Holidaying in Devon with an electric car: The complete guide

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 that if you’re travelling to Devon in an EV, you’ll need to stop and recharge.

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

Traffic dependent, Devon is around two hours from Bristol, three to four from London or the Midlands and around four and half hours from Manchester.

Everyone has their favourite service stations, so we’ve highlighted a few that might be of interest, depending on your route.

Membury Services (Westbound)

Address: Lambourne, Hungerford, Berkshire, RG17 7TY

Devices: Eight 120kW and 150kW Tesla and Tesla CCS devices and two GRIDSERVE Electric Highway CCS 50kW, Type 2 22kW and CHAdeMO 50kW.

Gloucester Services Farmshop & Kitchen

Address: M5 (between junc. 12 & 11a), Brookthorpe, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, GL4 0DN

Devices: Two GRIDSERVE Electric Highway CCS 50kW, Type 2 22kW and CHAdeMO 50kW.

Gordano, Bristol

Address: WelcomeBreak, M5, Bristol BS20 7XG

Devices: Eight 120kW Tesla-only Superchargers and one GRIDSERVE Electric Highway CCS 50kW, Type 2 22kW and CHAdeMO 50kW.

Penhale, Cornwall

Address: B3275 Kingsley Village, Penhale TR9 6NA

Devices: Two 50kW CHAdeMO and 150kW CCS Shell Recharge devices

Best Devon hotels with EV chargers

Book yourself into one of the best Devon hotels with EV charging facilities and explore some of these fantastic locations.

Boringdon Hall & Spa, Plymouth

Address: Boringdon Hall Hotel Colebrook, Plympton, Plymouth, Devon PL7 4DP

Devices: Two 11kW Tesla Destination Charging stations

This five-star luxury spa hotel is as good as it comes in the South West. Combining historic architecture with state-of-the-art decor and spa facilities, this is the perfect relaxing getaway in Devon.

This luxury manor house will blow you away if you’re planning a special visit. Two 11kW Tesla charging stations that are free to use for customers are merely the cherry on top.

Lympstone Manor, Exmouth

Address: Courtlands Lane, Exmouth EX8 3NZ

Devices: 3 devices on site, free for guests of the hotel

If there’s one thing Devon knows how to do, it’s luxury manor houses. Lympstone Manor is a Grade II listed Georgian manor house that offers unforgettable views and a luxurious stay.

Lympstone Manor can also cater for family stays with Shephard Huts and kids activities, including a heated outdoor pool. There are three EV charging stations on site that are free of charge for guests.

The Devon Hotel, Exeter

Address: The Devon Hotel, Matford, Exeter, Devon EX2 8XU

Devices: Smappee EV

If you’re staying in Exeter and need to top up overnight, The Devon Hotel is a must to add to your hotel shortlist.

This classic hotel is oozing with charm and offers first-class accommodation and dining.

Positioned on the outskirts of the city, you’re only a short drive away from a bustling city centre, packed with local amenities, restaurants and shops.

You’re also a stone’s throw away from the M5 if you’re making an overnight pit stop as part of a bigger journey.

The Devon Hotel has four EV charging stations on site through Smappee EV, which can be used by downloading the Smappee app, but charges will apply. 

The Palace Hotel, Paignton

Address: Esplanade Road, Paignton TQ4 6BJ

Devices: Three 22kW Type 2 devices and One 11kW Type 2 devices

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

Soak up Paignton’s seafront before taking a quick stroll into the town centre to enjoy the local amenities. The Palace Hotel has leisure facilities including a swimming pool, gym and beauty rooms. 

There are four charging stations positioned at the back of the hotel that guests can take advantage of. They advise informing reception that you’re charging your vehicle to avoid incorrectly receiving any parking penalty fines. They are charged on a pay-per-use basis.

Best public EV chargers in Devon

If you’re looking for some of the best locations to charge an EV in Devon by way of volume of chargers, check out some of these hot spots across Devon.

