Driving my ELECTRIC CAR 1200 MILES from DOVER to BENIDORM!

[@theonlywoody2shoes]

A couple of years ago my family and I drove (2.0 Diesel Mondeo Estate) down to Disneyland Paris from the East of England. We used the toll roads on the way there, but having time on the way back we selected “avoid toll roads” on the Sat-nav for our return. The French countryside is amazing, the toll free route was only 20 miles (less than 10%) greater; it did take around an hour longer, but we saved on both fuel (~50mpg vs ~40mpg) and toll fees. Whilst French motorway services are far better than their British equivalent, the cafe we found in Abbeville for a late lunch was outstanding. I commend Geoff for choosing to avoid the toll roads where possible, and think his journey is going to be so much more enjoyable and picturesque compared to yours, but wish you both luck and safe travels.

[@pietermoorer3679]

BTW. We bought a Mazda 6, 2009. I had to buy new tiers on and today I had it checked at the garage and everything is set for our trip to Hungary. 952 miles (1429 km). My son and wife are coming as well and we all 3 can drive but we will still make enough stops, enjoy the view as well. We will stay the night over in Czech Republic and then to our destination. Wonder if we can keep up with you. But doing that trip, on your own, 1200 miles.. that's some heavy lifting.. Cheers!

[@anthropicandroid4494]

Very much looking forward to this double-header; I hope that eventually someone will be editing these together...

[@Farney-gy1qo]

Even you two chatting on the phone is better viewing than anything on the Television. Always Great Content. 👍!

[@keithh6010]

Hi Lee, we do a road trip from Staffordshire down to the south of France at least once a year and only got back from our latest one today, a cool 1000 miles door to door. We have a Mercedes E220 Diesel and if we fill up at Dover we can just get to where we need to be on fumes without putting any more in, which is around 750 miles. We use the toll roads and we don’t overnight stay, driving time is around 16 hrs but with stops it’s around 22 hrs in total which includes the ferry too. The charging network on the toll roads in France appears to be well advanced of ours in the uk, plenty of charging points and hardly used this time of year, I’d be really interested to see how you get on. I assume you’ve already done your homework on French travel, such as toll tag, crit aire, travel equipment such as breathalysers etc, but I absolutely love driving in France and guess you will too, Lyon can get get busy at peak periods so be careful of timings. Best of luck with the road trip pal👍

[@johnstone4790]

I have just come back from Alicante in my iX M60 spend a month down there had an amazing ride down. No issues with charging at all. The only issue was that I had to move the car off the charger because it charged quicker than I can have lunch and I use the BMW app which in my opinion bins everything else, for charges and routes. I’m sure you’re going to make enough money from KZbin to buy a new Porsche and a lot of other things. Enjoy your trip

[@martincox2864]

You just know the result without even watching, Geoff will get there in 18 hours non stop for a cost of £28 in fuel and Lee will take 5 days at a cost of £790 in electric.

[@curtisj2165]

Not quite, but I get your point. It's going to be hell for Lee

[@lewisdillon8524]

Dead right none of the chargers will be working

[@theregoesmygun89]

To not watch it?? That's no fun!!

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Let's be honest. Geoff has already won. This is purely an exercise in riling Robert Llewellyn and Quentin Wilson by exposing the reality of EV ownership. Which I wholeheartedly approve of.

[@djtaylorutube]

It's going to be brutal because we've discovered that he gets a negative benefit at Superchargers, crippled by his car to just 50kW rate. I've just done ~2000 miles into Europe at 9p per mile though so £790 would be high but I'm sure he can achieve it! 😁

[@leeslog555]

Mate, EV owners wont have a bloody clue where Benidorm is ,, the Maldives maybe for the high end owners ,, and the Eden project for the Morags

[@NightWatch975]

Only if the ev chargers could charge your ev in 5 minutes, then Id have no issue with saying this could be close. However even the fast chargers arent that fast, Geoffs got 500 mile range? On his car, you have 200? Sorry but cant see how Geoff doesnt easily win this. The charging is the game changer. Look on the bright side though, take a deck chair to sit on, you'll have the time waiting for the car to be charged- but at least you'll be able to enjoy some hopefully fine weather. Great vid and this will be interesting 👍

[@teardowndan5364]

Once 250kW charging becomes the norm for both the cars and charging networks, such a "race" under practical and safe conditions could be a close call. My tolerance for sitting in a car calls for a 15-20min break every ~2h30. If Geoff took his breaks at roughly the same intervals as McMaster, the main difference between the two trips would be Geoff taking his breaks wherever he wants while McMaster would have to take his within walking distance from a fast-charger.

