North Coast drive possible in EV, EST says

The North Coast 500, in the Highlands, can now be travelled using an electric vehicle (EV), the Energy Saving Trust (EST) has said.

The North Coast 500 involves travelling 500 miles around the coast of the Highlands. The EST has achieved the route in fully electric and hybrid cars, utilising charging points along the way. During the drive, the EST visited various communities along the way, to raise awareness about the benefits of using EVs.

Vehicles manufactured by Tesla, BMW, Nissan and Renault were involved. Charging stations along the way included 11 rapid charging points which were capable of recharging batteries to 80 per cent in around 30 minutes.

In an interview with the BBC, Rebecca Fretwell from the EST, said: "We could not have undertaken this journey last year.

"There were just not enough charge points. Highland Council, the Energy Saving Trust and Transport Scotland have been investing in the rapid charge points network. There is now a rapid charge point within many communities within the Highlands."

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