New data claims that it’s becoming easier to travel to remote beauty spots such as the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District and the Lake District in an electric vehicle.
After more than 21,000 EV charge points were added last year, there are now over 66,000 available across more than 34,000 locations, according to data from Zapmap – No.1 on our TransportTech 50 ranking late last year – and BMW UK.
EVs produce no driving emissions and less noise pollution, making them ideal holiday companions to help support the serenity of the green and pleasant countryside.
To further support tourists and locals in rural areas BMW has partnered with UK National Parks to install a total of 135 new EV charge points across all 15 of the UK’s National Parks. To date, 78 new charge points have been installed across seven National Parks.
“While the ever-growing number of EV charge points in the UK is encouraging, it’s vital that the momentum is accelerated and that rural areas are not left behind in the EV transition,” said Graham Biggs, corporate communications director at BMW UK, said.
“A spread of chargers across the UK and into the countryside ensures that people can visit natural beauty spots this summer in the quietest cars and without tailpipe emissions – helping protect these precious places from noise and pollution.
“We believe that nature should be protected and accessible for everyone and that’s why we’re so proud of the work we are doing with UK National Parks through The Recharge in Nature partnership.”
Zapmap – search for EV charging points, plan journeys and pay for charging with Zapmap.
The UK’s National Parks have around 15 million visitors over July and August enjoying the stunning waters of the Lake District, the rolling hills and farmland of the Peak District and spectacular waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales.
Currently, 93% of those visiting the National Parks travel there in their own car and while more public transport infrastructure is needed, Zapmap data shows popular routes to the National Parks are now well-equipped with enroute EV charge points helping open up the Parks to staycationers travelling there, as well as those who live and work in them.
For example, looking at the number of high-powered charge points (ideal for en-route charging) within two miles of the main roads, between London and Yorkshire Dales National Park (261 miles), there are 91 charging locations, many of them with multiple charge points available.
Zapmap: 120+ high-power EV charging hubs installed so far this year
From Glasgow to Peak District (277 miles) there are 144, whilst between Bristol and the Lake District National Park (241 miles) there are over 180.
Melanie Shufflebotham, co-founder and COO of Zapmap, commented: “It is great to see these new charging facilities being installed as part of The Recharge in Nature Project. These destination chargers will be ideal for EV drivers to charge their car while they take a hike or explore our wonderful National Parks.
“The days of EV range anxiety are quickly fading. With improvements in vehicle range, an increasing number of enroute chargers and more chargers available at leisure destinations, EV drivers can plan fun days out with confidence.
“A little bit of planning goes a long way and the Zapmap app, which shows live charge point availability, can make longer EV journeys stress-free and enjoyable.”
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