Counting down to the A-Z EV Rally

Taking place 1-5 July, the EV Rally returns to the roads this year with an A-to-Z theme, covering over 1,400 miles while visiting checkpoints in alphabetical order

The EV Rally, sponsored by Lex Autolease, is designed to put electric vehicles and the public charging network through their paces to show their capabilities.

With over 50 electric vehicles taking part, for 2024 teams will cover over 1400 miles following an A to Z theme - visiting towns and check points in alphabetical order.

The aim is to show that electric vehicles are viable and that the charging network is up to the job, as well as highlighting areas for improvement and uncovering any challenges that need to be overcome. And along the way, the event will showcase examples of clean energy and its role in the transition to e-mobility.

Now in its fourth year, the Rally follows the success of the EV Rally Of Scotland (EVROS) in 2021 and the Great British EV Rally in 2022, which covered the length of John O'Groats to Land's End. In 2023, the rally visited all capital cities of the UK and Ireland.

The route

Taking on the retro theme of using A to Z atlases for navigation, the rally visit towns, cities and check points in alphabetical order.

Day one will start at the AA's Oldbury Innovation Centre and will cover just under 270 miles until the overnight stop at Carlisle.

On day two, participants will venture north to Gretna, before they then head east to Gateshead, then south towards Sheffield. Checkpoints include the Innovation Hub at Drax Electric Vehicles, a charging top-up at a Compleo UK site, with the final destination being Mercedes-Benz Trucks' Tankersley offices.

The third day heads towards Cambridge, via Norwich. Check points include a charge at myenergi's premises and GRIDSERVE's Electric Forecourt in Norwich.

Teams will leave Cambridge on day four and head east to a brand new EV charging facility, featuring a wind turbine, battery storage, eBus/eHGV capability and ultra-rapid chargers from Arnold White Group. The route then takes the Rally southbound, past West London, before heading south-west, visiting Virta Charging at BMW UK & MINI's premises.

The final leg of the Rally on day five will cover more than 300 miles as teams head towards towards e(X)eter, Yatton and Zouch, before visiting Chester and finishing at the impressive Cawley House facility, a hub from headline partner, Lex Autolease.

Teams and partners

Lead sponsor's Lex Autolease are entering a team and will be on hand to offer expertise in the leasing and financing of EVs, as well as hosting the 'wrap' party at the finish line.

Maxus UK, as the event logistics partner, will provide the Rally's logistics crews with electric vans, and will also be participating as their own team.

Europcar is the Rally's vehicle provider and will host the EV Rally's senior management and official media crews with electric vehicles.

Returning for a third successive year with their own team and as EV charge card partners, Paua will be providing RFID cards to participants so they can access over 43,000 charge point connectors.

Technology partner Webfleet returns for their fourth Rally with their own team. They will also fit telematics solutions to some of the participating vehicles to give the Rally vital inside into driver behaviour, including energy use, charging status and driver safety.

The AA has been part of the Rally since the very beginning. As roadside assistance partner, they will offer teams the reassurance that if something was to go wrong, they would be in safe hands.

Drivetech is the Rally's driver training partner. As well as participating in their own team, they will offer eco and safety-driving tips on the morning of each day.

Team IVECO returns this year following their participation last year where they demonstrated some impressive towing capabilities of their eDaily.

Involved since the very first all-UK Rally, the National Grid are entering a team, with legendary fleet manager Lorna McAtear behind the wheel.

First time participants Drax Electric Vehicles are entering a team, and the Rally will pass by their Innovation Hub in Selby as one of the checkpoints.

Another returning participant is Team OVO, who will be on hand to explain the importance of renewable energy in the EV narrative.

Demonstrating how HGVs are progressing towards net zero, Team Mercedes-Benz Trucks UK is returning this year. Last year, the team demonstrated the capabilities of their eActros - with it being the only vehicle to not have to charge on the first day. This year, they will up the difficulty ratings by taking part in a loaded 44-tonne eHGV.

Showcasing electric HGVs

The team from GREENFLEET HGV Manufacturer of the Year, DAF Trucks, are also returning, to showcase the capabilities of their electric HGVs.

New to the UK market this year, EV charging company Compleo are entering the Rally. Participating teams will also be visiting one of its charging installations on day two.

Other new teams this year include Tusker, who will also be on hand to discuss EV salary sacrifice, and Women Drive Electric, who are participating with an all female team to spread the message of the importance of gender diversity in the fleet sector.

Another debutant is renewable energy company myenergi, and on day three of the Rally, teams will head to one of their state-of-the-art facilities.

BMW and Mini are also entering teams this year to showcase the capabilities of their electric models.

The Rally will unfold across social media, with John Curtis and Sara Sloman from the EV Cafe providing coverage, as well as coverage from digital media partners Transport and Energy.

For more information on the Rally, including in-depth information about the route, visit www.ev-rally.co.uk.