UK drivers three times more likely to take their EV on European holidays
The findings are said to debunk the myth of range anxiety
Planning a European getaway with an electric vehicle (EV) has become increasingly popular among UK drivers, according to Start Rescue, one of the nation's vehicle breakdown recovery providers.
Recent figures reveal that EV owners are three times more likely to embark on European trips compared to their counterparts with petrol or diesel cars.
In 2022, 6.5 percent of journeys made by UK drivers to Europe were done in EVs, despite electric cars accounting for only 2.2 percent of the total number of vehicles on UK roads. To put it into perspective, out of the 693,000 cars transported by Brittany Ferries last year, over 45,000 were EVs.
Star Rescue says these statistics debunk the myth of range anxiety and concerns about public charging networks on the Continent.
Furthermore, according to data from The European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), more distant locations like Croatia and Slovenia were found to provide dependable charging infrastructure.
Tiphanie Meyer, Chief Marketing Officer at Chargemap, a leading EV charging platform, expressed confidence in long drives across Europe for EV drivers.
She said: “EV drivers should feel confident about long drives across Europe. The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles has significantly improved in recent years, with a growing number of charging stations and rapid chargers available along major highways and in urban areas.
"This network expansion, combined with the increasing range of electric vehicles, allows drivers to plan their trips with confidence and effectively reach their destinations."
While the rise in EV-friendly infrastructure is encouraging, thorough planning remains essential. Online charging maps and apps, such as Chargemap, enable EV owners to map out their routes, pinpoint available chargers, and ensure a smooth journey.
Lee Puffett, Managing Director of Start Rescue, emphasised the importance of proactive preparation.
"Enjoying a European holiday with an EV is increasingly straightforward when you plan ahead, and the good news is that if something unfortunate does happen to your EV, the support is in place,"
Start Rescue also provides a roadside charge top-up service in the UK and select European areas, ensuring drivers are never left stranded due to a depleted battery. In the event of running out of charge, the company will promptly recover the driver and their EV to the nearest charging station.