Holidaying in Devon with an electric car: The complete guide

Your complete guide to holidaying in Devon this summer with your EV

Devon is one of the must-visit locations for families, couples, and just about anyone looking to experience beautiful countryside, sandy beaches and historic towns that’ll make your family and friends properly jealous when they see your holiday pics.

And yes, with Carparison HQ located in Exeter, we are a little bit biased. But for good reason. We’re big fans of our humble county, and there’s a reason why it’s such a popular locale for staycations.

However, planning a trip to Devon is no mean feat.

Travelling in an electric car adds additional charging considerations for both your journey down and your stay – but there’s no need to worry.

We’ve got you covered.

From hotels to stay at, service stations to stop and recharge at, and attractions to visit while you’re here, we’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to.

There’s nothing more exciting than planning your first road trip after the delivery of your new electric car lease. So, let us guide you through some of the best charging locations across the county to help you plan the perfect getaway.

Charging device information obtained via ZapMap. Charging costs and availability may vary.

Best service stations on the way to Devon with EV chargers

Being in one of the southernmost points of the country, there’s a good chance if you’re travelling to Devon in an electric car, you’ll need to stop and recharge at least once.

For most people, we’re at the other end of the country down here – but trust us, it’s worth the journey.

And the potential traffic.

Depending on said traffic, Devon is around an hour and a half from Bristol, three to four from London or the Midlands, and about four and a half hours from Manchester, Liverpool or Sheffield.

The perfect opportunity for putting on your favourite road trip playlist and settling in for the journey.

Everyone has their favourite service stations, and you’ll find EV chargers at most – if not all – motorway services these days, so we’ve highlighted just a few that might be of interest.

Membury Services (Westbound)

Address: Lambourne, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 7TY

Devices: Eight Tesla-only CCS Superchargers (up to 150kW), plus five GRIDSERVE Electric Highway chargers including two CCS (up to 50kW), two CHAdeMO (up to 50kW), and one Type 2 (22kW)

Membury is a solid pitstop if you’re coming from the east.

Grab a coffee, stretch your legs, and let your EV juice up while you do.

Gloucester Services (Southbound)

Address: M5 (between junction 12 and 11a), Brookthorpe, Gloucester, GL4 0DN

Devices: 12 Evolt Network CCS chargers (up to 150kW) and eight Tesla Public Superchargers (up to 250kW)

The farm shop vibes at Gloucester Services make this more than just your average motorway stop.

In fact, if we’re being honest, it’s our favourite services in the entire world. Nothing beats a stop off at Gloucester Services to have a wee in the nice toilets, stretch your legs strolling around the farm shop, and grab a coffee and a delicious sausage roll from the café.

It’s basically road trip perfection.

Gordano, Bristol

Address: WelcomeBreak, M5, Bristol, BS20 7XG

Devices: Eight Tesla-only CCS Superchargers (up to 130kW), plus GRIDSERVE Electric Highway with one Type 2 (22kW), one CHAdeMO (up to 40kW) and one CCS (up to 40kW)

A classic stop on the M5 route down to Devon. Nothing fancy, but it’ll get the job done.

Cornwall Services

Address: A30, St Austell, PL26 8UF

Devices: GRIDSERVE Electric Highway with six CCS (up to 60kW), six Type 2 (7kW) and three CHAdeMO (up to 60kW)

If you’re crossing the border into Devon this summer, or planning to venture further west into Cornwall after your Devonshire adventure, this is your gateway charging stop.

Best Devon hotels with EV chargers

Book yourself into one of these fantastic Devon hotels with EV charging facilities and explore these beautiful locations without worrying about where your next charge is coming from.

Boringdon Hall & Spa

Address: Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth, PL7 4DP

Devices: Three Project EV Type 2 (7.3kW) chargers

This five-star luxury spa hotel is as good as it gets in the South West.

Combining historic architecture with state-of-the-art décor and spa facilities, this is the perfect relaxing getaway in Devon.

This luxury manor house will blow you away, especially if you’re planning a special trip. The EV charging stations for guests are merely the cherry on top of what’s already a spectacular cake.

Lympstone Manor

Address: Courtlands Lane, Exmouth, EX8 3NZ

Devices: Two Type 2 AC chargers

If there’s one thing Devon knows how to do, it’s luxury manor houses.

And beaches.

Sure, that’s two things. But at Lympstone Manor – not far from Exmouth beach – you can enjoy both at the same time.

