The countdown to Christmas is on, and if you’re planning to drive home for the holidays, timing is everything. Whether you’re heading to family gatherings or escaping for a festive break, knowing when to charge your electric vehicle could save you time, money, and unnecessary stress on what’s set to be one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The festive travel peak: what EV drivers need to know
New data from GRIDSERVE reveals that Friday 19 December will be the busiest day on Britain’s roads this Christmas. But it’s not just about which day you travel, the time you hit the road makes all the difference.
Our research shows that the most congested periods for both traffic and EV charging will be between 12pm-1pm and 3pm-4pm. These lunchtime and mid-afternoon slots are when everyone seems to have the same idea, leading to queues at public charging stations and slower journeys overall.
Smart charging: when to plug in this holiday season
For EV drivers looking to avoid the Christmas charging crunch, the solution is simpler than you might think: adjust your charging schedule.
The best times to charge your electric vehicle over the festive period are:
Early morning (before 11am): beat the rush by charging first thing when charging points are quieter and more available.
After 4pm: once the mid-afternoon peak passes, charging stations become significantly less busy, making this an ideal window for stress-free charging.
With EV drivers expected to cover more than 190 miles on average over the Christmas period, planning your charging stops around these quieter times will help ensure a smoother, more enjoyable journey.
Save 25% on all your Christmas EV charging
There’s also one simple trick that could transform your festive travel budget: GRIDSERVE Plus membership.
For just £7.99 a month, GRIDSERVE Plus members get an instant 25% off all charging across our nationwide network of more than 200 locations*. It’s not just for Christmas either, the savings continue on a rolling monthly membership, making it one of the most cost-efficient ways to charge your EV year-round.
The maths speaks for itself: the membership pays for itself in just one 39kWh charge. After that, members save an average of £11 per charging session throughout winter. For regular EV drivers, that’s a significant saving that adds up quickly.
Free coffee to warm your festive journeys
We know that driving home for Christmas can be exhausting, so we’re adding a little extra cheer to your journey. From 15 December to 3 January, GRIDSERVE Plus members charging at any of our Electric Forecourts can enjoy a complimentary barista-made coffee, the perfect opportunity to warm up whilst your EV charges.
Your stress-free Christmas travel checklist
To make the most of your festive EV journey, remember to:
- Consider that Friday 19 December will be very busy, head to a charging point early or late in the day to avoid queuing
- Charge before 11am or after 4pm to miss the peak-time queues
- Download the GRIDSERVE app and consider GRIDSERVE Plus membership for 25% savings*
- Plan your route using our nationwide charging network
Sustainable festive travel
Choosing to drive an electric vehicle this Christmas isn’t just about convenience and cost savings, it’s about making more sustainable transport choices during one of the year’s busiest travel periods. Every mile you drive in an EV is a mile with zero emissions, helping to reduce air pollution and contributing to a cleaner, greener future.
With the UK’s EV charging infrastructure growing rapidly, electric travel is becoming easier and more accessible than ever. This Christmas, you can enjoy the freedom of the open road knowing you’re making a positive environmental choice whilst saving money on charging.
Ready to save 25%* on your Christmas charging? Download the GRIDSERVE app today and discover how Plus membership can transform your festive travel experience.
*Limits and T&Cs apply.
