This Christmas, Santa is swapping his reindeer for something a little more modern — and a whole lot greener! Trading the traditional sleigh for a cleaner alternative, he’ll be making the 2,223 mile journey from Lapland to Blackpool in his state of-the-art electric sled. Talk about range anxiety! But how long will it take him to reach the Fylde Coast?
With an average electric vehicle (EV) range of 300 miles, Santa will need to make approximately eight charging stops along the way. At a typical charging time of 45 minutes per stop, that’s 6 hours of recharging added to the journey. Factoring in his average cruising speed, Santa’s grand voyage could take upwards of 40 hours – but, as always, he’s up for the challenge – and it’s all for a good cause.
However, Santa’s journey won’t be without its hurdles. For starters, blasting those festive tunes will drain his battery faster than he can say "Ho Ho Ho!" Cold weather is another issue (especially at high altitudes!) with freezing temperatures reducing battery life. And that’s not to mention the weight of all those presents adding some extra strain. Thankfully, Santa is no stranger to staying on top of the details, especially when his sleigh is packed to the brim with goodies.
To avoid getting stuck in a not so festive cranberry jam, Santa should take note of these top tips to stay charged up:
- Eco-mode: Turning on eco-mode helps by adjusting performance, reducing power usage, and conserving energy.
- Preheating the sleigh: It’s more efficient than heating it on the move.
- Regenerative braking: This will put some of that power back into the battery while slowing down.
Blackpool: Ready for an Electrifying Christmas?
Santa’s sleigh isn’t the only thing going green this Christmas, with the North of England making great strides in EV infrastructure. As part of a regional push, Transport for the North is pioneering state-of-the-art data models to identify and meet local EV charging needs. Whether this will translate into extra presents for Northerners is unconfirmed.
Blackpool in particular is also getting into the spirit. In fact, Blackpool is home to one of the most advanced EV chargers in the UK, capable of fully charging your battery in just 17minutes.
At Tandem, we’re committed to helping drivers make the switch to electric. With continued support from institutions like Tandem, we can invest in more rapid chargers, lower the cost of EVs, and ensure that everyone — from everyday drivers to Santa himself — can enjoy a smooth, green ride.
Dave Briggs, Managing Director of Motor Finance at Tandem Bank commented: “At Tandem, we’re all about supporting greener journeys — whether it’s helping drivers switch to EVs or giving Santa a sustainable boost on his big night. Thanks to advancements in EV technology and charging networks, it’s easier than ever for drivers to embrace a cleaner, greener way to travel. A win for both the planet and your wallet!”
This festive season, let’s raise a glass (of eco-friendly eggnog) to the future of electric travel and the steps we’re taking toward a cleaner, greener world. Because, as Santa knows, the more we embrace sustainable travel, the merrier our future will be.
If you save, borrow or spend with Tandem, you’re banking for a greener future. From low emission motor loans, to lending for greener home improvements, to EPC discount mortgages and savings, its products make it easier for more people to choose a greener lifestyle – helping save money, whilst reducing carbon. Together, we’ll leave the planet in better shape, because banking shouldn’t cost the Earth.
P.S. No reindeer were harmed during Santa’s transition.
