At a glance:
- Motoring expert Jodie Kidd teams up with the Department for Transport (DfT) to showcase the UK’s extensive EV charging network.
- New data reveals a significant perception gap: 71% of UK adults are unaware that there are now nearly twice as many public chargers (118,000+) as fuel pumps.
- Zapmap partnership launched: Drivers can win charging credits by sharing their own electric road trip photos on Instagram.
Motoring expert and EV enthusiast Jodie Kidd has joined forces with the Department for Transport (DfT) to launch ‘The Electric Road Trip,’ a new campaign designed to spotlight the UK’s rapidly growing charging infrastructure.
The initiative follows the government's ‘Get That Electric Feeling’ campaign, aiming to accelerate the transition to net zero. To help drivers navigate this expanding network, the campaign has teamed up with Zapmap, the UK’s leading charging app.
Perception vs. Reality
New research shows that while the UK now boasts more than 118,000 public chargers, 71% of those surveyed still believe that petrol and diesel pumps outnumber EV charge points.
Jodie Kidd, motoring expert, said:
"I’ve always loved road trips and driving an electric vehicle has made them even better. Once you realise how vast the UK charging network is, going on an electric road trip is smooth and easy."
Win £50 public charging credit
As part of the campaign, the DfT and Zapmap are inviting drivers to participate in a nationwide prize draw. To encourage people to explore the "charging landmarks" across the UK, five prizes of £50 in Zapmap charging credit are up for grabs.
How to enter:
- Visit one of the designated charging landmarks (see the full list here).
- Post a photo of you and your EV on Instagram.
- Share your destination and your favourite thing about driving electric.
- Tag @zap.map to enter.
Entries must be received by 23:59 on 30 June 2026. For those not on social media, a free email entry route is also available via the official terms and conditions.
Industry Backing
The campaign is supported by major charging networks including Osprey Charging, Be.EV, and Fastned, whose sites have been specially branded to mark the route.
Decarbonisation Minister Keir Mather noted that with £600 million in recent funding and the Electric Car Grant (offering up to £3,750 off upfront costs), the government is committed to making the switch more affordable and accessible than ever.
With 88% of current EV drivers saying they would recommend an electric vehicle to others, the Electric Road Trip aims to turn those positive experiences into a nationwide movement, one landmark at a time.
