MPs briefed in Parliament on key electric vehicle challenges

Just one week after holding a driver-focused event in Parliament, EVA England’s Charge up Change toolkit aims to tackle the misinformation surrounding EVs and address concerns that recent EV policy has failed to grasp what real world drivers feel is and is not currently working  – both for petrol and diesel drivers considering the switch but facing high upfront costs, and current EV drivers grappling high charging costs and even access to home and public charging points across the UK.

The toolkit launch follows a special drop-in event hosted in Parliament last week by Perran Moon MP, where EVA England and a host of its members – all EV drivers – briefed MPs on the benefits of owning an EV and the biggest barriers facing consumers. The event highlighted the increasingly urgent need for demand-side policy action to support consumers to match the Government’s recent steps to support industry, such as through its recent changes to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate that is guiding EV manufacturers through the transition, towards the confirmed 2030 phase-out date for new petrol and diesel cars.

Perran Moon, Labour MP for Camborne and Redruth, said: "It was a pleasure to host EVA England and their members in Parliament to talk about the priorities for drivers when it comes to switching to and driving electric vehicles. Drivers must be the central consideration when thinking about new charging infrastructure and the wider policies helping the transition to electric – the big changes currently taking hold must ultimately work for them. This means making sure the 40% of households without driveways can charge reliably and affordably at home, for instance, and making sure our public infrastructure is safe to use by drivers with disabilities. I look forward to continue working with EVA England and the wider sector at this crucial and exciting time for EVs."

While the Government has responded to asks from manufacturers with new flexibilities in the Mandate, EVA England and leading organisations in the sector are warning that everyday drivers are being left behind. EVs now consistently represent more than one in five new cars sold, proving that they are becoming the better choice for many. However, no new policy has been announced to support those considering the switch but not yet able to – or those already navigating the practicalities of EV ownership, such as charging costs and infrastructure accessibility gaps.

For instance, during last week’s parliamentary event, EVA England highlighted the urgent need to address the growing ‘charging divide’, which affects the 40% of UK households without access to off-street parking. These drivers are often forced to rely on more expensive public charging – sometimes seven to 10 times the cost of home charging – making EV ownership significantly less affordable for many. MPs were briefed on the barriers currently holding back some existing solutions, such as cross-pavement installations allowing drivers in terraced accommodation, for instance, to connect their own charger to the curb and benefit from more affordable overnight home charging rates. A majority of local authorities in the UK currently restrict drivers from having one installed.

MPs were also briefed on how the high upfront cost of electric vehicles remains a key barrier preventing many from making the switch. Some of the solutions outlined included the introduction of targeted schemes to support lower-income households, and measures to strengthen the second-hand EV market, which is often the most accessible entry point for many consumers.

EVA England’s launched Change Up Change campaign is designed to ensure drivers' voices are heard directly in Westminster. By offering an easy-to-use way for constituents to email their MP, the tool encourages a more open and informed conversation between policymakers and the people affected most by the ongoing EV transition.

As the EV market shifts from early adopters to the mainstream, the tolerance for patchy infrastructure and policy gaps is diminishing. Experts warn that unless action is taken now to address drivers’ concerns, the progress made so far could stall.

Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, said: “This is a crucial moment for EV policy. EVs bring considerable benefits to those who own and drive them. But as more and more people consider making the switch, we need to make sure the system works for everyone, not just those with off-street parking or early adopter enthusiasm. MPs have proven hugely helpful and responsive when made aware of these real-life barriers, as we saw during our event last week. I hope our new ‘Write to Your MP’ tool empowers more drivers to raise their voices and helps spark the change we need to deliver a fair, affordable, and reliable EV future.”