The latest report from the BVRLA reveals the real barriers to EV uptake. By 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.

On the positive side, corporate demand for electric vehicles remains solid. Salary sacrifice schemes, in particular, continue to democratise access to EVs, reaching drivers and demographics who were previously locked out of the zero-emission transition. These schemes are a clear example of how well-targeted incentives can unlock genuine progress.

But that momentum is being offset by growing concerns in the used vehicle market. The collapse in used EV values is destroying value on an epic scale. Since 2021, average used BEV prices have dropped by 46%, more than double the 19% fall seen in used ICE vehicles. This ‘death by a thousand cuts’ is costing fleets hundreds of millions of pounds and eroding confidence across the industry.

We’ve been raising these concerns with government and we’re encouraged by the £1.8bn commitment announced last month to support EV uptake. This funding has the potential to make a real difference, but only if it is targeted effectively. We’ll continue working closely with policymakers to ensure this investment delivers maximum impact for fleets and drivers.

Our report, developed in partnership with Ricardo, also shines a light on three trends that demand urgent attention:

• 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 – areas where support is currently lacking. In the rental market, EV utilisation rates have actually declined year on year. An indicator of how tough the transition is when incentives are missing or misaligned with operational realities.

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 charge points for disabled users and vans. There is still no evidence of charge points that can be booked, which is crucial for commercial vehicles and future proofing.

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. But to maintain momentum, we need urgent, targeted action to address the widening gaps. 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 in full at RoadToZero.co.uk.