Thinking about bringing your electric car to South Devon but wondering if you'll be able to charge it and what it's really like driving an EV on the roads in Devon around the South Hams, and how do the hills impact the range? And is there anywhere to charge? Read on because, as someone who's had the pleasure of driving around the South Hams in an electric vehicle, I can tell you it's a pretty awesome experience.
South Devon and the South Hams in particular is well-known for it's picturesque countryside, rolling hills, and stunning coastline, making it a perfect destination for road trips and scenic drives. With a growing network of charging stations and relatively short distances between destinations, South Devon is a great place to explore by electric car.
One of the most significant benefits of driving an electric car in Devon is the reduced environmental impact. Electric cars produce zero emissions, meaning they do not contribute to air pollution or greenhouse gas emissions, making them an ideal choice for travelling around the UK for anyone conscious about their carbon footprint and wanting to reduce their environmental impact.
Electric cars are also incredibly quiet, making for a peaceful and serene driving experience around Devon. This is especially true when driving through the countryside, where the only sounds you'll hear are the birds chirping and the wind rustling through the trees.
In terms of practicality, electric cars are just as capable as their diesel or petrol counterparts, if not more so. Many modern electric cars have a range of up to 200-300 miles, making them suitable for longer journeys, while the growing network of charging stations in Devon means that recharging is becoming increasingly accessible. There are charging stations at our local Tesco in Kingsbridge and also in the car parks in Kingsbridge and Salcombe (more in the links below)
Plus, if you book a holiday cottage with an EV charger that should mean no more anxiety about charging, making it easy to top up your car's battery at night while you explore the area. Hurrah!
One thing to be aware of when driving an electric car in Devon is the terrain. South Devon, especially in the South Hams, is known for its rolling hills, which can impact an electric car's range.
However, and this is something you might not have thought about, many modern electric cars come equipped with regenerative braking, which allows the car to recharge its battery while braking or coasting downhill. This can help offset some of the impact of the hilly terrain, and you can actually get your battery charged as you drive. Making it the ideal car for exploring around the South Hams!
Another consideration is the weather. Enjoying a mainly temperate climate that is neither too hot nor too cold shouldn't impact your battery range and charging time as much as colder and hotter climates.
The South Ham's stunning scenery and growing charging station network make it an ideal destination for electric car owners.
So if you were wondering if it's ok to take your electric car to South Devon, we'd say go for it with a little planning and preparation, you can explore the area with ease, safe in the knowledge that you're doing your bit to protect the environment.
EV charging facilities are available at Lamacraft Farm Cottages.
Useful links:
Below is a list of electric car charging points in or closest to Kingsbridge in Devon. It shows the charge point address, number, type and to which network each charging point belongs.
https://www.zap-map.com/locations/kingsbridge-charging-points/
South Hams District Council list of EV Charging points:
https://www.southhams.gov.uk/article/9153/Electric-Vehicle-Charging