Electric car stops off for a recharge in Portsmouth on its UK tour

AN ELECTRIC car stopped off in Portsmouth and filled up its '˜tank' as part of its 2,500-mile road trip around the UK.
By The Newsroom
Published 12th Apr 2016, 05:55 BST
Updated 25th Apr 2016, 16:34 BST

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Jess Shanahan with the Route 57 car outside Portsmouth GuildhallJess Shanahan with the Route 57 car outside Portsmouth Guildhall
Jess Shanahan with the Route 57 car outside Portsmouth Guildhall

The 19-day challenge began last week in Plymouth and stopped outside Portsmouth Guildhall on Friday before heading off to Brighton.

Driver Jess Shanahan and navigator Ben Hastings aim to finish their journey on Wednesday, April 20 after stopping at 57 points across the UK.

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The pair are completing the challenge in a Kia Soul EV to dispel myths about electric cars and prove that they can in fact drive long distances.

Jess, 27, said: ‘A lot of people worry that electric cars will run out of charge after five minutes. We’re proving that’s not the case.’

The team’s blue Kia, supplied by Drive Electric, can travel an estimated 93 miles on a full battery before needing to be recharged.

Jess said: ‘We’re trying to prove that the range of electric cars is in fact a lot better than most people think.’

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The route, dubbed the Route 57, was designed by Jurys Inn hotel staff and includes stops at 57 attractions across Great Britain including London and Birmingham before finally stopping at Galway.

Jess added: ‘We saw Jurys Inn promoting its road trip and thought it would be a great way to see all the beautiful places on their Route 57 with an eco friendly twist.’

The pair stopped outside the Guildhall, before charging up their car and having a look around the city.

To follow the team’s road trip across the UK, go to route57.org.uk or keep posted on Twitter by following @Route57RoadTrip or ‘Route 57’ on Facebook.

Related topics:PortsmouthJurys InnPlymouthBrightonKia