Transformed summer vacation traditions through the adoption of electric vans
In 2016, Eleanor Church and her family made a significant change, swapping their summer holiday flights for a ferry trip and buying their first electric car. With four children under six, the Church family embarked on a new journey, both literally and figuratively, as they ventured into the world of electric vehicles.
Over the past five years, they have travelled extensively, exploring various locations such as the isles of Scotland, the hills of Asturias, and hot French beaches. Their mode of transport? An electric people carrier, the Nissan ENV200, which has become their trusted companion for holiday trips.
The family's travel diary is a scrapbook filled with memories of their adventures. From the picturesque rural villages of Spain to the modern art galleries like the Centro Niemeyer in AvileĚs, their travels have been as diverse as they are memorable.
The charging infrastructure for electric vehicles has significantly improved since they first started using them. While some charging stations require a special app, the family recommends ordering an electropass, a universal keytag that allows charging at most charging points across Europe.
During their travels, the Church family has found charging points at unexpected places, including service stations in Spain. These stations offer more than just a place to recharge their vehicleâthey provide freshly squeezed orange juice, tostadas, strong coffee, and pan con tomate, making for a delightful pit stop.
Long drives in the electric van result in the children watching films together and having rare family time with few distractions. The family prefers to complete most of the journey in the first day or two while morale is high, then stopping for a couple of days to enjoy the location.
The Church family has also taken trips to countries like France, the Netherlands, and Germany. They have discovered that accommodation booking in Spain, particularly at Casas Rurales, can be a cheap and lovely option.
Recently, the family has welcomed a new additionâtwinsâmaking them a family of six. Despite the challenges that come with travelling with a larger family, the Church family advises staying calm and finding solutions when things don't go according to plan during travel.
While the search results do not provide information about the name of the company that manufactures the electric vehicle used by the Church family for their holiday trips, one thing is certainâtheir commitment to sustainable travel is inspiring. As they continue their electrifying adventures, the Church family serves as a shining example of how families can make a positive impact on the environment while still enjoying the wonders of travel.
