- Easier and more convenient than ever to rent or drive
electric on UK holidays and road trips, as public chargepoints
hit record levels.
- From Cornwall to the Angel of the North, the Eden Project to
Alton Towers – wherever you go on holiday this summer, the UK's
public charging network has holidaymakers covered.
- Follows record discounts of up to £3,750 announced last month
to help make EV ownership a reality for thousands more people,
putting money back in their pockets as part of the Plan for
Change.
Thousands of families and holidaymakers will be able to rent or
drive an electric vehicle (EV) more easily this summer as
chargepoints hit record numbers after thousands added at holiday
hotspots across the country.
Today (Thursday 14 August), Future of Roads Minister has confirmed that 1,849
public chargepoints have been added to the network across the UK
in July, with record levels available at leisure destinations,
including national parks, theme parks, beach resorts, and other
top holiday destinations.
Whether visiting St Ives or the South Downs, Snowdonia or the
Scottish Highlands, it's becoming easier than ever to charge on
the go and plug into charging facilities along the way.
Future of Roads Minister said:
“We're making it easier than ever to go on holiday with your EV.
Whether you're heading to the Brecon Beacons, Alton Towers or the
ancient city of Durham, families and holidaymakers can get around
with the confidence there will be plenty of chargepoints both en
route and at their destination.
“With thousands more chargepoints in the pipeline and our
Electric Car Grant offering discounts on new EVs, we're firmly
putting range anxiety in the rear-view mirror, putting money back
in people's pockets, and helping deliver our Plan for Change.”
Holidaymakers can enjoy epic electric drives and road trips
including:
- A coast-to-coast escape from Manchester to
Portland Bill and Chesil Beach in Dorset, covering
almost 300 miles before plugging in at nearby chargers in
Weymouth, while soaking up sea views and fresh air.
- A scenic 270-mile journey from Norwich to the
Brecon Beacons, where drivers can park up at the foot of
Pen y Fan – one of Britain's best-loved mountain hikes – and
recharge just minutes away in Brecon or Merthyr Tydfil.
- A country house adventure from Leeds to
Stourhead in Wiltshire, with 260 miles of driving before
stretching your legs in world-famous landscaped gardens while
your car charges at the visitor car park.
- A family-friendly trip from Brighton to Alton
Towers, taking in the historical spires of Oxford and
the rolling hills of the Peak District before arriving at the
legendary theme park, where hotel guests and day-trippers alike
can plug in and recharge.
- A northern road trip from Cardiff to the Angel
of the North, crossing through the Welsh Borders and
England's heartland before reaching the rolling hills of the
Yorkshire Dales and the historic city of Durham, ending at one of
the UK's most iconic landmarks, now equipped with rapid EV
charging so you can power up while taking in the view.
The record chargepoint numbers come as families and holidaymakers
can now save up to £3,750 when buying a new electric car – thanks
to the Government's £650 million Electric Car
Grant (ECG) scheme – with 17 models available for
discounts already via dealerships and more to follow in
the coming weeks.
With more than 83,800 public chargepoints now available – and a
new chargepoint added every half an hour – the Government is
building the infrastructure drivers need to make the switch with
confidence, while supporting jobs and saving people money to
deliver the Plan for Change.
Upfront costs are often cited as a key barrier to buying an EV
which is why Government is also offering discounts of up to
£3,750 off new electric vehicles through the Electric Car Grant,
helping more drivers to access savings of up to £1,500 a year in
fuel and running costs available when switching to an EV.
Toby Poston, BVRLA CEO said:
“The UK's rental sector plays a vital role in keeping summer
travellers moving, and electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming
a part of that story. Through the Bon VoyCharge campaign, we're
highlighting that, for many journeys, it is easier than ever for
holidaymakers to choose an EV. We are encouraging airports,
businesses and attractions to invest in charging facilities, not
only to help decarbonise our roads, but to attract more
customers."
UK residents account for 106 million overnight stays across the
country every year and the domestic tourism sector is worth over
£30 billion annually to the economy.
Encouraging EV owners to utilise one of the over 7,500
chargepoints available at leisure and tourism locations across
the UK will also boost the domestic industry, supporting jobs and
driving investment across the country.
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