Lympstone Manor itself is a Grade II listed Georgian manor house that offers unforgettable views and a luxurious stay. Perfect for families too, with Shepherd Huts and kids’ activities, including a heated outdoor pool.

The EV chargers are free for guests, because when you’re paying manor house prices, the last thing you want is to be nickelled and dimed for electricity.

The Devon Hotel

Address: Matford, Exeter, EX2 8XU

Devices: Four Smappee Type 2 (22kW) chargers

If you need an overnight stay in Exeter, The Devon Hotel is a must for your shortlist.

This classic hotel is oozing with charm and offers first-class accommodation and dining, and EV charging for guests.

Positioned on the outskirts of the city, you’re only a short drive from bustling city centre amenities, restaurants and shops, plus you’re a stone’s throw from the M5 if you’re making an overnight pit stop.

The Palace Hotel

Address: Esplanade Road, Paignton, TQ4 6BJ

Devices: Three Project EV 22kW Type 2 chargers and one 11kW Type 2 charger

A stalwart of Torbay’s hotel history, this local classic offers a fantastic taste of the best Paignton has to offer.

Soak up Paignton’s seafront before taking a quick stroll into town. The Palace Hotel has leisure facilities including a swimming pool, gym and beauty rooms – perfect for keeping the family entertained.

There are four charging stations at the back of the hotel, and you’ll want to inform reception that you’re charging to avoid any parking penalty confusion.

Best public EV chargers in Devon

Looking for some of the best locations to charge your electric lease car in Devon? Check out these charging hotspots across the county.

Moto Exeter (Exeter Services)

Address: M5, Junction 30 Sandygate Roundabout, Exeter, EX2 7HF

Devices: 32 Tesla-only CCS Superchargers, plus GRIDSERVE Electric Highway with 36 CCS chargers (up to 350kW), two Type 2 (11kW), and 12 CHAdeMO (up to 100kW)

Exeter’s motorway service station is one of the charging hotbeds of the county.

With a massive Tesla Supercharger station and extensive GRIDSERVE facilities, there’s plenty of room for everyone.

All your usual service station amenities are here – Costa Coffee, Burger King, Greggs, M&S Food, KFC and more. Perfect for grabbing snacks while your car gets its fill.

Exeter EV Hub

Address: Marsh Barton, Exeter, EX2 8NJ

Devices: 10 Source EV chargers – eight 150kW CCS and two 160kW CCs chargers

A dedicated EV charging hub that means business – and isn’t far from either the M5 or the A30.

With 10 high-speed chargers, you won’t be queuing around the block waiting for your turn.

Haven Road, Exeter

Address: 58 Haven Road, Exeter, EX2 8DA

Devices: Two Wenea Type 2 (2.5kW) and two CCS (up to 30kW)

Handy if you’re visiting Exeter Quay and need somewhere to charge while you go for a walk, paddle, bike ride, or indulge in coffee and cake at one of the excellent independent cafes.

Devonshire Retail Park

Address: Brixham Road, Paignton, TQ4 7TQ

Devices: 10 PodPoint Type 2 (7kW) chargers

If you’re visiting Torbay, the Devonshire Retail Park is a handy address to bookmark.

With Costa Coffee, The Range, Pets at Home and The Food Warehouse, you’ll find all your holiday essentials. There’s also The Gym Group, if you fancy getting a sweat on while your car recharges.

Local supermarkets and restaurants are close by, and it’s a five-minute drive from local beaches. Perfect for a top-up while you stock up on beach supplies.

Darts Farm

Address: Topsham, Devon, EX3 0QH

Devices: Tesla Public Supercharger network with 12 devices and 20 CCS connectors

Now this is what we call a proper charging stop. Darts Farm isn’t just about topping up your battery – it’s about feeding your soul (and your stomach) while you’re at it.

The working farm is still the heart of the business, and you can reconnect with nature by visiting the animals. Perfect for keeping the kids entertained while your EV charges.

The farm shop is stocked with excellent produce from the farm, as well as other goodies of both the salty, sweet and ice cream variety. When it comes to sit down or takeaway food, you’re spoilt for choice: The Yard Restaurant, Cow & Cacao Café, The Farm Table, and The Shack.

It’s basically a mini day out in itself – and by the time you’ve explored everything, your car will be fully charged and ready for the next leg of your Devon adventure.

Salmons Leap Hub

Address: Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0JR

Devices: 16 Osprey charging stations including 16 CCS chargers (up to 300kW) and 16 CHAdeMO (up to 50kW)

This site claims to be the largest EV charging hub in the South West, and we’re not arguing.

