My phone – thinking it knows what I need to see and think – recently popped up with a notification of life six years ago – a collection of pictures from March 2019’s Geneva Motor Show (remember that?). In the selection of images were concept versions (in the loosest possible senses) of the Škoda Enyaq Coupe, Honda e and Nissan Ariya. From within the halls of the Geneva Palexo, I remember thinking at the time how revolutionary these models looked, in a world that wasn’t exactly awash with electric vehicle options. While 2019 effectively signalled the end of the Geneva Motor Show, it did offer an exciting glimpse into the future through the vehicles that were on display.

Fast-forward those 72 months and the world – as well as the automotive industry – is a very different place. Set aside the fact that we’ve endured a pandemic since then, the impact of EVs in the UK vehicle market has been nothing short of massive. Those three aforementioned models have been joined by dozens and dozens of other battery powered cars and vans, with more arriving every month.

Such is the popularity of the ICE alternative, the SMMT confirmed that, in February 2025, one in four new cars registered in the UK was an EV. The progress that has been made in order to reach that EV milestone is, in large part, down to company car drivers. Fleets have, excuse the pun, driven the market forward and fully bought into the benefits of EVs – whether they be financial, environmental or functional.

The trend shows no sign of stopping, with an interesting sub-brand of new electric models on their way – low-cost, small, functional EVs. The world has enough C- and D-segment SUVs, while a lot of performance and luxury cars drivers can’t or won’t bring themselves to go EV. That leaves a broad spread of people who are willing, but unable to go electric. The ‘affordable’ route is an interesting one, with a lot of different approaches to be made by manufacturers. Let’s hope, in six years’ time, there is still the level of enthusiasm and excitement that there was in that Swiss hall back in 2019.

Enjoy the issue.

John Challen Editor