The South West is one of the UK’s best regions for scenic road trips; think rugged coastlines, rolling moorland, picture‑perfect villages, and golden beaches. Thanks to a growing public charging network (plus BYD’s rapid‑charging capability), exploring Devon, Cornwall, and Somerset in an electric car has never been easier. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a full summer adventure, here’s your go‑to guide for an unforgettable EV‑powered journey.
Why the South West is perfect for EV road trips
Top EV friendly road trips in the South West
North Devon Coastal Loop
Kick things off in Barnstaple and cruise towards the iconic North Devon beaches. The route is smooth, scenic, and packed with charging options, including rapid chargers in Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, and Braunton. Highlights of the North Devon Coastal Loop include Saunton Sands, Croyde, Woolacombe, and Exmoor. This road trip is best for surf lovers, family days out, and coastal scenery.
Where to charge:
- InstaVolt – Barnstaple Retail Parks
- Osprey – Ilfracombe
- Pod Point – Braunton Car Parks
Must‑see stops:
- Saunton Sands at sunset
- Heddon Valley for woodland walks
- Woolacombe Beach for classic fish and chips
Dartmoor National Park Adventure
Dartmoor’s open roads are perfect for EV driving, smooth, peaceful, and with plenty of regenerative braking on the hills. Highlights include the wide-open moorland, iconic tors, and wild ponies. This road trip is best for hikers, photographers, and quiet escapes.
Where to charge:
- Rapid chargers in Okehampton and Ashburton
- Destination charging at Princetown cafés and hotels
- Gridserve – Exeter Services (ideal for a top-up before hitting the moor)
Must‑see stops:
- Haytor
- Postbridge Clapper Bridge
- Widecombe-in-the-Moor
Atlantic Highway (A39) into Cornwall
One of the UK’s most spectacular driving routes, and ideal for EVs thanks to well‑placed charging along the A39. Highlights include Tintagel Castle, Boscastle, Bude, and the rugged coastline. This road trip is best for myth lovers, cliff-top views, and foodie stops.
Where to charge:
- Gridserve – Cornwall Services
- Osprey – Bude
- Chargers in Wadebridge, Camelford & Bodmin
Must‑see stops:
- Tintagel Castle
- Boscastle Harbour
- Padstow (perfect for a seafood lunch)
The Somerset Levels and Cheddar Gorge
Cheddar Gorge’s winding roads are perfect for showcasing smooth EV torque and BYD’s impressive handling. Highlights include the dramatic limestone cliffs, orchards, and caves. This road trip is best for day trips, families, and first-time EV adventurers.
Where to charge:
- InstaVolt – Cheddar
- Gridserve – Taunton Motorway Services
- Pod Point – Wells
Must‑see stops:
- Drive through Cheddar Gorge
- Tour the Cheddar Caves
- Enjoy cider tasting in Somerset orchards
Charging tips for a stress free EV road trip
- Plan your route with charging in mind. Apps like Zapmap, PlugShare, and Google Maps make it easy to spot rapid chargers, check availability, and avoid queues.
- Top up before you need to. With BYD’s rapid charging (10–80% in around 25 minutes), it’s easy to stay ahead.
- Use destination chargers when stopping for activities. Many attractions, hotels, and restaurants across the South West now offer on‑site charging, perfect for topping up while exploring.
- Carry back-up options. While rare, rural chargers can occasionally be busy or offline, so it’s helpful to have alternatives on your route.
BYD models made for South West adventures
Whether you’re driving the DOLPHIN, the new ATTO 3 EVO, or the spacious BYD SEAL U DM-i, each model offers outstanding range for long coast‑to‑coast trips, fast DC charging ideal for motorway stops, smooth, quiet driving for moorland and coastal roads, and advanced safety tech for winding rural lanes.
From rugged cliffs to sandy bays and rolling countryside, the South West is full of incredible places to explore, and with the growing charging infrastructure, EV road trips have never been easier.
