4 December 2023
Two leading transport and energy specialists have today joined our Board to provide expert knowledge and strengthen its campaigning work on behalf of current and future EV drivers.
Dr Victoria Edmonds, Senior Transport and Decarbonisation Policy Adviser and former head of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles, and Dhara Vyas, Deputy CEO of Energy UK, have been appointed to the Board of Directors of EVA England.
Victoria has been working on net zero and transport decarbonisation policy for nearly 20 years. Since entering Government in 2006, she undertook a variety of policy roles including developing the first ever strategy for decarbonising UK logistics movements. In 2018, as Joint Head of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (now OZEV), she led a large policy and delivery team accelerating electric vehicle rollout in the UK and stimulating investment in EV charging infrastructure. She led advice on the Government’s then-decision to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK by 2030 and on securing the £950m Rapid Charging Fund to support that ambition. Then, as Senior Policy Adviser at Energy Systems Catapult, she developed their strategy for integrating decarbonisation of the energy and transport systems.
Victoria returned to Government in 2022 to co-lead the Low Carbon Fuels team working to tackle aviation emissions through the delivery of a mandate that will ensure all flights entering and leaving the UK use increasing amounts of Sustainable Aviation Fuel.
Commenting on her appointment, Dr Vicky Edmonds stated:
“I am delighted to be joining the Board of EVA England. It gives me the unique opportunity to bring my knowledge of EV and wider decarbonisation policy together with my experience as an EV driver and support the organisation as it works towards a future where driving an electric car is the best choice for everyone.”
Dhara joined Energy UK as their Deputy Chief Executive in November 2022. She is an expert in energy consumer issues and the energy transition, and was named ‘Executive of the year’ at the 2023 Trade Association Forum Awards. Prior to joining Energy UK Dhara led work on net zero, the future energy system and decarbonisation at Citizens Advice.
Dhara began her career in local government and has worked across a broad range of policy areas from civil society to community building and deliberative democracy. She has been an active member of several Government and academic advisory boards, and is also on the Board of Green Alliance.
In response to her appointment, Dhara commented:
“I’ve been driving an EV since 2020, and am keen to draw on both my personal experiences and the insight from my day job as a Board member for EVA England. Having worked to improve the energy and charging advice, information and support available to electric vehicle drivers, I know that there has been significant progress. However, it’s important to continue to improve the driver/customer experience, and I’m glad to have this opportunity to do so.”
James Court, CEO of EVA England, said:
“I feel extremely fortunate to have two new directors of such calibre join the board. Both obviously have a wealth of experience, but also a passion for change that shines through in their professional careers.
“As an organisation, we are always growing, and the addition of two people so well steeped in policy will help us drive forward our campaign work representing EV drivers.”
About EVA England
The Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England was established in June 2020 to offer a voice, services and representation to current and future electric vehicle drivers in England. EVA England is a non-profit community interest company founded by passionate EV drivers inspired by the benefits of electric driving and concerned by the health and climate impacts of the use of petrol and diesel cars and vans.
EVA England is an independent group and represent our members and the wider EV driver community.
Press Contact: press@evaengland.org.uk
02038 220 811