One of the main worries we know people have with electric vehicles (EVs) is ‘range anxiety’. In an electric campervan, you may think that you won't be able to travel down some of the UK’s most iconic routes. Well, we’re here to put those concerns to bed, and we will do so by telling you why you should be thinking of doing the stunning NC500 in an EV.
The route
For those who haven’t travelled the route, or aren’t aware of the NC500, the iconic trail will take you approximately 516 miles, all along the north coast of Scotland. Dubbed ‘the ultimate road trip around Scotland’, it really is a bucket list item for many campervan lovers.
The NC500 sees you begin your journey in Inverness, weave along the west side of the country to Applecross, and then begin your northern ascent to Torridon and Ullapool, before exploring the coastal settings of Caithness and John o' Groats, famous for being one end of the longest distance between two inhabited points on the British mainland, before travelling back down the through Dingwall, finally returning to Inverness.
It is possible in an electric campervan…
There’s no need for any doubts. Yes, it IS possible to travel the NC500 in an electric campervan! From Inverness Castle to John O’Groats, the route holds no prejudice to those who have moved to EVs, and with a range of 258 miles, the CamperKing ID Buzz Campervan will provide all the equipment you’ll need to stay in your van, as you travel the gorgeous north coast of Scotland. There may be points of your journey where range anxiety comes into play, but as we've highlighted in the map below, you’ve no need to fear anything as there are chargers all along the route.
Do your research
As with any trip, it pays to do your research ahead of leaving. One key thing to take away from the numerous forums, blog posts and articles that you may be looking at as you plan your trip, is that you don’t need to be worrying as much as you may be throughout your journey. In addition to our map above, resources like the Charge Place Scotland interactive map, Zap Map, Google Maps, and your vehicle’s in-built nav system will be your best friends during your travels (apologies to anyone that’s accompanying you), as these will be a key component in reassuring your range anxieties. We recommend purchasing a ChargePlace Scotland card (CPS) for a one-off payment of £10, as this will enable you to access charge points on the ChargePlace Scotland network and charge your EV for free at 90% of them.
Ensure you know where potential charging points are before you begin your drive, just the same as you would with fuel stations if you needed to get diesel.
How long will I need to do the NC500?
So that you’ve got time to enjoy the views, you should allow five-to-seven days for your drive, and make sure you’ve got all the essentials for the overnight stays in your campervan. From potential sightings of the infamous Loch Ness Monster to the beautiful beaches of Sutherland, there’s no end to the stunning scenery on offer around the Scottish coast.
Want more scenic routes to travel in an EV? Keep your eyes peeled for a continuation of this series, and if you haven’t done so already, be sure to register your interest in the CamperKing ID. Buzz Campervan.
