Do Electric Vehicles Live Up to the Hype? A Real-World Range Challenge 

Electric Vehicles (EVs) have been marketed as the future of transport in the UK, but for many electricians and tradespeople, the real question is simple: can they cope with the day-to-day demands of work and travel? 

To find out, we got a YouTuber and electrician to take part in a u nique range challenge — driving a BMW i3 from Gatwick to Coventry on a single charge. The journey, covering 137 miles in wet, cold conditions, was designed to put EVs to the test. With BMW claiming an optimal 153-mile range (140 miles in real-world terms), there was only a tiny 2% margin for error. 

This wasn’t a controlled laboratory test. It was a tough, practical trial aimed at showing how EVs actually perform in everyday British conditions — and what that means for tradespeople who are considering switching from diesel vans or cars. 

Why test EVs in real-world conditions? 

The UK Government has already announced a ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, with plug-in hybrids to follow in 2035. At the same time, more electricians are training to install charge points through qualifications such as the 18th Edition course and EV charging installation programmes. 

But there’s still doubt among tradespeople about whether EVs are truly practical. Long journeys, tool-carrying capacity, battery performance in poor weather — these are the issues electricians face daily. 

This challenge was designed to address those concerns directly, with Thomas Nagy behind the wheel to give an honest verdict. 

The starting line: Gatwick to Coventry 

On a cold Tuesday morning, with rain falling and the temperature barely above freezing, Nagy set off from the Gatwick training centre. The i3’s dashboard optimistically showed 153 miles of range — which, as any EV driver knows, can drop quickly in less-than-perfect conditions. 

The first leg through Crawley’s stop-start traffic immediately reduced confidence. Short bursts of acceleration and braking eat into an EV’s battery far faster than steady motorway driving. However, once on the M23 and M25, things began to stabilise. 

At 93 miles from the finish, the car displayed 100 miles of remaining range. It was still close, but the maths was starting to work in his favour. 

Coping with the British weather 

The biggest factor working against the i3 wasn’t speed — it was the weather. Heating and wipers are non-negotiable in the rain, but they draw heavily on the battery. Unlike p etrol cars where heaters simply redirect engine heat, EVs must generate warmth directly from stored electricity. 

Even so, by the time the car joined the M1, confidence was building. With 33 miles left to travel and 36 miles showing on the display, the challenge was effectively won. At 12:30pm, the BMW rolled into Coventry with around 10 miles to spare. 

What does this mean for tradespeople? 

Speaking to Fix Radio after the drive, Nagy admitted the test had shifted his opinion: 

“If you were driving this with a very gentle right foot and trying to do an economy run, you could definitely get more out of it. We made it with normal driving, and it’s altered my opinion on electric cars.” 

For the average driver, the statistics support his experience. According to the Department for Transport, the typical UK car covers just 7,712 miles a year — about 22 miles per day. Even the shortest-range EVs on the market can quadruple that distance on a full charge. 

Fewer trips, lower annual mileage, and expanding charging infrastructure all suggest EVs are a realistic option for most electricians, especially those working locally. 

Shifting driving patterns in the UK 

Data also shows that Britons are driving fewer miles than in previous decades. The National Travel Survey revealed average trips by car have fallen from 678 per person in 2002 to 594 in 2019. Rising fuel costs, fewer company cars, and the growth of ride-hailing services like Uber have all contributed to this trend. 

At the same time, more electricians are diversifying into new sectors such as solar PV and battery storage — industries directly tied to the EV boom. Courses like the NVQ Level 3 Electrical Installation & Maintenance are helping electricians align with this shift by covering sustainable and advanced installation practices. 

Training opportunities in the EV sector 

For electricians, the rise of EVs isn’t just about choosing a car or van — it’s about a new career opportunity. Demand for installers of domestic, commercial, and rapid charging units is growing year on year. 

With government policy pushing for EV readiness in every new home and office, electricians who complete EV qualifications are putting themselves in the strongest possible position for future work. Courses like the 18th Edition, combined with hands-on i nstallation training, prepare you to work confidently in this fast-growing sector. 

And while industry debates continue about the 19th Edition Wiring Regulations and Amendment 4 of the 18th Edition (see our article on the truth about upcoming wiring regulations), one fact is clear: staying updated through training is vital. 

Changing perceptions 

For many electricians, EVs have long been seen as impractical — too limited, too expensive, too risky. But real-world challenges like this one, supported by government statistics, show that times are changing. 