[@TimK2646]

Let IT begin - Lee is Dastardly and Geoff is definitely Muttley in Stop the EV ♥♥♥

[@5ebra1]

Thanks Lee. Great to see you editing videos to a reasonable length. The race result is a foregone conclusion unless Geoff’ s car expires on the journey. Good luck on your epic journey.

[@Theurgicnick]

Millau Viaduct on the A75! Cracking bit of engineering. That road is free (apart from the actual bridge crossing) from Clermont Ferrand! Miles and miles of French A road free of charge!

[@grahamwinn3712]

you might want to get an e-toll badge for the toll roads, saves a lot of time and leaning out of the passenger window.

[@markholmes6831]

My Octavia estate would do that with one fuel stop, maybe 2 if you decided to push on.

[@BigDLondon]

Have a great time Lee. I drove to Benidorm from the UK six weeks ago. I’m moving out there for good in a couple months so drove a car load of my property out. Went from Dieppe and bypassed Bordeaux and Zaragoza. Lots of tolls

[@FootballCrazy.939]

Top gear . You two are the new jeremy clarkson and James may. 😂😂😂

[@matthewgodwin3050]

Geoff Thompson, Lee Davey, and Tony Goodman should present new, new, new Top Gear. The milk float challenges would be epic. As would dropping pianos on Teslas.

[@royb2251]

I think A/C will jeopardise your mission and deplete the battery quickly but used sparingly it may not pose a problem. Hope it does well 👍🏻

[@hv54wxt]

Love the videos, i went back to Diesel from electric, tons cheaper etc etc, try and capture more b roll footage showing your route, car state of charge along the route.

[@sarahillingworth2718]

Sending hugs and support, hope Lee's throat is better very soon 🙏❤️

[@AlexGtheOG90]

Ev is never gonna win, unless Geoff’s car dies.

[@tmjaspers]

Toll roads are the fastest way to travel but its also a very dull and expensive way. Avoiding them takes you through al the cities which is nice but very time consuming. So I think the Macmaster will win when you look at the time, Geoff will travel the cheapest.

[@JamesSmith-qs4hx]

🔥Diesel for the win🔥 (sorry Lee🤣🤣🤣)

[@timothyabraham13]

This will be close, if you are not going on the toll roads it will be very slow...done it many times, the tolls are much quicker. Looking forward to watching this.

[@watto7728]

1200 miles, that's 2 fill-ups taking it steady in our XC90 B5D..

[@GlenMorrison-r2c]

Don’t forget to put a kipper under Geoff’s bonnet!. I am told it helps with the cooling.

[@DaveVantage]

The only way to win is to charge the car while you sleep. Look for hotels with chargers.

[@IanBeswick-sz5di]

Destination chargers are key for the win. The EVangelists will use them and so should you

[@matthewgodwin3050]

But would you need 4 hours sleep after every 45 minutes of driving time?

[@paulwoodfield386]

Hey guys, having made this trip many times over the years, can I offer you two tips that could prove invaluable. Firstly, no air-con will be a very uncomfortable nightmare at this time of year, trust me, I’ve tried it…..once! Secondly, could I suggest the viewing point at Millau Bridge as a perfect location to film your half way point vlog. The view as a backdrop will look absolutely amazing! Good luck guys!

[@JasonBrown-f9b]

Looking forward to you two guys doing another challenge. Love the chemistry between you both.

[@jamiesuter3897]

You and Geoff would be awseome hosting top gear mate I'd love to see it looking forward to this road trip my friends

[@CrazyInWeston]

Geoff has won this even before watching. Lets say that the average of a diesel cars mileage is 525 miles, if topped before leaving, it will only need one 5 min fuel tank top up and a second top up of 1 min to do the distance and I know that it'll take around 24 to 28hrs of non stop driving (cos Ive experienced it.) so lets say 12hrs driving per day, Geoff will be there the following day. Its a no brainer.

