Top six electric vehicles to enjoy Scotland’s best driving routes

Lockdown has been tough, but there was at least one upside to the pandemic: a temporary reduction in daily global CO2 emissions of 17%. And while other reports suggest that emissions are returning to normal far quicker than society is, we’ve seen first-hand that one way or another, carbon emissions can be reduced and climate change arrested. 

The UK is host to the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP26) this coming November at Glasgow’s SEC - just a stone’s throw away from Intelligent Car Leasing’s Skypark headquarters.  

So, with the environmental focus of the world falling on Scotland, let’s celebrate our country’s outstanding natural beauty with six electric cars that won’t add a gram of CO2 to our beautiful environment.  

We’ve drawn our inspiration from Visit Scotland’s top six scenic drives in Scotland which is well worth a read if you plan on indulging yourself with a zero emission excursion this summer.

Glasgow to Glencoe in the Tesla Model 3 

The longest and most impressive journey in the top six winds it’s way around the shores of Loch Lomond and onto the majesty of Glencoe. Surrounded by towering mountains, Scotland’s most famous (and romantic) glen is a sight for lockdown-weary eyes. There’s only one way to cruise your way up the A82 whilst enjoying the towering scenery on offer, and that’s in the Tesla Model 3 with its equally stunning glass roof. Essentially one massive glass panel, the Tesla’s roof seems to go on for ever – just like the Model 3’s impressive 278 mile range. And that’s just for starters. Opt for the Long Range model and you’ll get and a whopping 360 miles. That’s enough to drive from Glasgow to Glencoe twice on a single charge. 

Glasgow to Inveraray, via the Rest and Be Thankful Pass in the Mercedes EQC

A slightly shorter trip, but no less impressive, the route to the Rest and Be Thankful takes you past Arrochar Alps which nestle at the head of Lochs Long, Fyne and Goil. The highest point on the A83, The Rest and Be Thankful is one of Scotland’s most famous viewpoints, but it can be a challenge if attempted in poorer weather. To make the most of the trip, we’d suggest the Mercedes EQC. It offers four-wheel-drive grip should the changeable Scottish weather catch you out, and as an out-and-out tourer it offers a relaxing and comfortable driving experience. Coupled with Mercedes’ famous cabin quality, you can be sure your views inside and outside of the car will be equally stunning. 

Stornoway to Seilebost, Outer Herbrides in the Volkswagen ID.3 

A ferry trip from the Northern tip of Scotland to Stornaway sets you up for one of the best scenic drives in Scotland. The rugged route takes you across the Isle of Lewis and up to the Isle of Harris. At the small crofting town of Seilebost, you can enjoy the brisk seascape and golden sands of Traigh Seilebost with views across to Luskentyre and Taransay. As a ferry trip is required, not to mention some gear to make the most of your time at the beach, we’d recommended the Volkswagen ID.3. It’s the size of a Golf, so will fit snuggly into a tightly packed ferry and with no engine, Volkswagen has managed to push the front wheels further out-front meaning inside, you are rewarded with almost Passat-levels of space. The boot is particularly capacious for a car of this size. Compact and practical without the bulk of an SUV, the ID.3 is a clever package for a jaunt across the Hebridean archipelago.

Edinburgh to St Andrews, via the East Neuk of Fife in the Polestar 2 

The second longest route on the list takes us across the Forth Road Bridge before following the scenic coastal route around the East Neuk of Fife past costal fishing villages such as Elie and Anstruther. Once at St Andrews you can enjoy the medieval streets and surroundings and experience golfing history in the place where it all began. As the second-longest drive we’d recommend doing it in the Polestar 2. There’s plenty of Volvo-derived DNA wrapped up in a sensational looking package that will make even Tesla Model 3 drivers jealous -  an important factor when parked on the casually up-market streets of St Andrews. A great drive and a real performer, the Polestar 2 as perfect for eating up the East Coast miles. 

Lochcarron to Applecross, via the Bealach na Bà in the Jaguar I-PACE 

Staring out from the shores of Loch Carron this route is relatively short, but the views are stunning. The route isn’t for the faint of heart though. The Bealach na Bà or ‘Road to Applecross’ is a twisting single-track road that reaches over 2,00ft at its highest point. But your destination offers beautiful views across the whole of Wester Ross, Skye and the Outer Hebrides. To tackle the narrow twisting route, we’d recommend the Jaguar I-PACE. A really rewarding drive, the I-PACE is powerful and agile with a low centre of gravity and precise steering that’ll make the most of the twisting single-track route. It also has some decent off-road performance - handy if you need to pull over to let oncoming traffic past. A thrilling drive for a thrilling route. 

Aberfoyle to Callander, via the Three Lochs Forest Drive in the Skoda Enyaq iV 

Starting off just north of Aberfoyle, this short yet enchanting forest drive takes you on a one-way route past the breath-taking Trossachs scenery of Lochan Reòidhte, Loch Achray and the fabulously named Loch Drunkie. There’s plenty of interest along the way, from walking trails to picnic spots, and you might even catch a glimpse of any osprey fishing on the lochs. If you’re planning on taking a picnic with you and some walking gear, we’d suggest the Skoda Enyaq iV. It has loads of space and is actually roomier inside than its sibling the Volkswagen ID.4, whilst being a little more exciting to look at. The boot is enormous with virtually no lip so getting your picnic out will be a doddle. 

If you’d like to make the most of this summer while doing your bit for the environment, take a look at our latest electric and hybrid leasing deals.