So, you’ve got the keys to your shiny new electric vehicle (EV) (or maybe it’s just new to you) and your sights are set beyond your driveway. Brilliant. Whether it’s a coast-to-coast trek or a quiet weekend getaway, taking your electric vehicle on a road trip is a proper milestone, one that’s exciting, doable and just needs a bit of planning, so buckle-up.
The first EV road trip can feel like you’re stepping into the unknown. You might be wondering: where will I charge? What if a charger’s in use? Will I be stuck halfway up the M6?
That’s normal. And more importantly, it’s manageable. With a few smart tools and a little know-how, finding charging stations beyond home becomes second nature.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the tips, apps, and real life tricks that can help you plan your EV journey with confidence. You don’t need a PhD in volts or amps, just a sense of adventure and a bit of curiosity. So, let’s plug in and power up for some electric adventures!
Your road trip power-up: smart charging strategies at home and away.
Let’s start at the very beginning, your home. If you’ve got a home charger, you’re already off to a strong start. Charging up overnight means you’ll wake up to a full battery and a head start on the day. Think of it like making a strong cup of tea before a hike, comforting and efficient.
But what if you’re staying somewhere new while travelling? That’s where destination charging comes in.
Many hotels, B&Bs and holiday rentals now offer EV chargers,and if they don’t, some hosts will let you plug in via a standard socket (it’s worth asking). If you’re visiting friends or family, and they’ve got a charger, that’s another handy pit stop.
Overnight charging at your destination is one of the most hassle-free ways to top up. While you sleep, your EV refuels. No detours, no downtime, no queuing at a service station next to someone microwaving last night’s dinner.
Need help finding places to stay with EV charging? Mobile phones apps like E.ON Drive Comfort, and websites like Zap-Map and PlugShare let you filter by accommodation type with charging. Handy, right?
Charging on the go: your essential toolkit for finding EV charging stations.
Where can I charge my electric car? Simple tools for every journey.
Let’s cut to the chase: when you’re out and about, where can you charge?
Short answer: lots of places! Supermarkets, service stations, retail parks, gyms, even pubs and garden centres are joining the electric club.
But how do you find them? That’s where a few smart apps come in handy. Here are some of the most popular ones used in the UK:
The E.ON Drive Comfort app is designed to help you locate public EV chargers across the UK and Europe. It shows you real-time availability, charger details (including plug types and charging speeds), and may offer integrated payment options depending on your network and subscription.
Zap-Map. Probably the most well known UK app. It shows charging stations by type (slow/fast/rapid), real-time availability, cost per kWh, and even user ratings. You can also plan your whole route.
PlugShare. A global map with good community feedback. It includes photos and reviews so you know what to expect (e.g., “charger hidden behind bins” or “lovely café nearby”).
A Better Routeplanner (ABRP). Great for those who like a detailed plan. Plug in your vehicle type and destination, and it’ll suggest charging stops based on your car’s range.
Google Maps and Waze. Both are increasingly EV-friendly. You can search for nearby charging stations and see basic info like speed, availability, and opening hours.
Whatever app you choose, the aim is the same: take the guesswork out of charging, and keep your trip rolling.
Step-by-step: planning your charging stops like a pro.
You don’t need to plan every second of your trip, but a little prep can save a lot of stress. Here’s a beginners guide to planning your charging stops and becoming a master trip planner:
1. Know your EV range.
Start with how far your EV can go on a full charge,and be realistic. Cold weather, heavy loads and hills can all nudge that number down a bit.
2. Map your route.
Use a planner like Zap-Map or ABRP to map your journey, and let it suggest logical charging stops along the way. Try spacing them around 60–80% of your range for wiggle room.
3. Choose your chargers.
Pick stations that match your EV’s charging speed. You’ll see different charger speeds – 'slow', 'fast', 'rapid', and 'ultra-rapid'. Think of them like different types of pit stops. A rapid charger can give you a significant boost in 20-30 minutes, perfect for a quick break. A fast charger might take a few hours, ideal for a longer stop where you might grab a meal or explore a town.
4. Check real-time info.
Before setting off, double check your chosen station’s live status. Some apps show if a charger is in use or out of order.
