Battery power: Here are some of the world’s greatest EV charging spots
The battle cry of people who don’t quite understand electric driving is often something to do with being unable to charge when and where you need to. Of course, EVs don’t work for everyone all the time just yet, but with some careful planning, and a little bit of imagination you’ll be amazed just how far you can go on battery power.
There have been electric journeys to the poles, circumnavigations of the globe, and trips to the tips of various continents, all without too much issue (though running out of snacks is a big problem). Have these intrepid electrified pioneers taken generators with them? No. Giant power banks? Again… no. Some seek solar solutions, but others don’t have to go to extremes, they just need to go to extremely cool charging stations.
You’d be surprised how far and wide EVs can truly go — we’re not talking about a lone charger in a country park on the outskirts of town, but in spots much further afield.
Here are our top five picks for the best charging locations around the world.
Loch Inver, 5 Cruamer, IV27 4LD, Lairg, Scotland
Scotland is a big place. Far bigger than you probably think it is. It’s not just a wiggly bit on top of England but is a little over half as large as its southern brother. Unlike large chunks of England, Scotland is greener than you can possibly imagine. Ribbons of tarmac will take you all over the place, inviting you to take in some of the greatest sights on the planet. If you find yourself near the epic Kylesku Bridge, you may be running a bit low on electricity (Scotland’s hills can take their toll on your range) and will probably be in the mood for a break. Once you’ve had your fun crossing the bridge — a real ‘wow’ moment — head to Lairg on the shores of Loch Inver. The small town has a few chargers, but the one here is something else. Plug in, walk for 30 seconds, and watch the sun go down over the loch while having a pleasant drink in Delilah’s. The view will make you feel at ease with the world, and the locals will make you feel incredibly welcome.
Nullabor Roadhouse, Nullabor, South Australia
Large bits of Australia aren’t exactly over encumbered with cities. It’s a vast country with large swathes of wilderness interspersed with pockets of people getting on with their lives. There’s a 1,000km stretch of South Australia called the Nullabor. It’s quite the trek, but one perfectly placed charging spot will keep EV drivers nicely topped up. A pair of 75kW chargers have been set up to give weary travellers a neat spot to stretch their legs and give their cars a chance to ready themselves for the continued journey along one of South Australia’s most iconic routes.
The View Hotel, 12 Utsikten. 9750 Honningsvåg, Norway
Ever wanted to stand at the very top of the world? OK, what about almost the top of the world? Then you want to head to Norway’s Nordkapp. You might think it’s not super EV-friendly, but Norway is the EV capital of the world, with plenty of opportunities to charge your car there. The View offers quite the vantage point while you wait for your car to fill on the hotel’s chargers. They’re for guests only, but with a view that good, it’ll be worth the stay.
Quai de la Corderie, 06159 Villefranche-sur-Mer, France
When you think of the French Riviera your mind may leap straight to Monaco, but looking a touch closer to Nice will land you in Villefranche-sur-Mer. A paradise away from the rush of Monaco, it’s on the quiet side, but with that calmness you get happy people, incredible restaurants, stunning views, and water so blue you’ll want to spend a day just staring at it. Pop your car by the harbour and take a stroll along the seafront by the boats. After a short spell you’ll find yourself by some waterfront restaurants that’ll gladly help you kill some charge time. Go further still and you may, accidentally of course, find yourself lying on a beach listening to the waves lap at the sand. If you’re going to take a break anywhere on a French road trip, you could do a lot worse than here.
Ruby Falls, Chattanooga, Tn, USA
The USA isn’t short on things to do and places to go. The only thing is they’re not conveniently placed right next to each other. The country’s 3.8 million square miles of land offer far too many places to choose from for an electric road tripper, and there are only so many hours in a day to fit them all in. But when it comes to places to stop for a charge and something to do, nothing can beat a waterfall, right? We’ve all seen one of them at some point — on TV, in books, even in real life. But have you seen one underground? And mood lit? Welcome, friends, to Ruby Falls. The vista you’ll find yourself at is deep underground but no less worthy of your time than any of the myriad other attractions in the States. It also helps that ‘Chattanooga’ is immensely fun to say. With a number of charging stations on-site, you have no excuse not to visit one of Tennessee's best-kept secrets.
No matter where you are in the world, there’s a good chance you can find somewhere to plug in your EV and take in the sights. And if there’s not a spot at your ideal destination yet, you can bet there will be at some point soon.
So, where are you taking your EV to next?
Words by: Alex Goy
