14 May 2024
We were in Westminster on Monday 13th May, hosting a special evening reception to mark the launch of the EV Drivers’ Manifesto.
The event, sponsored by Octopus EV and kindly hosted by the Shadow Minister for Roads, Bill Esterson MP, was an opportunity for our members from across the country to engage with parliamentarians and many key stakeholders in the EV landscape.
The launch was attended by key parliamentarians closely involved in the EV landscape, including Ian Stewart MP, Chair of the Transport Committee, Matt Western MP, Chair of the APPG for Electric Vehicles, and featured a keynote speech from Anthony Browne MP, Government Minister for Decarbonisation.
In much the same way that Government support has been key to securing the initial take-off phase in EVs over the past few years, targeted support will be needed to ensure the next phase of uptake is fair and equitable, inclusive of all income levels, and able to support a growing and complexifying set of charging and access needs.
The EV Drivers’ Manifesto has been structured around the following 5 key pillars:
The public charging network must be fairly and consistently priced as more drivers rely mostly on public charging. Diverting green levies towards gas or general taxation would avoid penalising EV drivers with higher electricity consumption, whilst lowering VAT on public charging would address the discrepancy with lower private charging costs.
Charge Point Operators (CPOs) have the experience and data to know where and what type of charging is needed in a rapidly evolving EV landscape. CPOs should be granted greater statutory powers, in line with major telecoms and electricity providers, to unlock a new wave of infrastructure at lower costs. Further targeted schemes should be aimed at supporting new destination and home charging points to support a growing demand.
Insurance premiums have risen at alarming rates in the past year alone. EVs are particularly affected as a more nascent market with lower levels of data. Insurers should be mandated to have a share of EV offerings that is reflective of current uptake.
1.35 million disabled drivers are expected on UK roads by 2035. The current charging infrastructure does not meet their needs in the vast majority of cases. Working accessibility standards are already in place – their implementation for new charging points should be mandated.
Despite hugely encouraging numbers in uptake, EV sales remain concentrated in higher income brackets. Targeted, cost-effective schemes should be implemented to enable lower-income households to take part in the green transition, for example by mandating salary sacrifice schemes, and offering highly targeted social leasing schemes and 0% loans already implemented in other countries.
Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton and Shadow Minister for Roads, says:
“It has been a delight to welcome EVA England and the EV community in Parliament for this event. As we move forward with the transition towards sustainable transport, it is vital that the voices of EV drivers, both current and prospective, remain heard and that their needs are met.
“I look forward to working with dedicated members’ associations like EVA England to ensure our progress towards net zero is inclusive, affordable, and fair for all.”
Transport Decarbonisation Minister and MP for South Cambridgeshire, Anthony Browne said:
“With so many drivers choosing to go electric, the UK is racing towards a net zero future. The progress we’ve made so far clearly demonstrates the benefits of organisations like EVA England and Government working together to support people to make the switch for good.
“I look forward to working with the EVA and wider EV community to ensure that this excellent work continues.”
James Court, CEO of EVA England, says:
“This manifesto puts EV drivers themselves at the heart of future policy, and shows the way forward for the winner of the next general election. 92% of drivers are overwhelmingly satisfied with the EV experience, making the future of sustainable mobility such an exciting prospect.
“This manifesto is a blueprint to maintaining this positive outlook, presenting solutions to ensuring our charging infrastructure continues to grow and meet all needs, and that EV costs allow the transition to be fair and equal. EVA England look forward to working with policymakers to make this happen.”
Fiona Howarth, founder of Octopus EV, says:
“It’s a huge pleasure to support EVA England launch their Manifesto at the heart of Westminster.
With over 1 million EVs on UK roads, who better to help us shape future policy than those drivers experiencing it every day. We find drivers love the cars – from the smooth acceleration to the amazing tech on board – and of course, the huge savings on running costs.
“UK policy has encouraged investment in charging and made EVs more affordable through schemes like salary sacrifice. It’s great to see a clear list of asks from EV drivers shared today through EVA England.
Paul Radford, EVA England Member, says:
“It’s been inspirational to attend this manifesto launch and hear from the MPs and their thoughts on how they will improve our experience in driving and charging, as well as develop our infrastructure.
“I have been an EV driver for the last two and half years and I found the experience fantastic. I wouldn’t go back to a petrol car. The charging experience keeps getting easier and it’s great to see more and more actual electric drivers out there.”
EVA England is committed to empowering its members to advocate for clean, zero-emission transportation. This is even more important as we head into a General Election.
Our EV Drivers’ Manifesto and our tools, such as our Powering Up policy report and the Constituency EV Map, are parts of our efforts to make EVs viable for everyone. We believe that everyone deserves access to clean transportation, regardless of their income or postcode, and we want our EV Drivers’ Manifesto to reflect that.
Please spread the word and share our resources on social media, with your friends and family, and at community events.
And if you’re not a member yet, make sure to join EVA England so that together we can make our voices heard.