We all know that the UK has a rich history, beautiful landscapes, bustling cities, and quaint towns for sightseeing, so what better way to see it all than a road trip? Even better than that, how about in an electric car?
The world is moving more and more towards a sustainable, eco-friendly future, and the time seems right to make the switch to travel around the UK in an electric car. This means you can see everything Great Britain has to offer without leaving a strong carbon footprint. Here’s what you need to know about travelling around the UK in an electric vehicle.
Why exactly choose an electric car for a road trip?
It’s fair to say that electric cars have had their long journey in terms of prices, accessibility, and quality. At first, electric cars weren’t able to hold a long charge and weren’t exactly cheap, but things have changed a lot in the last decade. With battery and charging technology improving all the time, electric cars require less maintenance and let you drive hundreds of miles on a single charge – all without adding any tailpipe emissions or noise issues in quiet areas.
The UK is aiming to have net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, as well as the sale of no new petrol or diesel cars by 2030. There’s never been a better moment to be on the right side of change and switch to an electric vehicle, if you haven’t already. Fears of owning a car that looks like something from a bad sci-fi movie are over, and so too is the worry of being stuck in the middle of nowhere if your battery has run out.
Electric cars certainly look like any other vehicle these days, some might say better, and one can drive roughly 190-270 miles on a single charge. Nowadays, smart cars stand out due to the company making the models look sleek enough, but sufficiently modern not to feel unusual or like you’ve just driven out of Back To The Future.
Charging is simpler than you might think
Many drivers are understandably concerned that they will not be able to charge their vehicle when the battery is running low. Thankfully, the charging infrastructure is abundant in the UK, with nearly 80,000 points across Britain to charge your electric vehicle.
While vehicle manufacturers always recommend charging the car at home before setting off, there are many electric charge points at service stations, shopping centres, and public car parks. Zapmap allows you to check charging points in your area, which means you’ll never be far away from juicing up your electric vehicle. If you are doing a bigger road trip, then staying at a hotel that offers charging facilities is a must, as then both you and your car can be charged up after staying overnight!
The benefits of using an electric car for a UK road trip
These are just a few reasons why it’s more advantageous to drive around Britain with an electric vehicle.
Cost-effectiveness: Electric cars are much cheaper to maintain in the long run, as charging up is far cheaper than petrol or diesel refuelling. Plus, there are fewer items to check, such as oil changes or exhaust repairs. The UK government also provides certain incentives to switch to an electric car in some cases.
Environment: This is the big one. The reduction of carbon emissions is not to be understated, as nearly every country is focusing their efforts on renewable energy sources and decreasing their carbon footprint. This means you can drive as far as you want around the UK without feeling like you’re contributing to the problem.
Comfort: Electric cars are smooth and easy to drive, and are far quieter than petrol cars. In rural areas, especially, it’s much more peaceful not to disturb the local wildlife or add noise pollution.
