Boost for holidaymakers as thousands of electric car chargers added all over country
Thousands of families and holidaymakers will be able to rent or drive an electric vehicle (EV) more easily this summer as chargepoints hit record numbers.
A total of 1,849 chargepoints have been added to holiday spots all over the country, including national parks, theme parks and beach resorts. This means it will now be possible to enjoy a coast-to-coast escape from Manchester to Portland Bill and Chesil Beach in Dorset, covering almost 300 miles before plugging in at nearby chargers in Weymouth, while soaking up sea views and fresh air.
Another route includes the scenic 270-mile journey from Norwich to the Brecon Beacons, where drivers can park up at the foot of Pen y Fan – one of Britain's best-loved mountain hikes – and recharge just minutes away in Brecon or Merthyr Tydfil. Holidaymakers can also go on a country house adventure from Leeds to Stourhead in Wiltshire, with 260 miles of driving to world-famous landscaped gardens where cars can be charged at the visitor car park. It comes after reports of a major change to drink-driving limit under huge shake-up of road safety laws plan.
It also allows for a family-friendly trip from Brighton to Alton Towers, taking in the historical spires of Oxford and the rolling hills of the Peak District before arriving at the legendary theme park, where hotel guests and day-trippers alike can plug in and recharge. Drivers could also go from Cardiff to the Angel of the North, crossing through the Welsh Borders and England's heartland before reaching the rolling hills of the Yorkshire Dales and the historic city of Durham, where they can now charge their vehicles.
The record chargepoint numbers come as families and holidaymakers can now save up to £3,750 when buying a new electric car due to the Government's £650 million Electric Car Grant (ECG) scheme – with 17 models available for discounts already via dealerships and more to follow in the coming weeks. There are now more than 83,800 public chargepoints available – and a new chargepoint added every half an hour.
Future of Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood said: 'We're making it easier than ever to go on holiday with your EV. Whether you're heading to the Brecon Beacons, Alton Towers or the ancient city of Durham, families and holidaymakers can get around with the confidence there will be plenty of chargepoints both en route and at their destination. With thousands more chargepoints in the pipeline and our Electric Car Grant offering discounts on new EVs, we're firmly putting range anxiety in the rear-view mirror, putting money back in people's pockets, and helping deliver our Plan for Change.'
UK residents account for 106 million overnight stays across the country every year and the domestic tourism sector is worth over £30 billion annually to the economy.
Toby Poston, BVRLA CEO said: 'The UK's rental sector plays a vital role in keeping summer travellers moving, and electric vehicles (EVs) are fast becoming a part of that story. Through the Bon VoyCharge campaign, we're highlighting that, for many journeys, it is easier than ever for holidaymakers to choose an EV. We are encouraging airports, businesses and attractions to invest in charging facilities, not only to help decarbonise our roads, but to attract more customers."
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