Best Christmas markets for EV drivers revealed

November 28, 2022 EV Powered

Manchester hosts the best Christmas market for electric vehicle drivers, according to a new study by Peugeot UK.

With Christmas market stalls being readied across the country, Peugeot UK researched which markets in England are most suitable for electric vehicle drivers. Manchester Christmas Market topped the rankings, followed by Birmingham Frankfurt Christmas Market and Leeds’ Winter Favourites.

Using Visit England’s research of 14 popular Christmas markets in England, Peugeot first compared how many of the markets could be driven to using the 225-mile (WLTP) range of Peugeot e-208 from the 15 most populated cities in the UK. The research also ranked how many public charging points were within a three-mile radius of the centre, as well as the charging speeds available, while accommodation options that offered free charging were also scored.

All top ten Christmas Markets apart from Padstow’s Christmas Festival, located in Cornwall’s north coast, were accessible from at least nine of the UK’s most populated cities. Manchester’s Christmas Market was found to be the most accessible, with 14 cities in the UK within the 225-mile range of the market. Manchester also had the highest number of charging stations within a three-mile radius of the city centre, with 69 available, including 16 rapid chargers with speeds above 50kW.

Leeds was home to the second highest number of charging stations, with 62 available, including 17 rapid chargers. Leeds could also be reached from 13 of the UK’s most populated cities using the 225-mile range of the Peugeot e-208.

Peugeot’s research also considered the number of accommodation options within three miles of the city centre that offer free charging for EV drivers, such as hotel chains and B&Bs, with York topping the tables, offering 19 different accommodation options with free chargers.

Julie David, Managing Director, Peugeot UK, said: “Christmas markets are a popular destination to visit during November and December and Peugeot’s latest research has revealed the markets and cities that best cater for electric drivers. With more than a million electric drivers on UK roads today, things like distance and charging infrastructure will play an important role in determining where drivers head to this Christmas.”