4 July 2025
With over 80,000 public chargepoints now in the ground in the UK, and newer vehicles boasting longer range and faster charging times, travelling in an EV has never been easier. But, like for any car trip, a little preparation goes a long way.
So here are 7 EV road trip tips to get you ready to hit the road:
Although you don’t need to check your oil, it’s a good idea to check your tyres pressure and tread depth, as these will enhance your EV’s efficiency and safety.
While you’re at it, we also advise checking that all your lights are working correctly, and topping up your windscreen wiper fluid. There’s no better feeling than getting behind the wheel knowing that everything is in good working order.
While we normally recommend only charging your battery up to 80% for day-to-day driving to extend the battery life, this might be one occasion where having a full battery is advised. So go ahead and charge to 100% – just this once won’t hurt.
And if you have a smart home charger, you can even schedule it to get you to 100% shortly before you leave.
AC will affect your range – although not as much as heating does in the winter – so being able to head out in an already cool car is a welcome advantage.
One of the many perks of EVs is the ability to precondition your car. That means that you can cool your car while it’s still plugged, using power from the grid rather than your battery.
Depending on your car’s range, you might not need to stop. But if you do, taking the time to chart your route and identify the charging hubs along the way is key to a smooth and stress-free journey.
Google Maps will do the trick, but we recommend EV mapping services such as Zapmap that will have a comprehensive breakdown of the various charging locations that are available in the UK, along with charging speeds and prices. Perfect time for EVA England members to make use of their 90-day free trial of Zapmap Premium!.
More travellers on the roads means busier charge points. If you cannot avoid peak travel times, plan for charging breaks earlier than you normally would. That way, if that spot is too busy or if the charger fails, you’ve got plenty of battery to get you to an alternative place.
Chances are that you’ll need to charge once you reach your destination, so it’s worth checking ahead to see check whether your destination has a charge point, or if there are nearby charging options.
Luckily, most accommodation booking services such as Airbnb or Booking.com now let you filter for EV charging (although they don’t always mention the cost)
All public chargepoints accept card payments, but apps can still come in handy: some offer better rates, loyalty rewards, or live availability.
Make sure to get your apps loaded and updated, and your method of payment set up before you head out. That way, you’re not stuck dealing with poor signal when you need to plug in.
Loading your vehicle down or pulling a trailer will significantly reduce your range, so try not to overpack and plan your charging stops accordingly.
Phone chargers, snacks, and water (and maybe some dog treats!) are always useful to have on hand.
But if you’re going on a long trip, it’s always worth packing a breakdown kit, a first aid kit and some blankets for extra peace of mind.
And don’t forget to pack a charging cable!
Planning your own EV road trip this summer? We’d love to hear from you! Please email us to share your own tips and your travel stories with us!
You can also support the BVRLA’s Bon VoyCharge campaign by sending a postcard to your MP to get them to support destination charging, allowing drivers to charge their electric vehicles in the most convenient and logical location when they travel, such as hotels or tourist attractions.
Happy EV travels!