[@stephenballantyne]

A plane would get you there in 2 hours.

[@gwenfrance1779]

Good luck with the challenge, Geoff needs one of those fans that go round your neck to keep him cool on the journey.

[@rohossify]

It has been reported that Porsche have issued a recall notice for the Taycan "The German marque issued a recall of Taycan models Y1A, Y1B, and Y1C for the year range 2019-2023 over concerns that defective battery cells might cause a fire. Said recall notice advises that, “Due to a manufacturing issue, the cell modules installed in the high voltage battery may be defective. “A short circuit could cause a thermal overload and result in a vehicle fire over time.”😵

[@CiderGuy]

Planes flying overhead controversial? Nope, it’s flipping obvious to anyone who looks above their heard that our skies are being painted out. 😉 Lee, don’t know if you’re aware of this with electric cars - Apparently if you breakdown in Europe and the car isn’t running you can;t transport it on a ferry back to England. I’m guessing it’s similar with the tunnel too but not sure. Milk floats = the gift that keeps giving eh? 😜 Really looking forward to this & have a safe journey. Might even bump into you as down there around the same time.

[@jakenicholls9914]

This is going to be longer than an entire box set of Coronation Street 😱

[@stevenwatson3963]

Hope not, i can't take no more than a few minutes of that utter sheeple garbage.

[@pj1043]

Geoff is going to win. Lee this is going to be one expensive charging trip & paying for the toll.

[@PeterMitchell-s5t]

Lee I wish you the best, but even if it's all in your favour, I wouldn't have an EV if you gave me one!! I love the sound of my 5 cylinder Volvo t5,yep I'm a petrol head, and I'm a Geoff buy cars follower!😊

[@Carl-s4i]

You can get a ferry back to uk from spain its a overnight one. And the charging network over.there much better

[@Hairnicks]

Loving this, yes, Top Gear was extraordinary but you guys just give us a taste of that enthusiasm, love for motors, humour, and a challenge. Good luck, stay safe, just go for it.

[@alexmcwhirter6611]

Ought to be a very watchable series of reports Lee. BTW I know you are a JetBlue fan and I recall the trips you took from LGW. Well I ought to tell you that JetBlue is suspending its transatlantic services from LGW for the coming winter season. JetBlue's LHR schedules are unaffected.

[@davidkettell6236]

Geoff will be there in two days ,you however will be there in two weeks, maybe ?

[@TheKARMMARK]

Outstanding. 😀

[@openminded3763]

I'm another one who can't wait for this but Lee you have no chance. Gbc will only need to fill up once and his options are everywhere and it will take him 10 minutes tops. You will need to charge 5 or 6 times and providing no queues at any charging point is going to take on average about at least an hour could be a lot longer etc etc etc and if their chargers are as straight forward as many of their parking meters ?? No need to go on you've been there and got the T shirt.

[@fbboringstuff]

It’s not a top gear style challenge without pranks or at the very least awful, impractical gifts.

[@haythemal-kishtaini9962]

watched a v interesting James May interview and he made the very valid point that's it's not so much range anxiety as opposed to charging anxiety. If there was an EV with a range of 150 miles but charged up in a minute, (and there were plenty of chargers), then it wouldn't be an issue...but since we are nowhere near that point!! Good luck with the challenge!!

[@rinibrugel3573]

Watching from Sydney and it is a cold Autumn day here and top temperature is predicted to be 19C, was down to 15C overnight so great for sleeping.

[@pietermoorer3679]

Avoiding tol roads will cost you 3 hours extra. 18 hours to 21 hours. A friend of mine went from Den Hague to Portugal with an EV. It was do able. But, never again. The good few of the charges where quit abondend, they didn't feel to safe. Bring some pepperspray. ;)

[@knownpleasures]

The results of the car race don’t really matter! It’s the interaction between ye two comedians 😅. Geoff has hinted he might not sell his car down there so maybe you could also race back to England together!

