Future of Motoring
There’s no doubt electric vehicles are the future of motoring. With the government banning sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030, many of us have come to realise adopting an EV can be a great way to save money, whilst being incredibly convenient for our daily journeys.
A great start to a likely future trend, as many want alternatives to jetting between locations, but how easy is it to take an electric vehicle on a European road trip? To find out, DS Automobiles have uncovered the most EV-friendly road trips in Europe and the UK.
They have done this by analysing several factors:
— The number of charging points per mile of the route.
— The number of accommodation spots with electric charging stations per mile.
— The number of attractions and restaurants per mile, to find out how much there is to see and do on the trip and whilst the electric vehicle charges.
Discover how EV-friendly Europe’s road trips are below.
Basse Corniche, France
Nice – Villefranche-sur-mer – Beaulieu-sur-mer – Eze – Cap-d’ail – Monaco – Menton
The Basse Corniche route across the beautiful French Riviera is Europe’s most friendly EV road trip. The route scored highest for the number of accommodation spots with EV charging points per mile at 0.41. That’s 0.13 more EV friendly accommodation per mile than the second-best route – the Netherlands to Belgium.
This stunning coastal road scored highest for the number of attractions and restaurants, at 48.16 per mile and 105.53 per mile. Perfect for EV drivers wanting to get a bite to eat or see the sights whilst their EV charges.
So, what kind of attractions can you expect to see on this adventurous road trip? Well, for starters the route itself is filled with beautiful sights of the Mediterranean Sea and the cliffs between Nice and Monaco. You could wander in time through Old Town’s cobbled streets in Nice, or the fortified medieval village of Eze. Monaco has a plethora of top-rated attractions, such as the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco, or the opulent Prince’s Palace.
From Ireland or the UK you can catch a ferry to Calais, Brittany or Le Havre and then make your way south to Nice.
The Netherlands to Belgium
Amsterdam – Rotterdam – Antwerp – Bruges
The second most EV-friendly road trip in Europe is the cross-country route of the Netherlands to Belgium. This cultured road trip starts in Amsterdam, through to one of Europe’s hottest destinations – Rotterdam. Then stop off at Antwerp, Belgium’s hip city, before finishing at Bruges.
This trip scored the highest out of all the road trips analysed for the number of charging stations at 18.73 per mile. In total there are a whopping 3,159 charging stations across the route. The road trip scored second-highest for EV-friendly accommodation spots, with 48 hotels equipped with an EV charger – that’s 0.28 per mile.
It’s super easy to get to the Netherlands, catch a ferry from Harwich, Hull or Newcastle. Brits could even take the Eurostar to France and extend your driving holiday from Calais. Irish drivers can spend some extra time seeing the sights by travelling through the UK or France.
Rhine Valley, Germany
Dusseldorf – Cologne – Bonn – Remagen – Koblenz – Braubach – Boppard – St Goar – Loreley – Kaub – Bacharach – Rudesheim – Mainz
Europe’s third most friendly EV road trip is the idyllic Rhine Valley in Germany, scoring 60 out of 82. The route scored highly thanks to its number of charging stations with 459 in total, that’s 1.42 charging points per mile.
You’ll be well-fed on this epic trip, there are 5,303 top-rated restaurants, which works out at 16.44 restaurants for every mile! There are plenty of cultural delights the Rhine Valley is well-known for, such as Himmel und Erde, a dish comprising of potatoes, apple sauce, and bacon. Or, satisfy your sweet tooth with waffles or Spekulatius – a German spiced biscuit.
Atlantic Highway, England
Eastover – Dunster – Selworthy – Clovelly – Bude – Camelford – Fistral Beach – Penzance – Sennen – Land’s End
The most EV-friendly route in the UK is the stunning trip along the South West peninsula on the iconic Atlantic Highway. You’ll traverse through Somerset, Devon and Cornwall, seeing idyllic villages and rugged coastlines.
The route has 24 charging points along its 256-mile stretch – more than enough to charge most EVs. You will also find plenty of highly rated food spots with 364 restaurants in total, working out at almost 2 restaurants for every mile. The trip would not be complete without pulling over for a cream tea: will it be Cornish or Devon? And of course, don’t forget to try a Cornish pasty.
NC 500, Scotland
Inverness – Dornoch – Wick – Tongue – Lochinver – Ullapool – Kinlochewe
Electric vehicle owners will be glad to know that they can conquer this famous Scottish road trip easily in an EV. There are 45 charging points on this route and even three accommodation spots with EV chargers. Both Ireland and UK drivers will find the route easy to access, with Inverness accessible by major roads and regular ferries between Ireland and Scotland.
The route is renowned for its spectacular scenery, arguably the best in the world. But, there are numerous landmarks and attractions to see, too. In fact, the route is rife in history with a landmark around every corner. The trip starts and ends at Inverness, so make sure to see the amazing Inverness Castle. Or why not check out the smallest street in Scotland, at Ebenezer Place in Wick?
Coniston Loop, England
Coniston – Broughton-in-Furness – Duddon Iron Furnance – Duddon Valley – Forge Bridge -Trough House Bridge – Boot – Hardknott Roman Fort – Hardknott Pass – Wrynose Pass – Tilberthwaite – Coniston
The Coniston Loop is a 42-mile circuit through mountains and villages in the beautiful Lake District. Although the route doesn’t have the most electric charging stations with just 4 points, the short distance of the trip means you won’t have to charge mid-route.
Where there are charging points, there’s plenty to see and do. So, if you do need to charge, you’ll certainly be occupied whilst you wait. Take Coniston for example, there are 28 top attractions according to Tripadvisor. Coniston Water is one, and it even has an EV charger. Take a stroll along the fifth largest of the lakes or partake in the numerous water sports on offer.
