Places to Charge Your EV this Summer

With summer approaching, and car charging infrastructure constantly improving, it’s about time to visit somewhere with substance (and charge points). Here are just a few places to charge your EV!

It’s a common misconception that driving an EV will stop you from travelling where you want. But in fact, it will restrict you no more than a tank of petrol. Offering a monster 300 miles, providing you take the time to plan journeys. There are 8,000 listed charging locations and over 22,000 connectors available across the UK as of May this year. Even that’s ignoring the standard 3-pin plugs that can be used in an emergency.

There are many apps available to help you plan your journeys, showing the speed and availability of electric car chargers. They may even help you take some planned pit stops along the way. They could also help you get some free parking while you’re there.

Check out ZapMap for a live map of the UK’s charging infrastructure.

York

York is great for a scenic city break. It also has various charging points to offer, including at Waitrose and a couple car parks around the city. It’s a great getaway for EV owners.

If you’re feeling brave, you can pay a visit to York Dungeons for some spooky history lessons. Scary stuff not your thing? Why not look at the National Railway Museum for a free adventure. If you’re planning a visit for the summer holidays, venture slightly out of the centre and you’ll find York Maze. Although only open for the school holidays, 12/07/19 until 02/09/19, you’ll have the opportunity to explore a giant maize maze! As well as this, there’s various other family activities available, only a short journey from your nearest charging point.

Peak District

It might take a little more planning, but why not visit some of the UKs most breath-taking countryside? Bakewell is a pretty town, rich in history, with a charging point located at Newholme Hospital. Only an estimated 10-minute walk from the centre.

North of Ashbourne, just tiptoeing into the peak district, you’ll also find some stunning scenery at Dovedale. The famous steppingstones are a short drive away from the closest charge points.

Now, the Peak District might sound a bit risky to some new EV drivers. However, there are plenty of campsites that have their own charging facilities. So, you could make a weekend of your visit and take in the lovely views!

London

If it’s a city break that you’re after! One of the many wonderful things about London is the infrastructure available for ULEVs in the area. Greater London accounts for over a quarter of the UKs charging connectors. Along with the ULEV clean-air zone, the future in the capital looks bright for EV owners.

You have no limit to your options when visiting London. The options for places to charge your EV in London seem endless. There are hundreds of electric charging points built into car parks and on-road parking spaces across the city. You can visit all of your favourite attractions. Even more, other options are available if you’d rather hop on public transport while your car is charging.

National Trust Sites

There are various National Trust sites dotted around the UK with EV charging points. As Europe’s largest conservation charity, they’re always looking at sustainable options; their partnership with BMWi has certainly helped. Paying a visit to Sheringham Park or Giants Causeway? You’ll find EV charging points at sites across the UK, with more being added all the time.

You can find the full list of sites here.

France

Just hear us out! At first glance, a trip to France might seem a bit of a stretch, but maybe not. There are plenty of opportunities to charge your car on the way, there’s even a charging station located at the euro tunnel! Both ends are sufficiently suited to drive an EV, particularly with the 250mile+ range these cars are capable of. You could take a tour around France, or even further (given there’s some planning).

Tips for Your EV Adventure:

• Plan! When planning a route, it’s always worth finding out if the charging points will be suitable for your vehicle. Also, checking if they actually work would be a shout. These are some ideas you should consider before relying solely on a stop for a charge.

  Be wary of the weather. You’ll get a better range from your EV if the weather is warm and dry. That’s not to say wet weather will be a write-off! However, be aware of the range of your car should the weather suddenly change. We are in the UK after all!

  Watch out for steep hills that may use more battery power, it’s part of planning but often overlooked. Be aware of your route.

If you’re looking at EVs but can’t make it work for you, speak to us today about Electric Flex – an option to drive a ULEV with traditional vehicle rental built.