NEW data reveals the significant savings UK drivers could enjoy by switching to an electric motor – with the cost of some of the country’s best road trips being remarkably low in an EV.
Experts at OVO have calculated that nine of the UK’s top 10 most popular road trips cost under £3 in an EV.
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Even long routes like the North Coast 500 come in £54 cheaper than petrol – when factoring in one home and one public charge.
Ahead of the May bank holiday, many Brits are likely musing with the idea of a sunny spring road trip.
In a recent survey, it comes as no surprise that the Lake District and Peak District claimed the top two spots on the list, while the breathtaking Jurassic Coast – stretching majestically from East Dorset to Devon – secured third place.
Their data also found that Brits’ top motivations for getting out on the open road were to soak up the surrounding scenery (40%), discovering parts of the UK not seen before (38%), and the desire to feel a sense of freedom and adventure (37%).
Yet while 50% of drivers are planning to hit the roads for either a road trip or staycation, only a third (33%) of those will get behind the wheel of an electric or hybrid set of wheels .
Indeed, the majority (63%) will drive gas-guzzling cars – which can cost substantially more.
Ovo’s findings are perhaps not as surprising as how motorists can save up to 88% on their travel costs by swapping to an EV, with charging at home on a cheaper EV rate a great way to save money.
Top 10 scenic UK road trips and cost savings with an EV
1. Lake District Loop (150 miles)
Highlights: Circles through the Lake District, passing key towns and lakes.
Cost in an EV: From £2.63
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £23.18
2. Peak District Scenic Drive (60 miles)
Highlights: A circular route through the Peak District, covering scenic dales and charming villages.
Cost in an EV: From £1.05
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £9.27
3. Jurassic Coast Drive (95 miles)
Highlights: Follows the UNESCO-listed Jurassic Coast from Exmouth to Swanage.
Cost in an EV: From £1.66
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £14.68
4. Yorkshire Moors Coast Loop (130 miles)
Highlights: A route along the rugged Yorkshire coast, including Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay.
Cost in an EV: From £2.28
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £20.09
5. The Cotswolds Circuit (102 miles)
Highlights: A circular drive through picturesque Cotswold villages and rolling countryside.
Cost in an EV: From £1.79
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £15.76
6. Snowdonia & North Wales Explorer (75 miles)
Highlights: A loop through Snowdonia National Park, including Llanberis and Capel Curig.
Cost in an EV: From £1.31
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £11.59
7. North Coast 500 (516 miles)
Highlights: A breathtaking circular route through the Scottish Highlands and along the north coast.
Cost in an EV: From £34.33
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £54.42
8. South Downs & Sussex Coast Loop (100 miles)
Highlights: A scenic drive from Arundel to Eastbourne, following the South Downs and Sussex coastline.
Cost in an EV: From £1.75
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £15.45
9. East Anglia Coastal Drive (120 miles)
Highlights: A picturesque coastal route from Hunstanton to Southwold along the East Anglian coast.
Cost in an EV: From £2.10
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £18.54
10. Causeway Coastal Route (120 miles)
Highlights: A stunning drive from Belfast to Londonderry, featuring the Giant’s Causeway.
Cost in an EV: From £2.10
Savings vs Petrol: Up to £18.54
Alex Thwaites, Director of EV at OVO, said: “The issues that plagued EV drivers five years ago are being tackled by improved tech and charging infrastructure.
“Public charger installations increased by 37% in the last year alone and you can travel up to 300 miles on a single EV charge now – more than double the amount of miles of the majority of the UK’s favourite road trips.
“Last year my family took a road trip from Warwickshire to the beach town of Weston-Super-Mare, we stopped for a hot chocolate treat for the kids and a speedy 20 minute charge on the way home and that was it.
“A 250 mile round trip made simple, and more affordable, thanks to OVO’s Charge Anywhere.”
With OVO’s Charge Anytime, you can smart charge your EV at home for just under 2p a mile.
By combining that with OVO’s Charge Anywhere, you can get discounted public charging and avoid wasted time at the curbside, as you’ll see if a charger is available before you stop off.
