With many of the best driving routes in rural, often remote, settings, it could seem tricky to get to and drive along the best driving roads with an electric car. But that’s where you would be wrong. We have highlighted some of the finest stretches of tarmac the UK has to offer, and also where you can charge up nearby to make sure there’s plenty in the battery to enjoy the trip.
Hardknott Pass
It’s not particularly well known as a driver’s road, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t kick off our list with the Hardknott Pass -with claims of being the steepest road in England.
Our route runs from Eskdale in the Lake District to Ambleside, and takes in some of the more remote areas of the region. You will want to stop regularly to capture that scenery, and make the most of the winding descents for the regen.
Ideal charging stop: Booths Windermere - 4x Instavolt rapid chargers
Dereham to Wells-next-the-Sea
If the Hardknott Pass is steep, this route… isn’t. Heading up through north Norfolk, the drive passes picturesque villages and towns in the region, all the way to the idyllic seaside town of Wells and the spectacular nearby beach at Holkham.
Some twisty and flowing roads will take in all that Norfolk has to offer the tourist driver, and there are plenty of good pubs and restaurants dotted about the place for a bite to eat - or wait until you get to the coast and grab some fish and chips.
Ideal charging stop: Electric Forecourt Norwich - 22x Gridserve rapid chargers
Goodrich to Blakeney
The castle at Goodrich is a stunning piece of medieval history, overlooking the River Wye, but drivers may want to explore the region a bit further than the tiny village and its imposing fortress. Heading from Goodrich to Blakeney does just that.
Heading south takes in the climb up to Symonds Yet and past the rock and its lookout over a double bend in the Wye, before dropping back out of the Forest of Dean to Monmouth and picking up the Wye road. Beautiful and sweeping in equal measure, you will then turn back to sample some of the ancient forest’s fabulous roads.
Ideal charging stop: Lidl Coleford - 1x Pod Point rapid
Toddington to Banbury
The Cotswolds is about as quintessentially English as it gets in the south, so why not look at much of it in one road trip. Starting at Toddington - which is also one end of the Cotswold steam railway - climb up into the region, over many of the peaks and troughs in the area to pretty market town of Stow on the Wold.
From there, cross via Daylesford to Chipping Norton, and on to Banbury for a look at some of the quietest villages around - the sort of place where you want to pull up at the local hostelry and put your feet up in front of a roaring fire.
Ideal charging stops: Banbury Cross - 6x Osprey rapid chargers, or Stroud Park Banbury - 16x Instavolt rapid chargers
North Coast 500
This is one of the few loops in the list, and has been created specifically to showcase the Highlands of Scotland to their magnificent best. Mountains, lochs, sea, sky, islands, waterfalls… just make sure you pack a camera and be prepared for plenty of photo stops.
The route takes drivers around the north of the country, with both spectacular scenery and roads making sure that what will be a long trip for most of the UK will definitely be worth it.
Ideal charging stops: Loads! There are rapid points all along the route on the ChargePlace Scotland network
Skyfall Road
Staying in Scotland temporarily, and moving away from the 500 mile marathon that is the NC 500, the significantly shorter “Skyfall Road” runs through Glen Etive, and also takes in streams, lakes, mountains, and waterfalls.
But it’s most famous for stealing the scene from Daniel Craig and Dame Judy Dench in the 007 film Skyfall.
Ideal charging stop: Oban - 2x ChargePlace Scotland rapid charging locations, and Tesco with 1x Pod Point rapid charger
Buttertubs Pass
A favourite of drivers, motorcycle riders, and perhaps most popular with cyclists, the Buttertubs Pass is an icon of Yorkshire vehicular tourism.
With the Yorkshire Dales boasting a plethora of fantastic views, the Buttertubs Pass is perhaps the pick of the bunch. Joining Hawes and Thwaite via a twisting, turning climb of a pass, it’s only half a dozen miles long, but worth the drive for sure.
Ideal charging stop: Booths Kirby Lonsdale - 4x Instavolt rapid chargers
Dartmoor
Yes, Dartmoor is rather large, but the route we have highlighted here is that between Moretonhampstead and Tavistock via Two Bridges. The scenery is second only really to the quality of the driving challenge, with roads worthy of this list, and views to impress.
The hotel at the halfway point is ideal for a cream tea and spot of refreshment, before setting off again on to Tavistock along some bleak but breathtaking vistas.
Ideal charging stop: Exeter Services - 15x Gridserve rapid chargers
Evo Triangle
Famed among drivers, the Eco Triangle is a triangular loop of Welsh roads that showcase exactly what a car can do in the right setting. Made famous by Evo Magazine, the triangle is now popular for anyone venturing into North Wales.
Taking in the A5, A543, and B4501 close to the Snowdonia National Park, the route is around 20 miles long, and a real driver’s road - challenging, scenic, and brilliant fun.
Ideal charging stop: Rhug Estate Farm Shop - 8x Instavolt rapid chargers
Dunsfold to Goodwood
We finish with two icons of British motoring locations. Starting at the former home of the Top Gear TV show, head south and take in some lovely towns and villages as you cross the South Downs National Park.
Finish the route by driving across some excellent Sussex roads to the Goodwood estate, home of the Festival of Speed, and Goodwood Revival meetings.
Ideal charging stop: Barnfield Retail Park, Chichester - 2x Osprey rapid chargers