There’s no British road trip like the North Coast 500. This 516-mile loop from Inverness threads the Highlands’ moody lochs, soaring mountains and wave-carved coastline. In 2025, it’s not only possible in an electric car—it’s the most immersive way to experience the silence and scale of Scotland’s far north.

Why your EV is perfect for the NC500

  • Silent exploration: Hear waterfalls, wind and wildlife instead of engine noise—magic on remote single-track sections.
  • Regenerative braking: Steep passes turn gravity into free miles—especially on descents like the Bealach na Bà.
  • Effortless performance: Instant torque makes confident overtakes and climbs easy, even with luggage and passengers.
  • Respect for the environment: Zero tailpipe emissions in one of Europe’s last great wildernesses.

The pre-trip plan: your key to a stress-free journey

1) Book accommodation with charging (golden rule)

Waking to 100% every morning removes most daytime charging stress. Use the EV filter in the ONEEV app stays view to book hotels, B&Bs and guesthouses with on-site charging—particularly in popular west-coast stops. Reserve early in peak months.

2) Master your route with ONEEV

Break 516 miles into 5–7 relaxed days. In ONEEV, enter your EV, set arrival buffer (e.g., 10–20% SOC) and preferred stop lengths. The intelligent planner suggests realistic charge stops with live availability and pricing.

3) Download offline maps

Signal is patchy in the far north. Download your route and charger map in ONEEV plus your nav app for offline use. Save a few backup chargers per day in case your first choice is busy.

NC500 charging reality in 2025

Don’t expect mega-hubs every 20 miles, but coverage is solid with the right rhythm.

  • Hubs: Larger towns (e.g., Inverness, Thurso, Ullapool) offer multiple rapid options for big top-ups.
  • Lifeline chargers: Smaller villages (e.g., Gairloch, Durness, Tongue) often have a single 50 kW rapid or 7–22 kW AC posts—perfect for lunch stops, beach walks or museum visits.
  • ONEEV advantage: See live status, speed and cost in one map. If a unit’s busy, ONEEV highlights nearby alternatives and lets you start/stop/pay with a single account.

A clockwise itinerary: your day-by-day EV strategy

Clockwise means an easier warm-up on the east coast before the wild west. Adjust to your pace and weather.

Days 1–2 — Inverness → Wick/Thurso

The drive: The A9 north is straightforward with frequent services and towns.

EV strategy: Start Inverness at 100%. Top up opportunistically en route if needed; aim to overnight near Wick/Thurso and charge to full for the remote north coast ahead.

Day 3 — Thurso → Durness (the northern edge)

The drive: Big skies, sweeping bays and cliff-top viewpoints.

EV strategy: Begin full. Use village chargers around Tongue/Durness for a lunch or walk top-up (think Smoo Cave stop). Keep a 15–20% buffer between towns.

Days 4–5 — Durness → Ullapool/Gairloch (the wild west)

The drive: Kylesku Bridge, rugged peninsulas and narrow single-track sections—spectacular but slower going.

EV strategy: Plan a guaranteed rapid in Ullapool. Add smaller boosts around Scourie or Lochinver as time allows. Book accommodation with charging for an easy 100% start next day.

Day 6 — Gairloch → Applecross (the dramatic passes)

The drive: The legendary Bealach na Bà hairpins and coastal panoramas.

EV strategy: Start full. Chargers around Kinlochewe and Applecross can provide safety buffers. Enjoy regen on the steep descent—watch your speed and share passing places courteously.

Warning: Bealach na Bà is steep, narrow and not advised for very large vehicles or nervous drivers. The A832 via Shieldaig is a superb, gentler alternative.

Day 7 — Applecross → Inverness

The drive: A relaxing finale, with more charging options as you return towards larger towns.

EV strategy: One short stop may be plenty; arrive in Inverness with comfortable reserve.

Map your stops the smart way

  • Build a “hub & spoke” plan: Major town rapid → scenic detours → AC/50 kW lifeline → overnight charge.
  • Layer activities: Pair charges with hikes, beaches, smokehouse lunches or museums—charging becomes part of the experience.
  • Use ONEEV filters: Sort by speed, price and availability; save favourites and enable charge-complete notifications.

Open the ONEEV app, set your car and efficiency, then add Inverness as start/finish for an instant baseline plan.

What to pack for an NC500 EV trip

  • Type 2 cable and portable kit (for AC posts at stays and villages).
  • Waterproofs, warm layers and walking shoes—weather changes fast.
  • Phone mount, spare cables, power bank; download offline maps.
  • Microfibre cloths (spray, sea salt and midges are real).
  • Snacks and water for scenic lay-bys and remote stretches.

Charging etiquette on sparse networks

  • Share fairly: On single-bay sites, move on once you have enough to reach your next stop.
  • Park cleanly: Keep cables tidy; avoid blocking pavements or passing places.
  • Report issues: Flag faults in ONEEV so others can reroute.

Driving the Highlands well

  • Single-track = use passing places generously; let faster locals by.
  • Wildlife moves at dawn/dusk—scan ahead and slow near deer warning signs.
  • Smooth pace saves energy and reduces brake/tyre wear.

Frequently asked questions

How many days should I allow?
Five to seven days gives a relaxed pace with time for walks, viewpoints and village stops.
What arrival/departure SOC should I plan?
Arrive rapids around 10–20% for best speeds; leave around 80% and finish to 100% overnight at your stay.
Will I always find a rapid where I need one?
Not always. Use ONEEV to plan a hub each day, then add lifeline AC/50 kW options for lunch breaks or weather buffers.
Do I need multiple RFID cards?
No. With ONEEV you can find, start, stop and pay across supported networks from a single account.

The verdict

The NC500 remains a rite of passage. In an EV, it’s deeper and quieter—demanding a little extra planning that pays back in spades. With the ONEEV app handling live chargers, payments and routing, the logistics fade and the Highlands take centre stage.

Ready for round two? Next up: Debunking the Top 5 Anti-EV Myths You’ll Hear Down the Pub.