Discover the ultimate EV charging spots in the UK

LONDON, UK. 31st July, 2024 -The Electric Car Scheme is revealing some of the UK’s top spots to get a range boost and have a delightful day out, as the summer driving season kicks into full swing. 

For those looking for a cooling swim at the end of a long drive, Jubilee Pool in Penzance will be high on the list. The Art Deco Lido, opened in 1935, is one of the best situated in the country, and boasts a range of food and drink options at the café and bar. Penzance is home to a number of public charging sites, and the Harbour Long Stay Car Park is just a short walk from this gorgeous spot. 

Jubilee Pool, Penzance - Credit: Benjamin Elliott

For road trips passing through the Cotswolds, there are few towns prettier than Stow-on-the-Wold. Boasting quaint tea rooms, bakeries and other spots for a refreshing stop, the town is also famous for its church, over 600 years old, the door of which is flanked on either side by ancient yew trees. The town boasts two EV charging spots at The Stag and the local Tesco despite its rustic and stony façade. 

Stow-on-the-Wold - Credit: Benjamin Elliott

If you’re on the way up to Scotland this summer, there’s fewer more picturesque spots than Bamburgh Castle on a clear day. Sat atop a hill on a beach facing the North Sea, and just off the A1, it is an ideal place to get out and stretch your legs to break up a long drive. The beach is a short walk from the Link Road Car Park where you’ll find EV chargers.

Bamburgh Castle - Credit: Karl Moran

Ross-on-Wye, in the Wye valley, which crosses the England – Wales border, is not only in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, but also home to two charging spots, making it a perfect place for a scenic stop. Nearby you’ll also find ultra-fast chargers at the Old Court Hotel, a short walk to Symonds Yat, home to one of the best views of the valley.

View from Symonds Yat Rock - Credit: Rob Wicks

If you’re looking for an active stopover, including wild swimming, kayaking, windsurfing and sailing, as well as scenic views and hikes, it is hard to look past Windermere and Lake Windermere. Situated in the heart of the Lake District, the town of Windermere is also home to four Ultra-rapid chargers at E H Booths, and more dotted around the surrounding area. 

Sailing on Lake Windermere - Credit: Jacqueline O’Gara

“The availability of public chargers, and especially those that can deliver a full charge in just an hour or two, has made long drives and family trips in an EV increasingly straightforward. As this list shows, these stops do not have to be confined to the usual service station but can be a destination as well as a brief pause in the journey. 

“Over the past few years, prospective EV owners have become less concerned with range anxiety, as battery technology has improved, and the availability of public chargers has increased. The main concern is, instead, affordability, which was the biggest barrier for 68% of Brits, way out in front of any concerns around range, reliability or resale value. This is why we started The Electric Car Scheme, to make EVs more affordable and help increase uptake ahead of the coming phase-out of traditional cars.”