[@noonehere1793]

Man i wish i had 12 to 15 days to drive my electric car 1200 miles…….what a luxurious life style you have, all that free time and all!🙂😁

[@DwaynePipes]

Tesla app gives 22 1/2 hours with 3h 40m charge time for that journey. Will be interesting to compare Lee's time against that! Do you think he will get anywhere near it?🤔 😂😂

[@susanmccarthy5977]

Jealousy is unbecoming 😂

[@djtaylorutube]

​@@DwaynePipesNot even remotely close. Just got back from Italy, effortlessly. I already know how this will end up.

[@DwaynePipes]

@@djtaylorutube ah....but ...were you driving a Taycan't? Because as you know, a Taycan't is the ONLY EV that anyone can use to judge the state of every other EV, the charging infrastructure, the driving experience, the cost of ownership, eveything!😂 All other EV experiences are invalid! 😭 It seems that way for a portion of the population anyway. It's almost as if they have been hypnotised into having acute tunnel vision! 😂😂😂😂

[@15bit62]

Doesn't take that long. I get round from central norway to central england in 3 days with mine. That's 1900 miles.

[@hadleygodden2323]

Looking forward to this. You guys are already better than the "new" top bbc top gear but with one millionth of the budget lol. Stay safe and watch out for the french mobile speeding cops, I can say this from experience that they are everywhere ready to pounce!!

[@AdeptHavelock]

01:33 Amazing timing there Lee with the steam train just off your right shoulder 😯

[@kevinmoore7886]

You missed a trick here Mac to push the EV off the ferry mid crossing.

[@Dan-hy5co]

EV catches fire on ferry crossing to France thanks to parking next to Geoff's diesel car!

[@PenryMMJ]

This should be a good one, but unless Geoff has bought a complete lemon he's going to win. Pre-conditioning the battery before charging is something I'm trying to find out more about. Mainly, what's the downside? I cant seem to fine anyone talking about why you shouldn't do that. But there must be something, because otherwise all EVs would always be set to pre-condition automatically with no way to turn that off, wouldn't they?

[@dannydee2668]

I have done this trip a few times, and if you decide to go the Andorra route, try to stop at Ax-les-thermes because they have a big natural pool next to the main road which is heated by hot springs and locals sit around the edge and put there feet in and it's free.

[@st200ol]

I'm so envious of you Lee, I wish I could take this trip in my EV, but I have a "real job" and commitments, I love a good road-trip, I've gone a deep shade of green. Obviously you won't "win" in time taken but you will definitely win in smiles per mile vs some old rattly stinking rough old Diesel car. Happy travels. 🙂

[@carolmurray5569]

Looking forward to your challenge, I follow both you and Geoff buys cars so supporting both of you 😊

[@andyinuk2172]

Lee your drive will be much better than in the Uk, done that run many times in a diesel and the ev charging point a plentiful on the toll roads when ive stopped for a break and they never seem busy. good luck👍

[@vvvbbbbcccc]

I'm just about to go from Sydney to Cairns and back with a couple of diversions along the the way. A total distance of about 5200 ks. There is absolutely no way I could do this trip in an EV. I'll be driving through towns that have never heard of EVs, let alone having charge points.

[@martinwalker3372]

I'm looking forward to this trip Lee. It's because of Geoff that I found your channel. Good luck to the both of you.

[@flightaviationmaster]

Drove from Manchester to Benidorm junction 65 over 40 times return.

[@pfa1981]

You guys have a very nice collaboration and I usually watch both videos sides. Hoping you both have fun.

[@ROGERPIC77]

Hi Lee, I'll be there on the28th, (lavante club), be good to bump into you again ( Benalmadena last year ).. but you will probably be gone by the 28th. Have a good trip, I'm looking forward to the vlogs from both .. 😅🚗🚕

[@stratpluslover8391]

Let the trip begin I guess the EV will spend half a day in charging stops along the way to spain 🇪🇸 lol. Can't wait for the trip

[@Acemeistre]

3:50 - ha! unbelievable - not using your in-built battery management system to pre-condition your car is always gonna hamper your charging experience. I'm guessing the dealer didn't tell you this, but to not have discovered this for the past 2and a half year is madness. you are gonna get some right stick from the EV community for this Lee 😂

[@Acemeistre]

@@jock8523 and the latest oil loving sycophant arises 🛢️🛢️🌊🌀🌪️⚡🌧️🌞👀🛢️🛢️💸💵💴💶💰🤝🤝🤦🤦🤦

