Electric Car Road Trips: Charging Tips and Route Planning

Planning Electric Car Road Trips around UK in your EV? Learn how to map charging stops, use rapid chargers, and travel stress-free with these electric car road Electric vehicles are redefining road trips. With a bit of planning, UK EV drivers can enjoy long journeys with minimal charging stops and maximum enjoyment. Here’s how to prepare and what to expect.

Pre-Trip EV Health Check

Before hitting the road, ensure your electric car is road-trip ready:

• Battery Health: Verify your EV’s battery is holding a good charge. Most modern EVs are designed to maintain at least ~70-80% of their original capacity after several years. If you’ve noticed significant range loss, schedule a battery health check at a dealer.
• Tyres & Brakes: Properly inflated tyres reduce rolling resistance, extending range. Also, check that your brake pads aren’t overly worn – although EVs use regenerative braking, long trips can still wear pads if you drive aggressively.
• Charging Cable: Pack both your rapid charging cable and the portable “granny” charger (3-pin UK plug). The latter is slow but useful in a pinch at a campsite or rural cottage.

Smart Route Planning for Chargers

Plan your route around charging stops, especially if it’s a new journey:

• Use EV Route Planners: many online, best car internal navigation to show charging stations along your route. Aim to stop when you reach about 20% charge, leaving a buffer. This prevents “range anxiety” and accounts for detours or heavy traffic.
• Motorway Service Areas: The UK’s motorway network has greatly expanded EV fast charging. Most Moto and Welcome Break services have rapid chargers (50 kW) or ultra-rapid (100-350 kW) available. Plan meal or restroom breaks at these services to top up your battery.
• Destination Charging: If staying at a hotel or attraction, see if they offer charging. Many hotels offer overnight EV charging for guests – a full charge while you sleep means one less stop on the road.

Fast vs Slow Charging Strategies

Not all chargers – or charging strategies – are equal:

• Rapid Charging (50 kW+): Ideal for en-route stops. In ~30 minutes, many EVs can gain ~100+ miles of range. Use these when you need a significant boost quickly. Tip: Your charging speed may taper above ~80% charge to protect the battery, so it’s often time-smart to charge from 20% to 80%, then hit the road.
• Destination/Overnight Charging (7-22 kW): Great for end-of-day. Plugging in at a hotel or friend’s home on a 7 kW charger can add ~30 miles of range per hour. Overnight, that’s more than enough to recharge fully.
• Avoiding Peak Times: Some rapid chargers in busy areas (e.g., Lake District tourist spots) might have queues on bank holidays. If possible, plan major charging either earlier in the day or later in the evening when stations are quieter.

A UK driver charges an electric car at a public charging station during a road trip stop, using the downtime to plan the next leg (image credit: Fortunate4now, CC0).

Cost-Saving Tips on the Road

Charging costs vary by charger speed and provider:

• Home vs Public Costs: It’s cheapest to leave home with 100% charge from overnight home charging, which averages ~15p/kWh (off-peak tariffs can be ~5-8p/kWh). Public rapid chargers can range from 30p to 70p per kWh. At 30p/kWh and an EV consuming 3 miles/kWh, that’s ~10p per mile, still less than petrol (~17p per mile).
• Subscriptions & Networks: Consider signing up for networks like BP Pulse or InstaVolt if they dominate along your route – subscribers often pay lower per-kWh rates. Also, many Tesco supermarkets offer free 7 kW charging while you shop (up to 3 hours), which can save a few pounds and add ~60 miles of range.
• Eco-Driving on Highways: Maintain a steady speed. Driving at 70 mph vs 60 mph can noticeably impact range. Many EVs have adaptive cruise control – use it to optimize efficiency. And utilize regenerative braking on downhill stretches by taking your foot off the accelerator to recover energy.

Real-World Example: London to Edinburgh

A drive from London to Edinburgh (~400 miles) in an EV highlights these tips:

• Starting Charge: Depart with 100% (approx. 250 miles range for a mid-range EV).
• Charging Stop 1: After ~180 miles, stop near Sheffield at a service station. In 30 minutes of rapid charging and a coffee break, go from 20% to 80% battery.
• Charging Stop 2: Near Newcastle, an ultra-rapid charger adds ~150 miles in just 20 minutes while you grab lunch.
• Destination Charging: Arrive in Edinburgh with ~20% charge. Plug in overnight at your hotel’s 11 kW charger. By morning, you’re back to 100% and ready to explore Scotland without range worries.

Internal Link: New to EVs? Check out our EV Maintenance Tips article for advice on battery care and efficient driving, ensuring your car stays in top shape for journeys.

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