On a charge, or in danger of stalling?
The latest report from the BVRLA reveals the real barriers to EV uptake. By Toby Poston, chief executive, BVRLA
Toby Poston
Chief executive, BVRLA
The UK’s transition to zero-emission road transport is entering its most complex and challenging phase. As an industry, we are seeing progress but it’s increasingly clear that this progress is being undercut by deepening imbalances that threaten to derail the overall transition to zero-emission transport.
Our latest Road to Zero Report, launched at this year’s ‘Fleets in Charge’ conference, provides a comprehensive overview of the sector’s decarbonisation progress across supply, demand and infrastructure. It offers a mixed verdict: while fleet electrification is advancing, cracks are widening in key areas. Van affordability, infrastructure equity and the used vehicle market are three areas where those cracks are becoming fissures.
Earlier this month, the Government introduced a new grant to make new electric cars more affordable in the form of the Electric Car Grant (ECG). It will provide discounts of up to £3,570 off the cost of a new EV priced under £37,000.
This will likely boost uptake in the retail market but overlooks the potentially serious repercussions for the used market. Rampant depreciation already has red warning lights flashing. Further stimulating new EV registrations without supporting the used market risks creating an even greater supply/demand imbalance.
“Our latest Road to Zero Report provides a comprehensive overview of the sector’s decarbonisation progress across supply, demand and infrastructure”
Despite this heavy investment, three key trends identified in the Road to Zero report as demanding urgent attention remain:
· Destination charging: One of the most overlooked barriers to adoption is the lack of charge points at destinations such as hotels and leisure venues.
· Affordable electric models: Progress is being made here, with 12 sub-£25,000 models now available, but ICE vehicles still dominate this space with 26 options.
· Used EV market incentives: The UK is falling behind, so we need to look at how other countries are supporting their used EV sectors.
We’re also seeing worrying trends in the rental and van sectors –where support is currently lacking. In the rental market, EV utilisation rates have declined year on year. An indicator of how tough the transition is when incentives are missing or misaligned with operations.
Charging continues to be one of the most cited concerns from fleet operators and drivers. While we are broadly on track to hit the 300,000 charge point target by 2030, the number of chargers is only part of the story. Problems persist with accessible or bookable charge points for disabled users and vans.
Through the Bon VoyCharge destination charging campaign this summer, we’re pushing for a smarter approach. One that focuses on matching the right type of charge point with the specific use case in a given location. Speed, accessibility and reliability are just as important as volume.
With around 40% of the UK’s EVs operated by our members, the fleet sector continues to be a key driver of the transition. To maintain momentum, we need urgent, targeted action to address the widening gaps. While there are signs that the Government is hearing us; continued engagement with fleets remains as critical as ever.
The Road to Zero Report is available at RoadToZero.co.uk.
