Everything You Need to Know About Taking an Electric Car on Holiday

There is still a surprising amount of misinformation surrounding taking an electric car on holiday. You’ll hear people claim that you’ll spend more time charging than driving, that you cannot travel long distances, or that holiday destinations simply are not equipped for electric vehicles. The reality is very different.

With the UK’s charging network continuing to expand and Europe investing heavily in EV infrastructure, taking an electric car on holiday has never been easier. In many cases, it can actually make for a more enjoyable journey, encouraging regular breaks and reducing fuel costs while offering a quieter, more relaxing drive.

Whether you’re planning a weekend in Cornwall, a family getaway to the Lake District, or an extended European road trip, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s everything you need to know before setting off.

Why an Electric Car Makes Sense for a Road Trip

People often assume an electric car isn’t suitable for long-distance travel. That might have been true several years ago, but modern EVs regularly achieve between 250 and well over 350 miles of range depending on the model and driving conditions.

In reality, most drivers naturally stop every couple of hours anyway. Whether it’s for coffee, lunch, stretching your legs or letting the children burn off some energy, these are ideal opportunities to top up your battery.

Instead of viewing charging stops as an inconvenience, many EV drivers quickly realise they make journeys more comfortable and far less tiring.

Planning Your Route Before You Leave

The secret to a stress-free holiday is planning ahead. Unlike petrol stations, charging locations vary in speed and availability, so it’s worth knowing where you’ll stop before setting off.

Fortunately, route planning has become incredibly straightforward. Most modern electric car navigation systems automatically calculate charging stops based on your battery level, destination and driving conditions.

It’s still sensible to have a backup charger identified nearby, particularly during school holidays or bank holiday weekends when popular charging locations can become busier. If you’re travelling through rural parts of the UK, checking charging availability before you arrive provides extra peace of mind.

Finding Chargers Along the Way

The UK’s public charging network has grown dramatically over recent years.

Motorway services now offer rapid and ultra rapid chargers capable of adding hundreds of miles of range during a short refreshment stop. Town centres, retail parks, supermarkets and tourist attractions increasingly provide charging facilities as well.

One of the most useful resources for UK drivers is Zapmap, which allows you to search charging points, filter by charging speed and even check live availability at many locations.

Useful apps include Zapmap, Octopus Electroverse, Shell Recharge and Tesla Supercharger Network (for compatible vehicles).

Having more than one charging app installed before you travel can save valuable time, as different charging networks use different payment systems.

Charging at Hotels and Holiday Accommodation

One of the easiest ways to travel in an electric car is by staying somewhere that offers overnight charging.

Many hotels, holiday parks, cottages and serviced apartments now advertise EV charging as a standard facility. Even if charging isn’t listed online, it’s worth contacting the accommodation directly as many businesses have recently installed chargers but haven’t yet updated their listings.

Charging overnight means you wake up with a full battery every morning, removing the need to search for a charger before heading out for the day’s activities.

When booking accommodation, consider asking:

• Do you have dedicated EV charging?
• Is charging included or charged separately?
• Is the charger available to all guests?
• Do I need to reserve the charger before arrival?

These simple questions can make your holiday even smoother.

Taking an Electric Car to Europe

European road trips remain hugely popular with UK drivers, and an electric car is more than capable of making the journey.

Countries including France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Norway have extensive charging infrastructure, with rapid chargers located along major motorways and in most cities.

Before travelling overseas, it’s worth checking:

• Whether your charging apps work internationally.
• If your RFID charging card is accepted abroad.
• Any low emission zone requirements.
• Ferry or Eurotunnel booking requirements.
• Local charging connector compatibility, although most modern vehicles use the same CCS standard across Europe.

Planning your charging stops in advance becomes even more valuable when travelling through unfamiliar areas, but many drivers are surprised at just how great European charging networks have become.

Common Questions Drivers Ask Before a UK Holiday

As an electric vehicle hire company we are often faced with various questions from drivers. Especially those looking to go on a UK-based holiday! Here’s some of the most common questions.

Will I run out of battery?

It’s extremely unlikely if you’ve planned your journey. Modern navigation systems actively monitor battery levels and recommend charging stops before your range becomes low.

Should I charge to 100% before leaving?

For longer journeys, charging to 100% before departure often makes sense. During day to day driving many manufacturers recommend charging to around 80% to preserve long term battery health, but occasional full charges for road trips are perfectly normal.

Are motorway chargers reliable?

Reliability has improved significantly over recent years. As with any infrastructure, occasional faults occur, which is why identifying a nearby alternative charger remains sensible.

Does cold weather affect range?

Yes, colder temperatures can reduce the range of an electric car, particularly during winter. Fortunately, modern vehicles automatically account for this when planning routes, and preconditioning the battery before rapid charging can improve charging performance.

Is EV charging expensive?

Costs vary depending on where you charge. Home charging remains the cheapest option, while rapid public chargers are generally more expensive. Even so, many journeys remain cheaper than filling a comparable petrol or diesel vehicle.

Popular Electric Cars for Road Trips

At EVision, we’ve helped countless customers discover just how enjoyable holiday travel can be in an electric car.

Some of our most popular choices include the Mercedes EQB, Tesla Model X and the practical MG5.

Mercedes EQB

The Mercedes EQB is an outstanding family SUV offering generous passenger space, premium comfort and impressive range.

With its elevated driving position, advanced driver assistance systems and spacious interior, it’s ideal for longer holidays where comfort matters just as much as practicality.

Tesla Model X

For those wanting cutting style and exceptional long distance capability, the Tesla Model X remains one of the standout choices.

Its extensive Supercharger network, large battery capacity and spacious cabin make it particularly well suited to family adventures across the UK and Europe.

MG5

If practicality is your priority, the MG5 estate car is difficult to beat. The generous boot space easily accommodates suitcases, camping equipment, pushchairs or sporting gear, making it a fantastic option for family holidays without moving into a larger SUV.

It also delivers excellent value while maintaining the smooth, quiet driving experience that EV owners love.

View our full range of electric vehicles for hire. 

All information correct as of: 14th July 2026.