The wilderness is electrifying

DIRECT LINE TO INSTALL AN ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGER AT ONE OF THE UK’S MOST REMOTE HOTELS

  • While petrol and diesel vehicle owners need to use filling stations – the future for electric vehicle drivers is recharging themselves and their vehicle at their destination
  • New research shows that 34 per cent of electric vehicle owners would go on more UK staycations if they had more confidence in the availability of charging points
  • Direct Line is installing a charger at the Aultguish Inn in the wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, giving electric vehicle drivers peace of mind that they can recharge even in the most remote locations

As the summer staycation season launches, it looks like we could use some help recharging our electric car and well-being batteries. Direct Line is stepping in and installing one of the most remote electric vehicle charging points in the UK, to help give drivers peace of mind in time for the summer staycation period.

To highlight that electric vehicle drivers can now head off in confidence, the insurer is installing a charger at the Aultguish Inn, in the beautiful wilderness of the Scottish Highlands, which is currently miles from a petrol station or another EV charger.

The Scottish Highlands have been voted as the most popular staycation destination this summer[1], with people leaning more towards rural getaways. However, some drivers of electric vehicles drivers feel like they cannot just hop into their cars and enjoy the drive down the country’s most picturesque roads.

Only 28 per cent of electric vehicle owners[2] say they would not be discouraged going on a remote countryside staycation in the UK because of concerns over finding a charging point. A quarter (25 per cent) of electric vehicle owners plan their routes in advance to ensure there are enough charging points, despite there being over 42,000 charging points in the England and Wales[3] and 1,600 in Scotland[4].

Ian Exworth, Head of Direct Line Electric Vehicle Insurance comments: “Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular, but people still have concerns over accessing the whole of the UK. It is our job to help reassure people that they do not have to be anxious about driving electric, even to incredibly remote locations. We want to help bust myths and give people peace of mind on the roads this summer. It’s time to make electric easy for all drivers to have and understand.”

Dragos Floria, owner of Aultguish Inn says: “We often find our guests asking for the whereabouts of the nearest charging point during their stay because they’re worried about running out of battery. That’s why we’re absolutely delighted that Direct Line got in touch with us to install a wilderness charging point. We hope it will encourage even more guests to explore the idyllic Scottish Highlands. The Inn has provided a stopping post for all travellers on the road from Inverness to the north west of Scotland and the Outer Hebrides for hundreds of years. With an EV charger we will be all set to let the next generation of travellers explore the wonders of Scotland.”

With the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to be banned from 2030, Direct Line is committed to make switching to electric cars easier than ever for consumers. In line with this, last year the insurer launched its free Zoom EV bundles, which include discounts on home and public charging and discounts on parking. And its comprehensive car insurance includes guaranteed hire car, battery cover against thief and accident damage, and a taxi if you crash your EV and can’t drive it, so you can still complete your journey.

For more information about EV insurance visit www.directline.com/car-cover/electric or to book a stay at Aultguish Inn visit https://aultguish.co.uk/.

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Terms and conditions of the Direct Line Electric Vehicle proposition

One EV bundle is available per Direct Line Motor policy, to new customers purchasing up until 31st Oct 2022. Each free bundle is provided by Zoom EV and is valid for 12 months from activation and validation of the customer's Zoom EV account.

About Direct Line

Started in 1985, Direct Line became the first UK insurance company to use the telephone as its main channel of communication. It provides motor, home, travel and pet insurance cover direct to customers by phone or on-line.

Direct Line general insurance policies are underwritten by U K Insurance Limited, Registered office: The Wharf, Neville Street, Leeds LS1 4AZ. Registered in England and Wales No 1179980. U K Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Direct Line and U K Insurance limited are both part of Direct Line Insurance Group plc.

Customers can find out more about Direct Line products or get a quote by calling 0345 246 3761 or visiting www.directline.com/car-cover

Notes to Editors

[1] https://www.sykescottages.co.uk/blog/the-sykes-scotland-staycation-index-2022/#staycations

[2] Omnibus research commissioned among 2000 UK adults between 28th June 2022 – 30th June 2022

[3] https://www.edfenergy.com/electric-cars/charging-points#:~:text=UK%20map%20of%20electric%20car%20charging%20points&text=There%20are%20now%20more%20than,to%20charge%20than%20petrol%20stations!

[4] https://www.netzeronation.scot/take-action/electric-vehicles/where-can-i-charge-my-electric-vehicle#:~:text=The%20ChargePlace%20Scotland%20network%20spans,offices%20and%20public%20car%20parks.