Wondering if anyone knows how accessible charging stations are in Devon and Cornwall.
Our son has rented an electric vehicle for our days there and we are questioning whether that is a good choice, knowing they aren’t always easy to find here in the U.S.
Posted by
Bristol, UK
1006 posts
I would advise you not to hire an electric car. It’s is not always easy to find charging points. You won’t save much as it’s expensive to charge up away from your own home, and while you could persevere with the electric car to me there is no point giving yourself any extra hassle.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23268 posts
See if you can change to gasoline. If not familiar with EV operation you might be overly concerned. Generally .... the software in the EV will locate charging stations and give directions. Also there are apps (in the US) that identify every charging station. I assume similar apps exists in England. I am guessing that if they are renting EVs then the charging station support is there. EVs are great but there is a small learning curve with them. Both of our family vehicles are now Evs. Have not bought a gallon of gas in over a year. I think you will be fine.
Posted by
Preston UK
877 posts
Speaking as someone who has an electric car and has had one since 2017, you should have no problems with an electric car in Cornwall as long as you do a little planning.
I would advise checking what your options are overnight at or near your accommodation. Use zap-map.com to see the available charging stations.
How long is your stay, where are you hiring from and where are you staying in Cornwall?
Posted by
Mid-Atlantic area
6547 posts
The last thing I’d want to do is plan my vacation around where a charging point is located and what to do while the vehicle is charging.
If there are operational charging points at your lodgings and where you want to go, then go with the electric. For me, I’ll stick with a petrol or hybrid vehicle.
Posted by
Preston UK
877 posts
You really are exaggerating how hard this is. The most sensible plan is to charge it overnight wherever you’re staying. Then you don’t have to plan anything special. It’s also quite possible that if the stay is a few days that you might either not need to charge at all or mat well only need one charge.
Posted by
Middletown, RI
1138 posts
The most sensible plan is to charge it overnight wherever you’re
staying.
I've never stayed at a B&B that had a charging station.
Posted by
SoCal
322 posts
I understand an EV owner saying it's no big deal. And for an owner it isn't, because their life includes a commitment to finding and managing charging stations. And most are able to charge their vehicles at home.
For renters, it's another matter entirely. None of the above applies. Don't do it.
Posted by
Lake District, England
5758 posts
The B and B may not have a charging station but they will know where a nearby one is. Even here in backwoods hicksville West Cumberland that is perfectly easy to arrange. We have considerable charging infrastructure very close to all the town hotels and B and B's.
I have no axes to grind here on either side, but rather than just a to and fro like this look at a map of chargers such as zap map- https://www.zap-map.com/live/ and make your own informed decision.
I am sure there are other similar maps.