EV drivers’ association EVA England has appointed Dr Vicky Edmonds as its new CEO with immediate effect.

A former senior civil servant and passionate EV driver, Vicky Edmonds will lead EVA England’s era

A former senior civil servant at the forefront of government net zero and transport policy for nearly two decades, Edmonds brings a wealth of experience to lead EVA England’s new chapter.

This includes three years as the head of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles – now OZEV – where she led the Government’s development of its 2030 phase-out policy formalising a cut-off date for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.

Her other headline projects include the £950m Rapid Charging Fund and the Local EV Infrastructure Fund, which are currently driving the expansion of the national charging infrastructure.

Edmonds – who has been an EV driver for six years now – said the EV sector is at a critical point.

“Sales of EVs and installation of charge points are increasing at ever-higher rates, yet coverage of EVs can at times be confusing and damaging. An independent voice for EV drivers has never been more important. And as the champion for that voice, EVA England delivers the powerful message that these cars can and do work for the consumer.

“We have a key role to play in helping drivers overcome perceived barriers to EV uptake – namely cost, fair and easy access to charging and miscommunication. I look forward to working with our members and partners in delivering that mission.”

Warren Philips, chair of EVA England, said: “We are profoundly grateful to Vicky for dedicating the next chapter of her highly successful career to ensuring that all aspects of the EV sector, from charging infrastructure to the cost of ownership, truly meet and respond to drivers’ real-world priorities.”

Edmonds succeeds James Court, who moved to Octopus Electric Vehicles as director of public policy in November 2024, and will enable EVA England to take its next steps as the voice for EV drivers in England.

Her first actions include hosting a series of town hall meetings and workshops over the coming weeks, held in the context of the current government consultation on the ZEV mandate and exploring drivers’ perceptions on the priorities for the sector and how EV policy meets and matches up to their needs.

The first meeting will take place on Wednesday 29 January, where Edmonds will outline her own vision for the association and her perspectives on the wider sector, and will be joined by a representative from OZEV who will answer EVA England members’ questions.