The Great British electric staycation: Road tripping with an electric car now easier than ever

As families across the country get ready to set off for a British summer holiday to beauty spots like the Yorkshire Dales, the Peak District and the Lake District, data from Zapmap and BMW UK shows it’s now easier than ever to travel there by electric vehicle (EV).

Across the UK last year, more than 16,600^[2] EV charge points were added, says Zapmap, a year-on-year increase of 45 per cent. There are now over 64,000^[3] charge points available across more than 33,000^[4] locations.

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 many of us will retreat to this summer.

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.

Graham Biggs, Corporate Communications Director at BMW UK, said: “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. 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.”

The UK’s National Parks have around 15 million visitors over July and August^[5] enjoying the stunning waters of the Lake District, the rolling hills and farmland of the Peak District and spectacular waterfalls in the Yorkshire Dales. More sustainable enjoyment of the National Parks is crucial, as these wild spaces are not only treasured holiday destinations but also play a vital role in the physical health, mental health and wellbeing of the nation.

Currently, 93 per cent^[6] 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 to the Parks, as well as those who live and work in them, in the quietest vehicles, that produce zero emissions while driving.

For example, looking at the number of high-powered charge points (ideal for enroute 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. 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.”

Yorkshire Dales National Park, Peak District National Park and Lake District National Park are three of the National Parks boasting newly installed chargers, thanks to The Recharge in Nature partnership between BMW and UK National Parks. BMW UK’s support of the National Parks reflects the company’s work to put sustainability at its heart. BMW Group knows that its future is linked to the future of our planet and, as a premium manufacturer, is taking responsibility to develop new solutions for its vehicles and turn them into everyday reality. Enhancing the EV recharging network is an example of this approach in action.

The BMW Group has set clear CO₂ reduction targets across the lifecycle of every vehicle and is constantly seeking new ways to cut emissions. By 2030, the average CO₂ emissions per vehicle will be at least halved from 2019 levels. BMW Group was one of the first automotive brands to join the Business Ambition for 1.5°C as part of the Paris Climate Agreement – the most robust commitment to the goal of full climate neutrality, over the entire value chain – by 2050 at the latest. By doing so, the company is also part of the Race to Zero.

Plan your route to travel by EV to a National Park this summer at Zap-map.com/app/search . Find out more about the Recharge in Nature partnership at Discover.bmw.co.uk/article/bmw-and-national-parks-partnership .

^[1] June figures https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points
^[2] Zapmap data
^[3] June figures https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points
^[4] June figures https://www.zap-map.com/ev-stats/how-many-charging-points
^[5] UK National Parks data
^[6] https://www.nationalparks.uk/app/uploads/2020/10/Tourism-in-UK-National-Parks-Information-sheet.pdf