Cornwall, the Cotswolds and the Scottish Highlands are the UK's best staycation destinations for electric vehicle (EV) owners, according to a new poll, because of their easy-access charging points. EV charging company Fastned surveyed motorists to find out which destinations appealed most.
Cornwall tops the list
Cornwall, the UK's southernmost county, came out on top, home to scenic spots like St Ives, Falmouth, Penzance, Land’s End, and a stunning shoreline. The Cotswolds, another heavily rural area, took second place, while the vast Scottish Highlands secured third. Norfolk, the Kent Coast and County Durham also featured in the top 10, along with the Suffolk Coast and the North East Coast.
The research, which surveyed 2,000 drivers including 1,000 purely EV drivers, found that nearly nine in 10 (87%) have or would travel to a staycation destination using an electric vehicle. Eight in 10 EV motorists in particular are confident the UK's public charging infrastructure would now enable them to complete a long-distance journey in the eco-friendly form of transport.
Growing staycation trend
It also emerged that 51% have a greater inclination to holiday within the UK now than they did five years ago, with last weekend (August 7) the weekend those polled were most likely to begin their main summer getaway this year. The study also found 56% have consciously moved towards a lifestyle more traditionally associated with countries like Spain, France, Monaco and Italy.
Exactly four in 10 eat outdoors more frequently than they used to, while more than a quarter (26%) have adopted a slower pace of life. Around three in 10 (28%) now take more time to enjoy and savour meals, and 37% like spending more time outdoors and enjoying their surroundings.
Charging infrastructure confidence
Carried out through OnePoll, the research found 90% of EV drivers are solidly behind ultra-rapid charging, which enables motorists to charge their vehicle up to 300 miles in 20 minutes – as they can get to the countryside or coastal areas faster.
Tom Hurst, UK country director for the EV charging network powered by 100% green energy, said: “We wanted to explore how travel habits are shifting gears for UK motorists, including EV drivers, from where people are heading to what makes a great staycation destination, and what’s powering the next generation of road trips.”
Hurst added: “With fast charging available near all of the staycation destinations featured in our research, drivers can spend less time worrying about where and how long it’ll take to charge and more time enjoying the journey. After all, the best road trips aren't about standing still; they're about where the road takes you next.”
Top 10 destinations for EV owners
- Cornwall – e.g. St Ives, Falmouth, Penzance, Land’s End
- Cotswolds – e.g. Burford, Bourton-on-the-Water, Stow-on-the-Wold, Bibury
- Scotland / Gateway to the Highlands – e.g. Loch Lomond, The Trossachs, Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
- Norfolk – e.g. North Norfolk Coast, Hunstanton, Wells-next-the-Sea, Sandringham
- North East England – e.g. Northumberland, Bamburgh, Alnwick, Holy Island
- Kent Coast – e.g. White Cliffs of Dover, Deal, Folkestone, Sandwich
- North East Coast – e.g. Whitley Bay, Tynemouth, Newcastle
- Suffolk Coast – e.g. Aldeburgh, Southwold, Woodbridge
- County Durham – e.g. Durham City, Beamish Museum, North Pennines
- West London – e.g. Windsor, Richmond, Kew Gardens
