A rally spanning 400 miles has showcased the expanding capabilities of Britain’s network for charging electric cars.

The event, running from June 20 to 22, was created to evaluate how well electric vehicles and charging infrastructure perform along a route mimicking a typical family vacation.

Now in its sixth edition, the convoy set off from the capital and arrived at the westernmost point of England, with participants tackling various challenges through busy city streets, countryside lanes and major roads.

Tom Druitt, who co-founded the rally and leads The Big Lemon company, noted that the event continues to prove what can be achieved in the rapidly advancing fields of electric vehicles and clean energy technology. He mentioned that this year’s emphasis was placed on UK-based travel, illustrating what families can do when holidaying in Cornwall.

He also tackled typical worries people have about how electric vehicles handle extended trips.

Druitt mentioned that sceptics frequently claim electric cars cannot handle holiday journeys and are unsuitable for towing trailers. He stated that this year’s rally showed such assumptions are incorrect.

The event featured multiple competitions, including one where participants assessed and recorded public charging facilities using a smartphone application. Additional tests involved using regenerative braking on steep descents and navigating rough terrain across open countryside.

The course also drew attention to eco-friendly locations throughout the region, with overnight rests at working farms and a visit to a geothermal energy facility.

Joseph Osborne, who leads data operations at Zapmap, said taking part in the rally proved rewarding for all involved and highlighted just how much the nation’s charging network has developed.

Prizes went to a Zero S motorcycle as the most economical vehicle and to a Hyundai Ioniq operated by Mark and Lynne as the most efficient car, managing 7.35 miles per kilowatt hour.

The Zapmap crew also secured victory in the rough terrain navigation contest while driving a Cupra Born.

Joanne and Roger, piloting the Hyundai Ioniq, earned recognition for infrastructure assessment after confirming 13 charging locations within a single day.