Can you take an electric car on a long journey?

Yes, you can absolutely take an electric car on a long journey in the UK. Most modern electric cars offer a range of over 200 miles, and a growing network of rapid public chargers along motorways allow for quick top-ups. Proper planning ensures a smooth journey, with strategic charging stops to minimise delays.

How far can an EV go on a full charge?

The range of an EV depends on the model, battery size, and driving conditions. Most modern EVs can travel between 200 to 300 miles on a full charge. Premium models, such as the BMW iX, can exceed 350 miles, while smaller city EVs like the MINI Electric have a range closer to 150 miles. Weather, speed, driving habits, and other variables can all affect the actual range of your EV.

What is the best way to plan charging stops on a long trip?

To plan charging stops efficiently: Use route-planning apps like Zap-Map, A Better Route Planner (ABRP), or Google Maps to find reliable charging stations. Aim to stop at rapid chargers (50kW or higher) to minimise charging time. Plan stops every 150-200 miles, or before your battery drops below 20%. Consider stopping at locations with amenities (coffee shops, service stations) to keep yourself sharp for the road and make the wait more convenient.

Do I need an EV with a long range for road trips?

While a long-range EV can reduce the number of charging stops, even mid-range EVs (200-250 miles) are perfectly suitable for long trips with proper planning. The UK’s growing charging network means that even smaller EVs can handle long journeys with well-planned stops at public charge points.

How long does it take to charge an EV on a long journey?

Charging time depends on the charger type: Rapid chargers (50kW): Add about 100 miles in 30-40 minutes. Ultra-rapid chargers (100kW+): Can add 150-200 miles in 20-30 minutes, depending on your EV. Destination chargers (7-22kW): Ideal for overnight charging but take several hours. To minimise downtime, aim to charge from 20% to 80%, as charging speeds slow down significantly beyond 80%.

Are there enough charging stations for long EV trips in the UK?

Yes, the UK has an extensive and growing EV charging network. There are over 53,000 public charging locations across the country, with a strong focus on expanding high-speed chargers along motorways and A-roads. Apps like Zap-Map help locate available chargers, ensuring a hassle-free road trip. However, if you’re covering large, rural areas, it’s advisable to plan ahead to avoid long gaps between charge points.

Do electric cars lose range on the motorway?

Yes, EVs tend to lose range more quickly on motorways due to: Higher speeds, which increase aerodynamic drag and energy consumption. Reduced regenerative braking, as there are fewer stops to recover energy.

How can I find the best rapid chargers for a road trip?

Some key best practices for finding rapid chargers include: Using apps like Zap-Map, PlugShare, or ABRP (A Better Route Planner) to locate and filter rapid chargers (50kW+) along your route. Checking chargers’ real-time availability to avoid busy or faulty chargers. Looking for high-power networks like Tesla Superchargers, Gridserve, InstaVolt, or IONITY for the fastest charging. Choosing locations with amenities, such as motorway service stations, so you can take a break while charging.

What does EV stand for in cars?

EV stands for Electric Vehicle. It refers to any car that is powered by electricity rather than relying solely on a traditional petrol or diesel engine, including fully electric vehicles ( BEVs ), plug-in hybrids ( PHEVs ), and hybrid vehicles ( HEVs ).

What are the different types of electric vehicles?

There are three main types of electric vehicles: Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): Fully electric cars powered by a rechargeable battery, with no petrol or diesel engine. Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): Cars that have both an electric motor and an internal combustion engine. They can be charged externally and run for short distances on electricity before switching to petrol or diesel. Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Vehicles that combine a small battery with a petrol or diesel engine. The battery is charged through regenerative braking, but the car cannot be plugged in.

What is the difference between BEV, PHEV, and HEV?

BEVs (Battery Electric Vehicles) run purely on electricity and produce zero tailpipe emissions. They must be charged using an external power source. PHEVs (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles) have both an electric motor and a petrol or diesel engine. They can be charged externally and run on electricity for a short distance, before switching to their traditional fuel. HEVs (Hybrid Electric Vehicles) also have a petrol or diesel engine combined with a small battery. Unlike BEVs and PHEVs, they can’t be plugged in, and instead use regenerative braking and engine power to recharge their batteries. The electric-only range on a HEV is much lower than with a PHEV.

What does kWh mean in EVs?

kWh stands for kilowatt-hour, which is a unit of energy measurement used to describe the capacity of an EV’s battery. A higher kWh rating means a larger battery, which typically results in a longer driving range provided that the battery hasn’t undergone too much degradation.