[@johnrtrfc25]

Oh looks its a Mr i love EV'S

[@Acemeistre]

@@jock8523 oh look, it's the first oil barren disciple 🛢️🛢️🛢️💸💸💸🤝🤝🤦🤦😂😂

[@Acemeistre]

@@johnrtrfc25 don't even own one bruv 😂😂😂

[@photosbyjb007]

I am in Cambridge listening to a Blackbird in the Lake district have a good trip

[@brettc1169]

We did the same journey last year, the bridge is a sight to behold, you see it as a white dot on the horizon about 30 mins before you drive over it.. We drove electric, no issues, charging is cheap in the EU, comparable cost to a diesel vehicle overall.. 🚓 watch out for the police though if your motoring along…

[@pauljennings8432]

I am looking forward to this series! if you were driving together (in separate cars) like the do on Grand tour they use radios....

[@lesliecarter4295]

Top gear reborn ? I am sure Quentin would join you on the journey in one of his many classic cars 😮 🤭🤭

[@Irvine70]

I think Stevie Wonder could beat you in a Hillman Imp.......You need a real car to do this challenge !

[@simonlove9178]

What a challenge ,must be the biggest yet ,make sure the air con is working ,hot in benidorm at the moment ☀️

[@ELPORTEROTV]

The AP7 motorway in Spain is now free of charge between the French border and Alicante

[@Jewellerybybarrie]

Has been for the past four years or so...

[@dontdoitdave6585]

I think you a.geoff should have taken over top gear

[@matthewgodwin3050]

This is going to be epic. I'm feeling a bit conflicted though. I really want Lee to win a challenge. But at the same time, every fibre of my being wants the diesel Volvo to be victorious. Which of course, it will be. Because it doesn't have to stop and charge.

[@citizenpb]

Look on the bright side. All that sitting around and waiting for the milk float to charge will give you more time to eat tapas.

[@Eric_G65]

I do want to watch this series because it should be very scenic in the springtime. The challenge aspect is kind of dopey though. If you're evaluating cars, why value the actual cost of the car. Guess what, if you get a bicycle, it's even cheaper. Of course, Geoff used piece of crap will be lower cost because it's old, uncomfortable, probably a little unsafe. You too can purchase a crappy set of tires. Are you factoring in your initial charge from home? Are you also going to book a hotel that includes discounted or free charging along the way? If not, why not?

[@jimsouthlondon7061]

Mac you’re travelling in the most beautiful luxurious electric car that you will never pay off that has ever been made powered by cheap abundant carbon free nuclear power across the most beautiful country in the world ,So why race ? Have great trip guys . ❤🇬🇧🇫🇷

[@danfw194]

I absolutely cannot wait for this!

[@nigelstringerNVS]

This is going to be awesome with you both Lee, will definitely be following on your travels.

[@davidwade4594]

I hope the nav system helps you along the way, I think you may take longer to get there but Geoff has a banger that is costing him weekly by yhe sounds of it and probably won't make it 😂 preferred your attitude in this video so I will stick around to see how this goes and then leave you be 😁

[@David-tt2mt]

Great collab' both. You are both winners in this journey/challenge. Lee, pretty sure you have at least one person rooting for you, a certain Mr Willson!😂

[@DavidDunning-m3v]

Can't wait for this one brill!great team the pair off you 😂

[@shug3481]

Hi Lee good luck,by the way stopped counting the chem trails at 30 this morning they have promised rain tomorrow 😂❤

[@michaelgodbold6247]

Good idea film on the bridge,geoff can film the sunrise,then you can film the sunset when you get there.

[@b16mov]

I was going to say just use the sat nav in the car and it sets up where to stop and how long for and has your battery at the correct temperature for each charging stops .. I did it when I drove to Stuttgart and it was a breeze plus every charger is a fast charger and they all work

[@Jewellerybybarrie]

Once you finally get to Benidorm you will have the luxury or trying to find one of the 22 charging points. Not bad for a city with over 60,000 permanent residents and a million plus tourists. If your EV has any charge left, why not come inland abit and I will buy you n Geoff a drink in a proper Spanish town. Oh we have at least two charging points. And I will bring my Mini Moke and show you a proper car... Let me know... Might even buy you both two drinks.... :)

[@jimsouthlondon7061]

Mac see if you and Geoff can hire a Drone and a pilot to film you going over the bridge . Totally awesome .