Moto Exeter (Exeter Services), Exeter

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

Devices: GRIDSERVE Electric Highway, including: 350kW CCS & 100kW CHAdeMO

Exeter’s motorway service station is one of the hotbeds of EV charging in the county. Featuring a string of GRIDSERVE devices and a newly built Tesla Supercharger station, it has plenty of room for those travelling to and from Devon.

There are your usual service station amenities to choose from, including Costa Coffee, Burger King, WHSmith and many more.

Devonshire Retail Park, Paignton

Address: Brixham Road, Paignton, TQ4 7TQ

Devices: 10 PodPoint devices: 7kW Type 2

If you’re visiting Torbay, the Devonshire Retail Park will be a handy address to bookmark. Featuring Costa Coffee, The Range and Pets at Home, you’ll find all your holiday essentials.

There are local supermarkets and restaurants within minutes of the Retail Park and it’s a five-minute drive from local beaches.

Salmons Leap Hub, Buckfastleigh 

Address: Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0JR

Devices: 16 Osprey Charging Stations, including 150kW CCS and 50kW CHAdeMO

Powered by Osprey Charging, this site claims to be the largest EV charging hub in the South West. The 1.6-acre site has 16 dedicated EV charging bays, including two extra-wide bays and two extra-long bays.

With a farm shop on site and an array of homemade goods to power you for the remainder of your journey, it’s well worth a visit.

Free EV public charging in Devon

Using information from Zap Map, we’ve highlighted some of the free EV public charge points available across Devon.

Please note, accounts to various charging networks may be required and charge time restrictions may apply. Future charging costs may apply.

Guildhall multi-storey car park, Exeter

Address: Paul Street, Exeter, EX4 3HP

Devices: Two Pod Point 7kW devices

Mary Arches multi-storey car park, Exeter

Address: 15 Bartholomew Street, Exeter, EX4 3BG

Devices: Two Pod Point 7kW devices

Asda Supermarket, Paignton

Address: Borough Close, Paignton, TQ4 7EP

Devices: Two bp pulse 7kW devices

Coast Review Holiday Park, Torquay

Address: A379 Torquay Road, Shaldon, Teignmouth, TQ14 0BG

Devices: Two 22kW Type 2 devices

The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth

Address: The Donkey Sanctuary, Sidmouth, Devon, EX10 0NU

Devices: Two Pod Point devices, including one 7kW station and one 3kW station

Best Devon attractions with EV chargers

Crealy Theme Park & Resort

Address: Sidmouth Road, Exeter, Devon, EX5 1DR

Devices: Four 22kW Clenergy EV devices

Fun for all the family in Devon’s most famous theme park. Just five minutes away from the M5, this is a short hop off the motorway, and you’ll be on the rides before you know it.

There’s also glamping and hot tub lodges for those looking for an overnight stay. There are four charging devices on site, charged at 50p p/kWh.

Diggerland Devon

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

Devices: Two 11kW Tesla Destination stations and one 7kW Type 2 device.

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

It promises fun for all the family, and you can enjoy the day knowing you can charge your car while you park and have a fully topped up EV by the time you leave.

The Box, Plymouth

Address: The Box, Tavistock Place, Plymouth, Devon PL4 8AX

Devices: Two Type 2 7kW Pod Point devices located at Regent Street Public Car Park

Combine art and history in this stunning museum and gallery. Travelling with family? Fear not, there are creative activities for younger visitors to get involved in.

You can EV charging points located in the nearby Regent Street car park, which is a two-minute walk from the museum’s entrance.

River Dart Country Park

Address: River Dart Country Park, Ashburton, Devon, TQ13 7NP

Devices: Two 7kW Type 2 charging devices

Whether you’re camping out or just visiting for the day, the River Dart Country Park is packed with activities for all ages.

Take in the stunning views this forest has to offer or burn off some energy at the Dartmoor Bike Park. Canoeing, kayaking, zip wire and high ropes are also available on select days for those seeking more of an adrenaline rush.

Your next road trip awaits

The Times recently 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.

We can’t wait to welcome you to Devon.