Why EVs are the perfect holiday companion
After a rather cold Spring, it seems hot weather and sunshine has finally reached the British Isles.
This is good news because, this year at least, none of us can go abroad. While the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage around the world, the UK government rules make it incredibly unlikely that citizens will hit European beaches this year. That means another year of staycations. According to recent research by Barclays, some 23 million Brits will holiday in the UK in 2021.
Stay at home holidays
Now, traditionally, when most of us holiday abroad, we end up having to hire cars. Often, they are expensive and left mostly unused - you don’t need one to go from the hotel to a sunbed. However, it’s the opposite situation with a staycation. In most cases, it makes sense to drive to where you’re staying. A car will also come in especially handy when the British weather inevitably turns. It gives you the flexibility to visit nearby towns, National Trust properties and beauty spots as you please. But, unlike traditional cars, it is electric cars which are the perfect holiday companions.
The reasons...
And here is why… First off, EVs have fewer moving parts. The result is most vehicles have both front and back boot space for all your luggage needs. That will almost certainly come in handy when one of your party overpacks. Are we there yet? EVs are also high-tech. Being more modern, you’ll find an array of gimmicks and gadgets that will entertain even the most bored children on a tiring journey.
From screens in the back seats, in-built USB ports to charge devices, or even ‘Car-aoke’ - which is available in a Tesla. Additionally, as there are now more rapid chargers than there has ever been, driving a long way isn’t stressful. Even if you were holidaying in Cornwall, a charging stop would only be long enough to allow for a quick lunch, but short enough to be back on the road within an hour.
When you arrive at your holiday destination, EV owners benefit even more. As the number of EV sales have increased throughout lockdown, many savvy hospitality owners have installed chargers at their premises. This means, you will increasingly find hotels, B&Bs and even Airbnb’s with charging points. So, when you decide to visit an old castle, you will not need to worry about finding a charger en route.
Plus, even if where you're staying doesn’t have a charger, it’s more than likely you will come across charging points at nearby pubs, restaurants, local businesses or even with those living in the area. You can easily find and book these chargers using services like ZapMap and Bookmycharge. It's the economy, stupid...
And finally...
Finally, the best and most important reason as to why an EV is the perfect holiday companion: price. It’s not only cheap as chips to charge up in comparison to petrol or diesel vehicles, but many local authorities allow free or subsidised services for EVs. This could mean being able to drive into a city without paying emission levies and even getting free parking.
Meanwhile, those driving combustion engines will be hit with extortionate costs. The money you save will help if you are on a budget. Or… it can pay for inflatable unicorns and more Mr Whippy. I know which I would choose!
