The concern about range anxiety often deters drivers from taking electric vehicles on long journeys. However, the rapid growth of EV adoption, particularly in fleet vehicles, suggests that this concern is becoming less relevant. In June, EV registrations among fleets increased by 7.4% compared to the previous year, accounting for 19% of the new car market.
So, if the workhorses of the highways are turning electric, why are drivers worried about taking their EVs on a 200-mile trip when fleet drivers do it every day (and back!)?
Now that we have set the scene and shown that if taxi drivers and Fleet vehicles (i.e. the intense-energy-using vehicles) can travel from Cornwall to Inverness with no issues, so can you.
As part of the EV road trip series, we have assembled a list of EV tips and tricks for a trip around the Peak District. (Dear Londoners, the Peak District is an area just a tiny bit North of London)
The route indicated below starts in Cromford, near Matlock Bath and takes a nice wide 100-mile loop around the Peak District and covers many of the must-see roads such as the Via Gellia, the Cat and Fiddle and the Snake Pass.
Firstly, use navigation apps, such as ZapMap’s route planner, specifically for EVs. These apps will help you plan your route efficiently, considering charging station locations and your vehicle's range.
The average range of an electric car is estimated to be almost 300 miles. So, always, ALWAYS start your journey with a full battery! And if possible, charge overnight, as you would with your phone.
As shown above, Airbnb recently introduced an ‘EV charger' filter, which eliminates the fear of having to spend twice as much at rapid CPs on your journey. Amazingly, there are also 43 campsites around the Peaks that have electric hookups. Although, don't count on there being any sort of Wi-Fi connection! It simply doesn't exist.
If you don't have access to a CP at your accommodation, you'll find plenty of CPs scattered throughout the area, as shown below. And since everyone needs to make comfort stops during a long journey (some more often than others...), it's the perfect opportunity to recharge your EV.
As demonstrated, with the help of route planning apps, EV-friendly accommodation, and a bit of pre-planning, EV road trips are a piece of cake. Or should I say, Bakewell tart?
(Sources: Zapmap, Airbnb, Rigsville)