The Welsh wilderness at Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, formerly the Brecon Beacons National Park, is now even more accessible for environmentally conscious explorers. Thanks to a collaboration between BMW UK and UK National Parks, visitors and residents alike can charge their electric vehicles (EVs) at 16 newly installed charge-points, reinforcing the park’s commitment to nature conservation and sustainable travel.
A High Voltage Venture
The recently activated charge-points, divided equally between the park’s Visitor Centre in Libanus and Craig-y-Nos Country Park, are part of the Recharge in Nature project funded by BMW UK. This initiative ensures EV drivers can power up while immersing themselves in the park’s diverse landscape. The project amplifies the UK’s EV charging infrastructure, with the added objective of advancing nature restoration and community impact ventures.
A Nationwide Network
The new installations join a growing network of EV chargers across the UK’s 15 National Parks, most recently evidenced by the addition of 18 charge-points across both of Yorkshire’s National Parks. These expansions cater to the park’s estimated 4 million annual visitors [1], 93% of whom visit via car, according to Kevin Booker, IT Systems and Fleet Manager at Bannau Brycheiniog National Park.
Driving towards Efficiency
Apart from being instrumental in the project’s implementation, Booker is also renowned for his ‘hypermiling’ proficiency, having earned four Guinness World Records for maximising EV range and charging efficiency. His skills demonstrate the potential for EV owners to exceed the manufacturer’s stated vehicle efficiency.
Partnership for the Planet
In supporting zero-emission journeys, the partnership resonates with BMW UK’s commitment to reduce average CO2 emissions per vehicle by at least half by 2030 from 2019 levels. BMW Group is one of the initial automotive brands to join the Business Ambition for 1.5°C under the Paris Climate Agreement, endorsing climate neutrality by 2050.
As we shift towards sustainable mobility, Bannau Brycheiniog National Park stands as a catalyst for change, laying the foundation for a greener future in automotive transportation. Fuelled by strong partnerships and forward-thinking initiatives like Recharge in Nature, the landscape of EV adoption offers an exciting journey ahead. However, ongoing challenges around the even distribution of charging points and the speed of infrastructure expansion still need to be addressed to realise the full potential of EVs in the UK.
For more information about BMW Group UK’s eco-conscious efforts and the Recharge in Nature partnership, visit bmw.co.uk/nationalparks
