Summer is here, the sun is (finally, actually) out, and the open road is calling. Whether you're heading to the coast, the countryside, or just anywhere that isn't your sweatbox-of-a-conservatory, there's never been a better time to take your EV on an adventure.
But a little preparation goes a long way. From range buffers to road trip playlists, here's everything you need to know before you go.
1. Use the charging stop to stretch your legs… or doom scroll. Up to you.
Unlike a petrol stop experience: greasy fingers, fuel fumes and queuing for a station... EV charging is a little more sophisticated, and even productive (if you want it to be).
Build your charging stops into the journey rather than treating them as an inconvenience; pick chargers near a café, a park, or somewhere worth a wander.
Apps like char.gy’s or Zap-Map's make it easy to plan your route around charge points in advance, so there are no nasty surprises halfway up the M6.
Where to go: The Jurassic Coast in Dorset is perfect for a charging-stop stretch. Pull into Wareham or Swanage, plug in, and go and look at some very old rocks. You'll feel very cultured.
2. Add a 10–20% range buffer, especially with the AC cranked up.
Hills, headwinds, and heatwaves all eat into your range more than you'd expect. Hot weather in particular is a double-edged sword, great for a road trip, less great for battery efficiency when the air con is running at full blast.
As a rule of thumb, plan for 10–20% less range than your car's stated maximum, and you'll never be caught out.
Where to go: The Scottish Highlands are jaw-dropping, but the terrain will test your range. Plan carefully, charge at Pitlochry or Inverness, and the views will absolutely be worth it. Just maybe don't attempt the North Coast 500 without a solid charging plan.
3. Don't forget your charging cable.
This one sounds obvious. And yet. Tethered chargers are common, but not universal; most AC (standard speed) charge points require you to bring your own cable. Check before you go, pack it in the boot, and don't be that person standing in a car park staring at a charger with no way to connect.
Where to go: Cornwall is a dream road trip destination, and charging infrastructure there has improved hugely. Truro, St Ives, and Falmouth all have good options — and we’d recommend booking your accommodation near a charger if you want a full battery ready for your return home.
4. Pre-condition your battery before you set off.
If your car is sitting in the sun, it may already be warm, which is actually useful. Many EVs let you pre-condition the battery and cabin temperature while still plugged in, so you're not drawing on your driving range to cool things down once you're on the road.
Check your car's app the night before and set it up to be ready to go. Future you will be grateful.
Where to go: The Gower Peninsula in Wales was the UK's first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it still delivers. Start fresh from Swansea with a full charge and spend the day exploring Rhossili Bay and Three Cliffs. Stunning.
5. Plan your charging stops like you'd plan a lunch stop, because they can be the same thing.
The best road trips are the ones where the journey is part of the fun. Rather than hunting for a charger at the last minute, build them into your itinerary around places you actually want to stop. A 30–45 minute charge is the perfect excuse for a proper lunch, a coffee, or a walk somewhere new.
Where to go: The Lake District is ideal for this. Charge up in Windermere or Keswick, grab a sandwich, do a short walk, and you're back on the road with a full battery and a very good sandwich in your belly.
6. Check the weather and adjust your expectations accordingly.
We know. You know what British summers are like. But beyond the obvious "bring a waterproof", weather genuinely affects range. Heavy rain, strong winds, and extreme heat all have an impact. A hot day with motorway driving and AC on full is a different proposition to a mild day on country roads.
If a heatwave is forecast, don’t rely on just your accommodation's EV charger, look for public charge points dotted along your journey, you'll be absolutely fine.
Where to go: The Peak District is spectacular in summer and surprisingly well-served for charging. Bakewell is a brilliant base, and yes, you should get a Bakewell tart. It would be rude not to.
Oh, and most importantly... download the char.gy Carpool Karaoke playlist.
Because every charging stop deserves a soundtrack 🎶
[Find it here: https://bit.ly/chargykaraoke]
Stay charged, stay cool, and if the kids are in the back, you already know what to do. *turns the radio up*