North Devon leads the charge! Barnstaple named starting point for UK’s best EV road trip

A 180-mile stretch of the South West coast has been officially named the best road trip in the UK for electric vehicle (EV) drivers, according to new industry data.

The route from Barnstaple to Penzance claimed the top spot in a study by fleet management specialist Zenith, which ranked 25 of the country's most popular journeys based on infrastructure and local amenities.

Scoring 81 out of 100, the Devon and Cornwall route outperformed other iconic drives, including the Peak District and the Lake District, due to its high density of charging points and EV-friendly hotels.

For drivers in North Devon, the news confirms the region’s growing reputation as a hub for sustainable travel. The data revealed that travelers starting in Barnstaple can access roughly two charging stations and eight accommodation options with EV charging for every 10 miles of the journey.

The route is also bolstered by its high volume of tourist stops, with 5,667 attractions recorded along the 180-mile path, averaging 31 attractions per mile. These include well-known North Devon landmarks such as Saunton Sands and Woolacombe Beach, both of which have seen increased investment in local charging infrastructure.

Zenith’s "EVXperience" analysis used a weighted score based on three key factors: charging stations per mile, EV-equipped accommodation, and the number of local activities.

The research suggests that “range anxiety”, the fear of running out of power, is becoming less of a barrier for tourists in the South West.

A spokesperson for Zenith said the growing network of public charging points and specialised accommodation was making longer journeys “more accessible” for the UK's 1.1 million EV drivers.

“Electric vehicles (EVs) are equally well suited to discovering the UK’s diverse landscapes, with models offering impressive ranges, alongside a growing network of public charging points and EV-friendly accommodation, making longer journeys more accessible” the company stated, noting that the South West's mix of rugged coastlines and rolling hills makes it the “perfect destination” for the transition to electric touring.