Home / Technology / UK's First Solar EV Road Trip: FREE Drive Across Britain!
UK's First Solar EV Road Trip: FREE Drive Across Britain!
12 Jul
Summary
- Renault 4 EV completed 870-mile UK drive using only solar power.
- Journey cost nothing in fuel, saving £240 compared to petrol.
- Utilized a 300kWh second-life battery pack as an oversized power bank.
A Renault 4 E-Tech 'Plein Sud' recently completed an 870-mile drive from Land's End to John o'Groats, powered entirely by solar energy. This landmark 'Easee Sun Run' demonstrated that an electric vehicle could traverse Britain without emissions or fuel costs, contrasting with an estimated £240 for a comparable petrol car journey.
The car was charged using a 300kWh battery pack, containing second-life cells, which acted as a large power bank. This energy was gathered from various solar farms across the UK, including locations in Cornwall, Somerset, the Peak District, and County Durham.
This record attempt, conceived by automotive adventurer Jeremy Hart, highlights innovations in solar technology, such as flexible solar film. The journey required approximately 24 hours of charging spread over six full charges, compared to 16 hours of driving. The entire event produced negligible CO2 emissions.
The initiative underscores the synergy between electric vehicles and solar power, with experts believing this technology is ideal for widespread adoption. While not yet publicly feasible for spontaneous charging, the success offers a glimpse into future sustainable travel possibilities for individuals with home solar installations.
