South West 660 and Zapmap have joined forces to make electric vehicle road trips in Devon that much easier. This enterprising development will enable drivers across the Southwest of England to experience a treasure trove of stunning scenery, charming villages, coastal paths, and culinary delights.
South West 660 offers an iconic road-trip experience, stretching for 660 miles from Poole in Dorset, through Devon and Cornwall, to Watchet in Somerset. Zapmap is an app that helps Electric Vehicle (EV) owners to find the nearest available charge point.
Thanks to this new business partnership, finding charge points and planning one’s electric journey has never been easier especially for drivers planing electric vehicle road trips in Devon.
Zapmap’s innovative platform allows motorists to map out their route, ensuring convenient charging stops to top up their EV. With three routing modes to choose from and the ability to customise one’s route based on your EV’s current and desired charge levels, Zapmap simplifies the planning process, making it a breeze to explore the South West 660 at your own pace.
The extraordinary South West 660 route can be tackled in one motoring marathon or divided into shorter 50-mile sections. The route embraces the concept of ‘slow travel’ and encouraging people to fully enjoy the beauty of these English counties along the way.
Motorists can now embark on more adventurous electric vehicle road trips in Devon
“From the very beginning we have encouraged slow travel, so people don’t miss out on what this beautiful region has to offer,” says the Co-Founder of South West 660, Mark Godfrey. “With Zapmap joining us as a trusted partner, people can enjoy electric vehicle road trips in Devon and Cornwall, Dorset to Somerset, without experiencing range anxiety, charging in beautiful surroundings along the way.”
While the Southwest coast may not have the highest density of charging infrastructure, Zapmap ensures you’re never too far away from a charge point. Each of the South West 660’s coastal stretches is approximately 50 miles long, making them easily manageable for EVs with lower ranges. As the go-to app for electric car drivers, Zapmap means you can effortlessly locate the most convenient charger for you and your vehicle along the way.
“I’m pleased Zapmap has partnered with South West 660,” says Paul Gosvenor, who is the company’s Head of Marketing. “Because together we can promote the benefits of electric cars for exploring this stunning part of England. From coast to coast, the Zapmap app enables EV drivers to find available charge points wherever they go, plan their next adventure with ease, and most importantly enjoy the beauty of the Southwest, while minimising their carbon footprint.
“Throughout the year, this idyllic South West 660 route will quite rightly see an influx of intrepid explorers embarking on their electric vehicle road trips in Devon.
“As the happy driver of an MG4 EV, one of the reasons this partnership makes so much sense to me is that Zapmap shows live availability status on around 70% of chargers in the UK. This means you can see which charge points are available right now, from the chargers at the start of your route in Poole through to the end of the trip in Somerset.”
3 ideal electric vehicle road trips in Devon
There are 12 different South West 660 routes to choose from, with Zapmap and the South West 660 acting as your gateway to an electric adventure. Whether it’s charging overnight, stopping off for a bite to eat at one of South West 660’s foodie recommendations, or charging as you take in a jaw-dropping view, here are three of the top EV charging locations on the route:
1. Salmons Leap Hub, Buckfastleigh (route four, Exeter to Dartmouth):
Only a slight detour from the main South West 660 route, this newly opened charging hub near Totnes is thanks to Zap-Pay partner Osprey and is something of a game changer for EV-driving holidaymakers in the South West. “Brand new- 16 bays and straight in,” says Zapmap user Beckyvw. “Just 100 m from the main Devon Expressway. Farm shop not yet open (early July 2023), but an excellent facility.”
2. Watermouth Cove and Broadsands Beach (route 11, Clovelly to Lynton)
Whether you’re staying at the beautiful Watermouth Valley Camping Park, a nearby bed and breakfast, or Sandy Cove Hotel in Combe Martin, there are a number of charging options available in the vicinity when staying in this idyllic area of North Devon. Broadsands Beach and Watermouth Cove are within easy reach of both Ilfracombe and Combe Martin.
3. Minack Theatre (route eight, Penzance to St Ives):
Charge as you take a tour or enjoy a show at the iconic Minack Theatre in Penzance – a unique, open-air venue, set on the side of a cliff, with spectacular views across the water (dolphins are frequently spotted!). “The best charge with a view…Three spaces,” says Zapmap user rayz77.
Visit South West 660 and Zapmap to plan your electric vehicle road trips in Devon and Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset.
Also read: Help a neighbour power up with the Co Charger App, devised in Devon
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