As EV adoption rises, UK caravan parks face new challenges in supporting electric vehicle charging
With electric vehicle (EV) adoption rapidly accelerating across the UK, caravan park and campsite owners are being encouraged to enhance their EV charging infrastructure.
With over 1.5 million EVs on the road¹ and towing reducing range by up to 50%², access to appropriate charging infrastructure is becoming an essential consideration for park guests/owners.
Many holidaymakers using EVs to tow touring caravans must carefully plan their routes, often needing multiple stops and suitable charging options at their final destination. However, existing infrastructure, particularly in rural and coastal areas, is frequently lacking or impractical3.
Another significant practical challenge for EV caravanners is the design of existing charging facilities. Most public chargers are not designed to accommodate a hitched caravan, often necessitating holidaymakers to unhitch their caravan just to reach a charge point – an undesirable scenario during a long journey. This issue is compounded further by sites not having adequate charging facilities when arriving at their final destination, meaning that after unhitching their caravan, they need to set off again to locate a charging point nearby.
Kevin Minnear, Head of Underwriting at Compass Insurance, commented: “Electric cars have come a long way, but towing a caravan with one is still a logistical challenge. With range reduced and many public charging stations not designed to accommodate a hitched caravan, it’s essential to plan ahead to avoid getting stranded, or stuck trying to unhitch in a crowded service station car park, or a winding country lane.”
A shortage of dedicated EV charging points can present challenges for both caravan owners and park operators. This applies not only to touring sites, but also to static caravan holiday parks, where demand for charging access is expected to grow. Without appropriate facilities, guests may turn to domestic sockets as an alternative.
Minnear continued: “Initially, EV charging wasn’t seen as a major insurance issue, but as the number of EVs on-site has grown, so too have the practical considerations.
“This includes safety concerns such as trip hazards from trailing cables, increased risk of theft from open windows, and the potential for sockets to overheat. As many parks are still in the early stages of considering EV infrastructure, it’s important these risks are taken into account as part of future planning to help ensure the safety of guests and the smooth running of park operations.”
The implementation of enhanced EV infrastructure specifically tailored to the unique needs of caravanners is needed to meet growing travel demands and sustainability goals. Key recommendations include:
- Installing more spacious charging bays designed to accommodate hitched vehicles across the UK.
- Increasing the number of fast or rapid charge points in rural locations, popular leisure spots, and parks.
- Providing clearer on-site information at parks and campsites about charging access and policies.
The charging conundrum faced by EV owners can be effectively resolved through concerted and collaborative efforts from infrastructure providers and caravan park owners, paving the way for a smoother, more sustainable future.
Minnear concluded: “We’d encourage park operators to explore the benefits of dedicated EV charging infrastructure that’s professionally installed and compliant with current regulations. Taking a planned approach not only supports guest convenience but also helps manage potential risks and ensures parks are well-prepared for future demand.”