• A typical EV comfortably handles the UK’s average daily mileage. 

• Charging networks are expanding, both on motorways and at home. 

• Training providers like Elec Training are helping electricians upskill with EV courses that link directly to new work opportunities. 

It’s also worth remembering that EVs aren’t just about range. Reduced fuel costs, lower maintenance needs, and exemptions from certain urban charges all contribute to long-term savings for tradespeople. 

A lighter side of the industry 

Not everything about electrics needs to be serious. To balance out the technical side of EV discussions, we recently shared some of the best electrician jokes from the trade. Because even when we’re talking about wiring regulations, battery life, or the future of transport, there’s always room for humour in the industry. 

The challenge proved an important point: EVs are no longer just a futuristic idea — they’re here, and they work, even in tough UK conditions. For electricians, that means two things. First, EVs are a viable transport choice for daily work. Second, they represent one of the biggest growth areas for electrical careers in the next decade. 

Whether you’re considering training for inspection and testing, EV charging, or advanced installation, the team at Elec Training can help you take the next step. The future is electric — and it’s closer than you think. 

FAQs on the Gatwick-to-Coventry EV Range Challenge and EV Insights (2025) 

1 – What was the purpose of the Gatwick-to-Coventry EV range challenge?

The Gatwick-to-Coventry EV range challenge, organized by Trade Skills 4U and YouTuber Thomas Nagy in December 2019, aimed to test the real-world range of the BMW i3 electric vehicle in typical British conditions, addressing common concerns about EV practicality for long journeys. It sought to demonstrate that EVs could handle everyday UK driving without frequent charging stops, promoting confidence in EV adoption amid growing interest in sustainable transport. 

2 – How far did the BMW i3 need to travel, and what was its claimed real-world range?

The challenge covered approximately 120 miles from Gatwick to Coventry, with the 2019 BMW i3’s manufacturer-claimed real-world range of 140–153 miles under optimal conditions. The test focused on achieving the full claimed distance in mixed motorway and urban driving. 

3 – How does cold, wet British weather affect EV battery performance?

Cold, wet British weather reduces EV battery performance by 20–40%, as low temperatures slow chemical reactions, decreasing energy density and efficiency. Wet conditions exacerbate this through increased rolling resistance and energy use for heating/wipers, with charging times extending 2–3 times in sub-zero temperatures. 

4 – Did the BMW i3 successfully complete the journey on a single charge?

Yes, the BMW i3 successfully completed the 120-mile journey from Gatwick to Coventry on a single charge, achieving 137 miles of real-world range despite typical British motorway conditions. This exceeded initial expectations, proving EV viability for inter-city travel. 

5 – What do UK driving statistics suggest about average daily mileage compared to EV range?

UK statistics indicate an average daily mileage of 19 miles (7,400 miles/year), well within most EV ranges (200–300 miles). With 335.9 billion vehicle miles annually, EVs cover 80%+ of daily commutes on one charge, minimizing range anxiety. 

6 – Why are electricians particularly interested in EV performance and charging needs?

Electricians are interested in EV performance and charging needs due to surging demand for installations (300,000 points by 2030), creating career opportunities in renewables (£40,000–£60,000 salaries). Understanding real-world range informs safe, efficient setups. 

7 – What government policies are driving EV adoption in the UK?

Policies include the ZEV Mandate (28% new EV sales in 2025, rising to 80% by 2030), Electric Car Grant (£1,500–£3,750 discounts from July 2025), £63 million charging investment (July 2025), and 2030 petrol/diesel ban. These aim for 7 million EVs by 2030. 

8 – How does EV training, such as the 18th Edition or dedicated charging courses, create career opportunities for electricians?

EV training like the 18th Edition (BS 7671 compliance) and C&G 2921-34 (charging installs) creates opportunities in OZEV/MCS schemes (£350–£14,000 grants), renewables integration, and net-zero projects, boosting salaries to £40,000–£60,000. With 160,000+ jobs by 2030, it future-proofs careers. 

9 – What long-term savings can EVs offer tradespeople compared to petrol or diesel vehicles?

EVs offer tradespeople £800–£1,500/year savings on fuel/maintenance vs. petrol/diesel (£2,000+), with 30% lower servicing and grants (£5,000 PIVG). Over 5 years, total savings reach £5,000–£10,000.