EVA England – which advocates the transition to electric vehicles on behalf of EV drivers – has launched its 2024 manifesto in Westminster.

The manifesto was launched at an evening reception in Westminster

The manifesto identifies the key priority areas that are essential to address next as the uptake of EVs continues to grow, helping move the UK ever closer to EVs making up the majority of its mobility landscape.

Held earlier this week, the special evening reception in Westminster launched the manifesto and provided an opportunity for EVA members from across the country to engage with parliamentarians and many key stakeholders in the electric vehicle landscape.

Sponsored by Octopus EV and hosted by the Shadow Minister for Roads, Bill Esterson MP, the launch featured a keynote speech from Anthony Browne MP, Minister for Decarbonisation, and 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.

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, EVA England says 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.

Its manifesto has been structured around the following five key pillars:

Fairer charging costs – 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.

Liberate charging provision – 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.

Lower insurance premiums – 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.

Enforce accessibility standards – 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.

Democratise EV uptake and drive demand – 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.

James Court, CEO of EVA England, commented: “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.”

Transport Decarbonisation Minister 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 such as EVA England and government working together to support people to make the switch for good.

“I look to forward to working with the EVA and wider EV community to ensure that this excellent work continues.”

Bill Esterson, MP for Sefton Central and Shadow Minister for Roads, added: “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 such as EVA England to ensure our progress towards net zero is inclusive, affordable and fair for all.”