stops in the southern part of the park. If it’s packed, there are additional Level 2 locations elsewhere in the park (Yosemite Valley, El Portal, Tuolumne Meadows), but expect similar Level 2 speeds.

Best Time to Visit

• Weekdays or early mornings/late evenings see the easiest availability.
• Summer weekends and holidays are busiest—arrive early or plug in later in the day.
• For cooler temps and calmer lots, shoulder seasons (spring/fall) are friendlier to both batteries and drivers.