EV-friendly motorways revealed

The M74 and the M6 have been identified as the most EV-friendly motorways in the UK.

CarGurus research found the M74 in Scotland is the most EV-friendly motorway overall, with the shortest average distance between charging point locations. The 40-mile route has three public EV charge points along its length, giving an average distance of just 13.3 miles between locations.

Yet, the M8 between Glasgow to Edinburgh is the least prepared with just one service station and no charging points across its 60-mile length, despite being Scotland’s busiest motorway.

Meanwhile, in England the M6 is the most EV-developed as it has a charging point location on average every 14.5 miles along its 232-mile route, while the 32-mile M60 Manchester ring road lacks any EV charging facilities at its motorway service stations.

The M25, which is often named among the nation’s least favourite motorway and by far the busiest, has just four charging locations along its 117-mile length.

Chris Knapman, editor at CarGurus UK, said: “While many EV drivers will do the majority of their charging at home, there are most likely still times when charging mid-journey will be essential, particularly on long motorway runs. As such, it is reassuring to see just how frequently you’ll be able to find a charge point on the UK’s various motorways.

“Of course, it’s not only the number of charging points that’s increasing. The SMMT reports year-to-date registrations of new battery EVs are up by 157% compared with last year, despite the impact of lockdown measures. With interest also filtering through to the used EV market we’ve created guides that run through the pros and cons of buying and running an electric car, as well as highlighting some of the most appealing models on the second-hand market in 2020.”