[@ianharley1726]

Rumour has it the french ev charging network is as great as the uk!

[@lewisdillon8524]

having done this journey. I can tell you there is no problem with the charging network. But don`t worry MacLiar will find lots of problems

[@barriewilliams4526]

@@lewisdillon8524 That's libel, unless you can prove it.....

[@15bit62]

The french network is ok, but using it can be difficult as a lot of the chargers (especially slow AC chargers) won't activate from an app and need an RFID. They aren't hard to get though.

[@lewisdillon8524]

@@barriewilliams4526 are you serious or just stupid. Either way you are not a solicitor. So consult a solicitor and he will tell you why it is not libel then you can come back and apologize

[@Barbarapape]

Unless Geoff has a major breakdown or falls asleep waithig for you to catch up his trusty Volvo should make it there first. Time will tell who still has a smile on their face.

[@lparky4409]

I remember Eddie Stobbart tv programme did a convoy of trucks over the Millau viaduct, a spectacular place. Just hope you don't end up with Geoff as a passenger because his car gave up.

[@Pugwash.]

I drove my camper down to Benidorm a few years back. It was when the French were protesting and blocking fuel stations. My power steering sprang a leak as we got off the chunnel and the clutch was dodgy. Now there's a challenge I should have filmed!

[@petertimp5416]

I was in London in summer when it was really cold….had to go to GAP to buy some warm clothes.

[@Elsie-uy2kl]

I'm so looking forward to this trip chaps. We stayed in the cottage just over your left shoulder last September Lee. You're lucky to have better weather as it was pants when we were there. 😆

[@alfiedodah9799]

Highly recommend geoff get his air con looked at before he goes......unbelievably hot down there......worst case replace condenser or recon pump.....definitely worth doing

[@djtaylorutube]

Old Volvo 850's usually fail at the evaporator too. I've done mine twice now. Pain of a job, whole dashboard has to come out. I've still got the original condenser but new compressor. Still working @ 30 years. 🙂

[@susanrogan9510]

Got my haircut yesterday a skinfade and l wear glasses went to town in Luton got asked by a bunch of kids are you the macmaster sad to say l am a bit proud of that

[@royb2251]

My neighbour has your car , it’s sounds like a ufo when he pulls up.. it’s a cool car tbf 👍🏻

[@waynelevett3632]

All electric vehicles drive awesome. They are very cheap to own. It's a shame he's putting others off whilst he is enjoying this amazing electric car ownership.

[@royb2251]

@@waynelevett3632 tbf he says his car is great .. it’s the infrastructure that’s the problem. Atb 👍🏻

[@matthewwiddows6319]

Reckon this will be close, your not going to want to do 1200 miles in one go, plan the stops with rest breaks. Unless geoff brims the tanks and just keeps driving!!

[@anthropicandroid4494]

Lol, better be careful about what paella y'all order, some do have whole shrimp; don't need Lee starting an incident

[@simonborg8626]

Hello Lee how many miles has your Porsche Taycan covered?

[@Ross_Darlow]

Really looking forward to this series with Geoff! Can't wait.

[@GeoffBuysCars]

Geoff Can't Wait, haha, that's better than Geoff Talks Shite or Geoff Sells Conspiracies

[@phenogen8125]

This should elevate above 200k. Plan a trip to Australia from UK to hit 1m.

[@Ajd83.]

Looking forward to this lee, really enjoyed watching your channel grow this last year or so. Great content and you keep it real and original, thats what all your friends find enjoyable and refreshing. Thanks for bringing us the fantastic content ❤

[@stevenc5227]

Driven to Costa Brava Spain probably around 5 or 6 times the best route is the toll roads, tried non toll once, it was not great, getting stuck in town traffic, pedestrian crossings, traffic lights and general congestion, adds hours to the journey, toll roads completely clear and faster, but beware, the police will get you if you speed, they hide in sneaky places, got done once doing 85, at the time 60 euro on the spot fine, they carry card machines for debit, credit cards, no points on licence, just the fine, they also check your insurance cover as well, they also carry guns on the motorway patrols.