5. Think about your breaks.
Charging doesn’t have to be a chore, it’s a perfect time for a coffee, lunch, or a short walk. Look for stops with loos, snacks, or even scenic views.
6. Pack a backup.
Add one or two alternative stops to your plan, just in case your first choice is busy or unavailable.
Cost of charging an EV.
Let’s talk money. How much will it cost?
When it comes to the cost of charging an EV, it really varies, a bit like the price of fuel at different petrol stations. Home charging is generally the cheapest option, especially if you're on an EV-friendly tariff. Public rapid chargers will usually be more expensive, but they offer the convenience of speed. Many charging networks have their own pricing structures, often based on the energy used (per kWh) or the time you’re plugged in. Some might even have a connection fee. It’s always a good idea to check the pricing on the app for the specific charger you’re planning to use before you plug in. Transparency is key here, and most apps do a good job of displaying the expected cost upfront, but here’s a ballpark idea:
Home charging: Typically the cheapest (around 7p–30p per kWh depending on your tariff).
Destination chargers: May be free (especially at hotels or supermarkets) or similar to home rates.
Public rapid chargers: Usually the most expensive (35p–79p per kWh on average), but they’re fast and convenient.
Always check the price per kWh before plugging in, and most apps will show this. Some charging networks offer subscriptions or discounts if you use them regularly, so it’s worth doing the maths if you’re a frequent traveller.
We’re committed to helping customers access fair, transparent pricing, so you’ll never find any surprise mark-ups in the E.ON Drive Comfort app. Just good data, in plain English.
Making the most of your range: simple tips for efficient EV road tripping.
Worried about squeezing out a few more miles? Here’s how to go further without fuss:
Smooth operator. Rapid acceleration and high speeds burn through energy faster. Cruise control can help on motorways.
Use regen braking. Most EVs recharge the battery slightly when slowing down. Gentle braking, or lifting off early, makes a difference.
Precondition your car. If you’re plugged in, heat or cool your EV before you set off, as it uses less battery than doing it on the road.
Lighten the load. Roof boxes, bikes and full boots increase drag and weight. If you don’t need it, leave it.
Tyre pressure matters. Under-inflated tyres reduce efficiency, so a quick check before you leave can improve your range.
And always check your estimated range before each leg of your trip. It’s not just a number, it’s your plan in pixels.
Troubleshooting on the road: what to do if things don’t go exactly to plan.
Let’s be honest, while the UK’s charging network is fantastic and constantly improving, occasionally a hiccup might occur. Maybe a charger is in use when you arrive, or perhaps, on a rare day, one might be temporarily out of service. It’s like arriving at your favourite coffee shop only to find their machine is having a moment, a minor inconvenience, not a disaster!
The key here is to have a simple backup plan, and thankfully, it’s easily done.
Have multiple apps. If one isn’t working or doesn’t show a nearby charger, another might. It’s like having a Plan B, C and D in your pocket.
Look for alternative networks. Most public chargers are on multiple apps, so you’re rarely locked out.
Don’t let the battery run too low. Aim to recharge before you drop below 20%, so you have more options.
Ask the community. EV forums and app reviews are full of local knowledge (“Charger behind the shop – not signed!”).
And remember: EV networks are growing fast, and reliability is improving all the time. The odd glitch isn’t fun, but they’re increasingly rare.
Embrace the freedom of EV road trips. You’ve got this!
You made it. Not just to the end of this blog, but to the start of your next electric adventure.
Taking your EV on a road trip isn’t about limitations, it’s about discovering new routes, unplugging from the everyday, and reconnecting with the road (and maybe a few charging cables along the way.) With a bit of prep, the right apps, and a good playlist, EV travel becomes something joyful, not stressful. And the more you do it, the more it becomes second nature.
Gone are the days of range anxiety dominating the conversation. With a bit of forward planning, the excellent tools at your disposal, and a dash of optimism, you're perfectly equipped to embark on countless electric adventures across our beautiful country.
So whether it’s a weekend in the Lakes or a week in Cornwall, your electric car can take you there, with a few quiet, clean, and well-timed charging stops along the way.
So, what are you waiting for? Plug in, plan your next escape, and embrace the freedom of electric travel.