The United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom top the table for countries with the most charging locations and stations, with eight European countries featuring in the top ten overall. Using information such as this, Comparethemarket.com has revealed the best road trips for electric vehicles (EVs) across Africa, Asia, Europe, and North America.
The Tesla Model S 100D Dual Motor AWD was found to be the best EV for the highest range, with the Volkswagen e-Up! and Renault Zoe R110 ZE 40 having the shortest charging speeds. The research reveals the Hyundai Ioniq Electric as the EV to give you one of the best ranges for cost per mile and charging time.
With hopes for the UK and a number of countries around the world to ban all petrol and diesel cars on the road, in recent years there has been a surge in the number of electric vehicles (EVs) being sold. With EVs being a more environmentally-friendly and cost-efficient choice, they’re becoming the norm.
The United States takes the lead with over 17,680 charging locations and 29,252 charging stations. Also, home to the renowned automotive and electric car brand, Tesla, the country has seen a surge in the number of EV sales.
Europe is actually the world leader for EVs with eight countries featuring in the top ten overall. Germany has over 11,802 charging locations and 28,967 stations, with the United Kingdom following behind with 6,959 charging locations and 10,553 stations.
A road trip is a great way to explore without having to worry about public transport - it also means people get to see the world at their own pace. An iconic way to travel the world, more people are becoming self-conscious about the environment and their carbon footprint, and with governments around the world pledging to ban petrol and diesel cars, EVs are the way to go.
With the increasing demand for EVs and charging stations, Comparethemarket.com took a look at some of the best road trips for EV drivers:
Africa - South Africa is known for its cultural diversity and some of the world’s most beautiful landscapes. A road trip from Cape Town to Port Elizabeth offers stunning sights of Jeffreys Bay, Knysna, and Mossel Bay. Spanning 465 miles, it will take around eight hours to complete, and an EV will need around two charges with ten charging locations available along the route.
Asia - Japan offers incredible views along the Osaka to Tokyo route. It takes around six hours to complete and includes views of a modern metropolis from neon lights to skyscrapers, and natural wonders such as Mount Asama. There are 250 charging locations along the route, and this road trip only requires one charge.
Europe - With over nine different road trips to take in Europe, Porto to Lisbon offers 195 miles of driving through one of Europe’s most charismatic cities, stopping in Coimbra and Alhandra along the way - taking less than three hours to complete. With 189 charging stations along the route, there is plenty of choice for the one charge needed to complete this trip.
North America - The American road trip is famous. An example is the iconic route of Chicago to Los Angeles which is possible without worrying about an EV running out of power. The US takes the lead with the number of charging stations and locations overall - this route has around 137, and needs around four charges to complete the trip. One of the longer road trips on the list, this route will take around 29 hours to complete - but there are some notable locations along the way, including Memphis and Mississippi.
With regard to vehicles, the Tesla Model S 100D Dual Motor AWD was found to be the best EV for the highest range. The Tesla Model S has an NEDC range of 393 (miles), with the Hyundai Kona Electric 64kWh and Kia e-Niro 64kWh following behind, both having a range of 339 miles.
For those looking for a quick and speedy charge, the Volkswagen e-Up! and Renault Zoe R110 ZE 40 both had the shortest charge speed - around two hours, in comparison to the Jaguar I-Pace, which takes around 13 hours.
Whilst EVs are relatively cost-friendly, the cost per mile for each model can make a difference. The Hyundai Ioniq Electric is the cheapest EV to run costing only 3.2 pence (£) per mile. The Volkswagen e-Up! is the second cheapest at 3.3 pence per mile, and the BMW i3 42kwh takes third place costing 3.4 pence per mile.
For those looking for an all-rounder across all three categories, the Hyundai Ioniq Electric has a range of 174 miles, a charge speed of five hours and costs only 3.2 pence per mile.
The research also revealed the Volkswagen e-Up! and the Kia Soul EV as great options for those looking to start their electric road trip journey, with both models performing well across the range, charge speed and cost.
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