Spring Travel & Public Charging: Bank Holiday Trips in Your EV
Spring has officially sprung, and with the bank holidays just around the corner, there’s no better time to hit the road and explore the UK in your electric vehicle. Whether you’re heading to the coast, taking a countryside break, or visiting family, EV road trips are more convenient and sustainable than ever before.
But while electric cars are a smart choice for long-distance journeys, planning ahead is key. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about spring travel in your EV, how to make the most of public EV charging stations, to ensure your bank holiday getaway goes off without a hitch.
Why Spring Bank Holidays Are Perfect for EV Road Trips
-
Warmer weather means optimal EV battery performance
-
Longer days = safer and easier long-distance travel
-
Perfect time to take advantage of scenic drives
-
More public chargers now available at popular UK destinations
Prepping for a Smooth Spring EV Road Trip
Before setting off on your journey, a little preparation can go a long way in avoiding range anxiety and keeping your trip stress-free:
Check Your EV Charging Cable
Make sure you’ve packed a Type 2 charging cable (the UK standard) or a Type 1 charging cable if your vehicle requires it. A longer 10m cable gives you flexibility at public charge points, especially in busy car parks.
Tip: All EVwired cables come with a free storage case and IP55 weatherproof rating – ideal for spring showers!
Map Your Route & Charging Stops
Apps like Zap-Map, Google Maps EV filters, or your car’s built-in navigation system can help locate chargers along your route. Look out for:
-
Rapid chargers at service stations
-
Destination chargers at hotels and attractions
-
Free charging points at supermarkets or retail parks
Find out more about planning your route and EV charging apps in our blog: How to Plan Your EV Charging Stops Like a Pro.
Check Charger Compatibility
Ensure your EV is compatible with the chargers enroute. Most UK public chargers use Type 2 connectors and CCS rapid chargers. If you’re unsure, you can refer to your vehicle handbook, or shop by vehicle with our EV selection tool.
EV Charging on a Bank Holiday
Bank holiday weekends are among the busiest times on UK roads, so it’s worth knowing what to expect at public charging points:
Expect Higher Demand
Popular service stations can get busy. Try to charge during off-peak times (early morning or late evening) and avoid arriving with a low battery.
Be Rapid Charger Smart
Rapid chargers (typically 50kW to 150kW) can charge your EV to 80% in around 30 minutes. However, these are not designed for long stays. Be courteous - charge up and move on to let others access the unit.
Bring a Backup Plan
Always have a second charging location in mind. Some chargers may be out of service or in use. Using EV charge point location apps, you can check availability in real-time.
EV-Friendly Destinations to Explore This Spring
Here are a few top-rated spring destinations with good EV charging access:
-
The Lake District – Great mix of scenery and public chargers in towns like Windermere and Ambleside.
-
Cornwall – Coastal beauty with rapid chargers in Penzance, Truro, and Newquay.
-
Cotswolds – Enjoy picturesque villages with destination chargers at boutique hotels.
-
Snowdonia National Park – Great for nature lovers, with EV points in Betws-y-Coed and Llanberis.
Check out our blog on the: Top EV-Friendly Scenic Drives in the UK for Easter 2025: Charge Up and Explore.
Spring Travel Charging Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist to make sure you’re EV-ready for the road:
✅ Fully charge before departure
✅ Pack your Type 1 or Type 2 EV cable
✅ Download a charging app (Zap-Map, Pod Point, BP Pulse)
✅ Check public charging station availability beforehand
✅ Use weatherproof cables for UK spring conditions
✅ Keep snacks, water, and entertainment handy for longer journeys
Don’t Let Charging Stress Ruin Your Bank Holiday Break
With over 50,000+ public charging connectors now available across the UK, there’s never been a better time to take your EV on a spring adventure. And with the right gear, you can focus on enjoying the journey - not just the destination.