In a major step towards supporting sustainable travel, top UK tourist destinations—including Alton Towers, London, Edinburgh, Bath, Manchester, Cardiff, Oxford, Cambridge, York, Liverpool, Bristol, and Glasgow—are ramping up the rollout of electric vehicle (EV) charging points to accommodate the growing number of eco-conscious visitors. The move is part of a national effort to reduce the carbon footprint of tourism and meet the rising demand from electric vehicle owners seeking green alternatives.
Devon and Cornwall, two of Britain’s most visited coastal regions, are also leading this green transformation. Popular tourist sites across these regions will soon offer enhanced charging capabilities as part of the UK’s push to become a world leader in sustainable tourism.
Alton Towers Hosts EV Roundtable as UK Sets Ambitious Charging Milestones
The initiative reached a symbolic milestone at Alton Towers, where Lilian Greenwood MP, Minister for the Future of Roads, convened tourism, hospitality, and transport stakeholders to discuss expanding the UK’s EV charging network. Her visit confirmed proposals to make EV infrastructure a cornerstone of the UK’s sustainable tourism strategy for 2025 and beyond.
This expansion aligns with VisitBritain’s tourism forecasts for 2024 and 2025, which anticipate over 41.2 million inbound visits and 106 million overnight domestic trips across the UK. As more travelers choose to tour Britain’s historic cities and scenic countryside in EVs, the government and tourism sectors are acting to ensure charging accesskeeps pace with this demand.
EV Charge Points at Hotels and Tourist Sites on the Rise
According to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), there are currently around 7,500 EV charge points at UK hotels and tourist sites. However, demand is rapidly growing as electric cars account for an increasing share of rental and privately-owned vehicles used for holidays.
To address this, the BVRLA has launched the Bon VoyCharge initiative—a nationwide campaign encouraging hospitality and tourism businesses to invest in charging infrastructure. The program provides best practices and guidance on EV installations and promotes cross-industry collaboration to ensure seamless EV travel experiences.
How EV Tourism Supports Regional Economies
Expanding EV charging infrastructure not only aligns with the UK’s environmental goals, but also brings tangible economic benefits to local communities:
- Increased visitor satisfaction: Tourists in electric cars can relax, knowing they’ll have charging options at key destinations. This comfort leads to longer stays, more local spending, and higher satisfaction ratings.
- Boost to rural and remote tourism: With more EV chargers in less-traveled areas, destinations beyond the urban core become more accessible, spreading tourism’s economic impact across regions like Devon, Cornwall, and North Wales.
- Rental industry growth: As more travelers opt for EV rentals, rental companies are expanding their electric fleets to match demand. The UK’s rental industry plays a crucial role in enabling low-emission travel, especially for international visitors without their own vehicles.
Government and Industry Unite to Promote Sustainable Travel
During the recent roundtable at Alton Towers, Greenwood stressed the need for multi-sector partnerships to grow the UK’s EV infrastructure. Participants included:
- ChargeUK
- AutoTrader
- EVA England
- UKHospitality
- Zapmap
- BVRLA
These groups are working together to identify tourism hotspots in need of charge points and ensure investment is strategically aligned with sustainable tourism policies.
Government-backed funding schemes are also in place. For instance, under the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund, local councils can apply for grants to deploy charge points in areas with heavy tourism traffic. The Bon VoyCharge initiative, supported by the Department for Transport, is another strategic effort to incentivize investment and raise awareness among businesses catering to travelers.
Building a Greener Travel Future
As part of its Net Zero commitment, the UK is determined to make low-carbon transport the norm by 2030. Supporting electric vehicle tourism is essential to that strategy.
The benefits of this EV-led tourism model include:
- Reducing emissions from transport, which is one of the biggest contributors to tourism’s environmental impact.
- Encouraging responsible travel behaviors, with visitors opting for eco-friendly transport modes.
- Creating a modern visitor infrastructure, where green mobility is seamlessly integrated into the travel experience.
As international and domestic tourists become more environmentally conscious, Britain’s ability to offer EV-friendly holidays will be a major draw. Research shows that younger travelers, in particular, are more likely to choose destinations that reflect their values—including climate-conscious transport options.
EV Tourism in Action: Regional Leaders
Several UK regions are setting examples for others to follow:
- Cornwall & Devon: Targeted EV charger expansion at beaches, national parks, and eco lodges.
- Lake District: Integrated EV chargers with eco-accommodations to promote off-grid exploration.
- Edinburgh & Glasgow: City councils working with private firms to deploy curbside chargers in visitor districts.
- York & Oxford: Heritage cities blending conservation with green transport strategies.
Looking Ahead: Sustainable Travel in Summer 2025 and Beyond
As the UK heads into summer 2025, expectations are high for record tourism numbers—and EVs will be a major part of the experience. EV charge points at attractions, hotels, parks, and visitor centers will ensure tourists can explore iconic destinations like Stonehenge, the Cotswolds, and Snowdonia without environmental compromise.
With government support, business innovation, and visitor enthusiasm, the UK is building a travel ecosystem that champions accessibility, sustainability, and regional economic growth. The expansion of the EV charging network across key cities and rural areas underscores the country’s leadership in sustainable tourism development.
The journey toward greener travel is well underway—and by empowering electric vehicle tourists, the UK is charging ahead as a global example of responsible, future-ready tourism.
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