England’s best Christmas markets for electric vehicle drivers have been revealed in a new study, with Manchester Christmas Market found to be the most accessible, as well as offering the best balance of charging options according to new research by PEUGEOT UK.
PEUGEOT UK conducted research to determine which markets in England are best suited for electric car drivers as Christmas market stalls are being prepared all over the country. The top three markets were Leeds' Winter Favourites, Birmingham's Frankfurt Christmas Market, and Manchester's Christmas Market.
PEUGEOT initially evaluated how many of the markets could be
reached using the 225-mile (WLTP) range of the PEUGEOT e-208 from the 15 most
populated cities in the UK using Visit England's research on the 14 well-known
Christmas markets in England. Along with ranking the number of public charging
stations within a three-mile radius of the centre and the available charging
speeds, the research* also graded lodging alternatives that provided free
charging.
With the exception of Padstow's Christmas Festival, which is situated on Cornwall's north coast, all of the top 10 Christmas Markets were reachable from at least nine of the UK's most populous cities. With 14 UK cities within 225 miles of Manchester's Christmas Market, it was determined to be the most reachable. In addition, Manchester had the most available charging stations—69—within a three-mile radius of the city centre, including 16 quick chargers with rates more than 50kW.
Leeds had 62 charging stations available, including 17 rapid chargers, making it the city with the second-highest number. The PEUGEOT e-208's 225-mile range allowed it to be reached from 13 of the UK's most populated cities.
Top 10 Christmas Markets in England for electric car drivers
The e-Partner is powered by a 50kWh battery providing a range of up to 171 miles (WLTP). The van offers a load volume of 4.4m3 (matching its diesel equivalent) and a payload of up to 800kg. Customers can choose from two body styles (Standard and Long) and from Panel Van (up to 3 seats) and Crew Van (up to 5 seats) configurations.
PEUGEOT is one of few manufacturers in the UK able to offer an electric variant across its entire van model line-up, and is working to offer an electrified version across its entire vehicle range by 2024, before becoming an electric-only brand in 2030.