The Best Weekend EV Road Trips for March

As spring begins to bloom, March is the perfect time for a refreshing EV weekend getaway. Whether you crave rolling countryside, coastal escapes, or historic towns, Europe offers incredible short road trips ideal for electric vehicles. These routes combine breathtaking landscapes, local delicacies, and EV-friendly stays.

Spring Escapes: The Best Weekend EV Road Trips in Europe

As winter fades and the first signs of spring emerge, March is a fantastic time to hit the road for a weekend getaway in your EV. Across Europe, flowers begin to bloom, tourist crowds are still manageable, and scenic routes offer a fresh perspective on some of the continent’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you crave historic towns, coastal drives, or countryside retreats, these weekend EV road trips are perfect for making the most of the early spring season.

San Gimignano, Italy

Italy – A Drive Through Tuscany’s Awakening Landscapes

Tuscany’s rolling hills and medieval villages make for an unforgettable EV road trip, especially in early spring when the landscapes start turning green and wildflowers begin to appear. A drive through the Chianti region, from Florence to Siena, offers breathtaking scenery, charming wineries, and historic towns. The journey covers approximately 70 kilometres, making it a relaxed and enjoyable drive.

Starting from Florence, you can charge your EV at one of the multiple fast-charging stations in the city before heading south on the SR222, the famed Chiantigiana Road. This scenic route is famous for its winding roads that cut through vineyards, olive groves, and medieval villages, making it a favourite for wine enthusiasts and history lovers alike.

Along the way, consider stopping at the charming town of Greve in Chianti for a break and a top-up at the public charging station near the main square. Continuing towards San Gimignano, where another charging station is available, you’ll experience breathtaking medieval architecture and local gelato before reaching Siena, where additional EV charging stations ensure you’re ready for the return trip.

If visiting in early March, you can also experience Arezzo’s Antique Fair, one of the oldest antique markets in Italy, held on the first Sunday of the month and the preceding Saturday.

Bodmin Moor, UK

UK – A Cosy Weekend Trip to the Lake District or Cornwall

Spring in the UK can be unpredictable, but March offers quieter roads and fewer tourists before Easter crowds arrive. The Lake District and Cornwall both provide excellent EV-friendly getaways.

If you’re heading to the Lake District, the drive from Manchester to Ambleside covers approximately 130 kilometres and takes around two hours. Charging stations are conveniently available along the M6 motorway, with rapid chargers at service stations such as Lancaster. Once in the Lake District, hotels in Ambleside and Keswick often provide overnight charging options, allowing you to wake up with a full battery.

Alternatively, Cornwall’s coastal route along the Atlantic Highway (A39) is a stunning 200-kilometre drive from Exeter to St. Ives. Along this stretch, plan to stop and charge at one of the numerous stations in Bodmin or Wadebridge, both of which offer fast chargers.

Just a short drive from Bodmin, you can explore Bodmin Moor, a rugged and mystical landscape steeped in legend. This remote granite moorland, part of a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is home to dramatic rock formations such as The Cheesewring and Rough Tor, which offer panoramic views of the countryside. The area is also rich in history, with remnants of ancient settlements and the atmospheric ruins of Minions, a former mining village.

If visiting in mid-March, consider stopping in Falmouth for the Falmouth Spring Festival, a celebration of Cornish culture, music, and floral displays.

Utrecht, the Netherlands

Belgium & Netherlands – Exploring Charming Small Towns

For a weekend escape filled with historic charm and delicious treats, Belgium and the Netherlands offer an ideal road trip destination.

A recommended route starts in Brussels, heading northwest towards Bruges, a distance of about 100 kilometres that takes approximately 90 minutes. Charging before departure in Brussels is recommended, but there are also numerous fast-charging options in Bruges, including those near the historic city centre. After enjoying Bruges, continue to Utrecht in the Netherlands, a drive of another 200 kilometres.

Fast chargers are available along the E19 motorway, particularly near Breda, making it easy to reach Utrecht with peace of mind. Utrecht’s charming canals and wharf cellars make for a unique experience, and many hotels in the city offer overnight charging.

If time allows, take a scenic detour through the Ardennes, a picturesque forested region in Belgium, where rural charging points ensure a smooth drive through this less-travelled but stunning area. If visiting in March, you may also catch Bruges Beer Festival, an annual event celebrating Belgium’s rich beer culture with tastings from local breweries.

Ligurian focaccia

Best Local Foods to Try on Your EV Trip

Exploring new regions isn’t just about the scenery; local cuisine is an essential part of any road trip experience.

• In Italy, a must-try is Ligurian focaccia, a perfect road trip snack that is crispy outside and soft inside.
• If your route takes you through Belgium, try Waterzooi, a creamy fish or chicken stew traditional to Ghent. Also, Bruges’ Speculoos biscuits, a spiced shortcrust treat, make for a delicious snack.
• In the Netherlands, sample Utrecht’s Vocking worst, a unique spiced sausage, or Hollandse Nieuwe, fresh herring best enjoyed with onions and pickles.
• In the UK, Grasmere Gingerbread is a must-try in the Lake District—a cross between a biscuit and a cake with a distinctive, spicy flavour. In Cornwall, aside from the famous Cornish pasty, seek out Saffron Buns, sweet buns flavoured with saffron and fruit, often served with clotted cream.

EV-Friendly Hotels & Stays

To make your trip even smoother, consider staying at EV-friendly hotels that offer charging stations. Many boutique hotels across Italy and the UK now provide EV charging as part of their guest services. In the countryside, agriturismo accommodations in Tuscany and rural bed & breakfasts in the UK offer relaxing stays with built-in charging facilities. In urban destinations like Bruges and Utrecht, hotels with on-site chargers make exploring stress-free while ensuring your vehicle is ready for the next leg of your journey.

Plan Your March EV Getaway

With longer daylight hours and the first signs of spring, March is a great time to take a refreshing EV road trip. Whether you choose the Tuscan hills, the cosy countryside of the UK, or the charming towns of Belgium and the Netherlands, you’ll find scenic routes, delicious local foods, and plenty of EV charging options to make your journey seamless. So, pack your bags, charge up, and set off on a spring adventure!