The 1.6-acre site has 16 dedicated EV charging bays, including two extra-wide bays for disabled access and two extra-long bays for towing vehicles.

With a farm shop on site packed with homemade goods (yes, if a charging hub has a farm shop we are totally on board), it’s well worth a visit to fuel both you and your car.

Free EV public charging in Devon

Everyone loves free stuff, especially when it comes to electric car charging. Though there aren’t as many as there used to be, we’ve highlighted some of the free EV public charge points available.

Please note that accounts to various charging networks might be required, charge time restrictions might apply, and future charging costs could be introduced.

David Lloyd, Exeter

Address: Sandy Park Way, Exeter, EX2 7NN

Devices: Two PodPoint Type 2 (7kW) chargers

Perfect if you fancy a workout while your car charges.

Kill two birds with one stone – get fit and get charged.

Sainsbury’s Dawlish

Address: Exeter Road, Dawlish, EX7 0SB

Devices: Two PodPoint Type 2 (7kW) chargers

Pick up some holiday essentials while your car tops up. Sorted.

Otter Garden Centres

Address: Gosford Road, Ottery St Mary, EX11 1LZ

Devices: Two Type 2 (7kW) chargers

Browse plants and garden accessories, or have a cuppa and a slice of cake, while your car charges (for free!).

It’s basically forced relaxation, and we’re here for it.

Best Devon attractions with EV chargers

Why choose between sightseeing and charging when you can do both?

These Devon attractions have got you covered with on-site or nearby charging facilities, so you can tick off your must-see list while keeping your electric car lease topped up.

From theme parks to aquariums, these spots prove that range anxiety doesn’t have to ruin your holiday plans.

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Address: Sidmouth Road, Exeter, EX5 1DR

Devices: Four Clenergy EV 22kW Type 2 chargers

Fun for all the family in Devon’s most famous theme park.

Four devices on site mean you can enjoy the day knowing your car will be fully charged by home time.

If you fancy it, you can also stay on site, with camping, glamping, caravans and luxury hot tub lodges available.

Diggerland

Address: Verbeer Manor, Willand, Cullompton, EX15 2PE

Devices: Three Tesla Destination Type 2 (11kW) chargers

Soft-play, go-karts, trucks, diggers and safari rides – there isn’t much you can’t do at Diggerland.

It promises fun for all the family, and you can enjoy the day knowing your car is charging while the kids burn off their energy.

National Marine Aquarium

Address: Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, PL4 0LF

Nearby charging: Two Wenea 100kW CCS chargers at Exchange Street Car Park

The UK’s largest aquarium is perfect for rainy days or when you need to escape the sun. With 5000+ marine animals, the UK’s deepest aquarium exhibit, and largest viewing window, it’s a proper underwater adventure.

Home to the Ocean Conservation Trust, it’s a charity dedicated to connecting people with the ocean.

The four main zones each offer different exhibits and animals – perfect for keeping the whole family entertained for hours.

Babbacombe Model Village and Gardens

Address: Hampton Avenue, Babbacombe, Torquay, TQ1 3LA

Nearby charging: Hampton Avene Long Stay Car Park has four Wenea CCS chargers (up to 100kW)

Four acres of award-winning gardens showcase beautiful streams and waterfalls in an idyllic setting for hundreds of models, scenes and over 13,000 miniature residents.

This place portrays a generic version of Britain through the decades with well-known landmarks and a few cheeky twists. Over 400 models of houses, stately homes, factories, shops and entertainment venues span styles from medieval through Victorian.

Planning your Devon EV trip

The Times has named Devon among its top 10 holiday destinations in the UK, and for good reason.

With so much to see and experience, it delivers on history, culture, stunning views and fun for all ages.

Whether you’re in a Volkswagen ID.7, Peugeot E-5008, or Renault 5, Devon’s charging infrastructure has you covered. The county has embraced the electric revolution with open arms, and charging points are popping up faster than you can say ‘cream tea’.

With the cream on first, of course.

From rapid chargers at service stations to destination chargers at attractions, you’ll find plenty of opportunities to top up your battery while exploring everything Devon has to offer.

Before you set off, make sure you’ve downloaded the relevant charging apps (ZapMap is your best friend for finding charging points), check your route for stops, and pack some snacks – because nothing beats a good picnic while your car charges with a view of the Devon countryside.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Devon.

Just don’t blame us if you never want to leave – it happens to the best of us.