Charging your EV on a British road trip just got more interesting

Britain’s EV charging points can make for rather depressing pit stops. They’re often buried at the back of motorway service stations near the truck parking or in desolate stand-alone concrete deserts, leaving you with nothing to do but watch the progress bar on your car slowly move towards that magic 80 percent mark.

While there are more purpose built hubs springing up, thanks to the likes of Gridserve and its Electric Forecourts, EV owners looking to use their re-charge time in a more enjoyable way have been offered some more enticing options thanks to new recommendations by Lexus. The Japanese luxury car maker says that if you’re willing to take a detour from Britain’s trunk roads and motorways there are plenty of interesting places to re-energise EV and yourself, from motor museums to manicured gardens and many more.

For a comprehensive list of charging points in the UK you could also check out this guide from Autotrader.

A30

Cornwall-bound drivers can fill up on electrons and tasty local produce at Strawberry Fields Farm Shop in Lifton, just off the A30. In the summer you even pick your own berries while your car gets juiced up at one one of two chargers.

M1

If you’re running low near Luton then take a pit stop at the Stockwood Discovery Centre, a mile or so from junction 10 where you can explore exotic gardens, get a bite at the cafe or see how far transportation has evolved at Europe’s largest carriage collection. Up to four EVs can charge at once. Further north, four miles from junction 33 or 34 you’ll find the Clifton Park Museum within a Grade II listed Georgian mansion which has chargers for three cars and a fun park for the kids.

M11

Eight miles from junction 12, not far from Cambridge, is the Wimpole Estate. This National Trust property welcomes EV drivers with 12 charging points, parks, gardens and a grand hall.

M25

Escape the gridlock of The Road to Hell at the RHS Garden Wisley, three miles from junction 10 and explore the lush gardens or pop in to the garden centre and pick up few plants while you plug in at one of eight chargers. A mile from junction one, you’ll find Cotton Lake, where the Wharf pub has a pair of chargers you can use while taking a stroll around the water’s edge or tucking into a carvery.

M3

The National Motor Museum is nine miles from junction three and a marvellous place to while away a couple hours discovering historic vehicles as your thoroughly modern electric car charges at one of six points.

M4

Tredegar House, is a couple of miles from unction 28, so if you’re new Newport and need a charge then stop in and explore this 17th century pile and its 90 acres of parkland. As the only charger is a 7.2kW unit, you’ll have plenty of time.

M40

The British Motor Museum situated a mile or so from junction 12 houses the world’s largest collection of British cars and a great place for car enthusiasts to take a pause and pick up a charge at one of the museum’s 10 charge points. If shopping is more your scene Bicester Village, three miles from junction nine is packed with outlet stores and a handy 14 charge points.

M5

Should you feel the need to stretch your legs while on the M5, then head to Clevedon, for a stroll along its cliff-top promenade and a recharge at Clevedon Hall where there are four chargers.

M6

Whether it’s into the Lake District or up into the west of Scotland you’re headed the Rheged Centre, two miles from junction 40, is a diverting detour. This art centre has a cinema, gallery, cafe and five charging points.