Taking an EV Road Trip in Scotland’s Stunning Landscapes

Discover the beauty of Scotland while reducing your carbon footprint on a Scottish EV road trip. Our guide features some of the best Scottish road trips you can take in an electric vehicle. Explore the stunning Scottish Highlands and more.

Scotland. The land of kilts, bagpipes, haggis, and now, electric cars. Yes, you heard it right. If you’re thinking of taking an EV road trip, Scotland should be at the top of your list of destinations. 

The charging infrastructure in Scotland is really good. You won’t have to worry too much about running out of juice because the Scottish government has invested heavily in charging infrastructure. With many charging points scattered across the country, including rapid chargers that can charge your EV up to 80% in just 30 minutes.

The Scottish scenery is breathtaking. Imagine driving through the Scottish Highlands or exploring the Isle of Skye in an environmentally friendly EV. You can enjoy the stunning landscapes Scotland has to offer while reducing your carbon footprint.

The low traffic density in Scotland means that you can enjoy a 1 week road trip without getting stuck in traffic. Scotland has a low population density, especially outside of its major cities, making it the perfect destination for a relaxing and enjoyable EV road trip. Miles and miles of road without seeing another vehicle for hours. 

Then, when you do arrive at your destination, you can witness first-hand the legendary Scottish warm hospitality. You’ll find plenty of welcoming local businesses that offer charging facilities and other EV-friendly services. This means you can recharge your vehicle while enjoying a delicious meal or a hot cup of coffee and a bed for the night.

Suggested routes

North Coast 500 Tour in an EV

Experience the stunning beauty of the Scottish Highlands in an eco-friendly way with the Scotland Road Trip 500 Tour, travelling in an electric vehicle. This circular route begins and ends in Inverness and takes you around the breathtaking northern coast of Scotland. 

With at least five days to take in the stunning scenery, including stops at Loch Ness and John O’Groats, this tour offers a unique and sustainable way to explore the northern coast of Scotland. Plus, with plenty of electric charging points along the route, you can enjoy the journey without worrying about running out of power.

To get the most out of this tour, many people recommend starting the route anti-clockwise. Starting from Inverness, take some time to visit Culloden, the site of the last pitched battle on British soil, and perhaps the Clava Cairns standing stones, before heading up the East Coast. Explore Inverness Castle and the surrounding area, including the ruins of Fortrose Cathedral.

As you travel up the East Coast, take the time to visit the picturesque peninsular of Cromarty. See Dunrobin Castle, the oldest continually inhabited house in Britain, and visit the Glenmorangie Distillery or the Fyrish Monument for stunning views of the Highlands. Don’t miss Noss Head Lighthouse, Castle Sinclair Girnigoe, and an overnight stay in Dornoch. You can also tour Old Pulteney Distillery and make an overnight stay in Wick.

No visit to the North Coast 500 would be complete without visiting John O’Groat’s and perhaps Dunnet Head, the most Northerly points of the British mainland. Continue along the route to Loch Hope and Loch Eriboll, and explore the beaches of Sango Sands and Balnakeil Bay and the Smoo sea caves along the North Coast.

As you travel the West Coast, the seaside village of Lochinver is a great place to stay overnight after crossing the stunning views from the Kyle of Tongue causeway. You won’t want to miss the valley of Loch Dubhaird Mor and the famous Kylesku bridge, or the colourful buildings and plenty of shops and places to eat in Ullapool. Take the opportunity to recharge in Torridon and make sure you see the beautiful Loch Maree and stop at the stunning beaches of Gairloch. You could even stay overnight in Poolewe.

Finally, don’t miss Loch Assynt and Ardveck Castle, which boasts some of the most beautiful and jaw-dropping scenery on the route. As you make the last stretch from Lochcarron back to Inverness, be sure to visit Strome Castle and take in the stunning views of the Scottish Highlands.

South West Coastal 300

The SWC300 is a circular route that runs along the southern coastline of Scotland’s Dumfries and Galloway and South Ayrshire regions. It offers stunning views of sandy beaches, rugged clifftops, and rolling hills, as well as plenty of charming towns and villages to explore along the way. Whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation, this road trip has something to offer everyone and is sure to create unforgettable memories.

The route passes through charming villages, stunning coastal scenery, historic sites, and natural wonders. Start your adventure in the historic town of Dumfries, where you can explore its rich heritage before hitting the road.

As you drive, you’ll pass through charming villages, including New Abbey, with its picturesque scenery, and Kirkbean, where you can catch a glimpse of one of Scotland’s oldest lighthouses in Southerness. Stop by the 12th-century Dundrennan Abbey and marvel at its stunning architecture before continuing on to the vibrant town of Kirkcudbright.

Take your pick from two routes out of Kirkcudbright leading you to the stunning Machars Peninsula. Make a pitstop at Wigtown, Scotland’s book town, where you can lose yourself browsing traditional bookshops and indulge in some delicious coffee. 

Don’t miss the chance to explore the ruined 13th-century Saint Ninian’s Chapel at the Isle of Whithorn and take in the breathtaking views of Port William’s moody Luce Bay.

Next, venture to the rugged Rhins and head south along the stunning clifftop path to Dunskey Castle, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the majestic Aisla Craig Island. Continue to Ballintrae, Girvan, Maidens, and Dunure, where you can explore the historic Culzean Castle perched on high cliffs along the coastline. 

Don’t forget to experience the mystery of the “gravity hill” Electric Brae, where a freewheeling vehicle appears to be drawn uphill on the road although this might be tricky in an EV.

The town of Ayr offers an array of attractions and is the perfect spot for a leisurely lunch. Take a detour to Straiton, where you can make a great base to explore the area further. Dalmellington is home to the nearby Scottish Dark Sky Observatory, perfect for stargazing enthusiasts. 

As you drive along, marvel at the emptiness of the roads and enjoy the scenic beauty that surrounds you on the way to the historic spa town of Moffat.

Your journey concludes in Lockerbie, where you can pay your respects at the Lockerbie Air Disaster Memorial, a poignant reminder of the town’s tragic past. This road trip is the ultimate way to experience the beauty and history of Dumfries & Galloway, a journey you’ll never forget!

Thank you for some great insights from the Cowboy Camper. Also thanks to Venture North for some great insights as well as Visit Scotland and their great Travel Planning guides for EVs and Open Road Scotland. 

Scotland is the perfect destination to plan EV road trips. With its well-developed charging infrastructure, stunning scenery, low traffic density, eco-friendly attitude, and warm hospitality, you won’t regret taking your EV on a road trip to Scotland.