Europe is better prepared than ever to support and accelerate the all-important electric mobility transition, according to latest LeasePlan research.

Overall EV Readiness increased by +12% (72 combined points) across the 22 countries surveyed

Its 2023 EV Readiness Index analysed the readiness of 22 European countries for the electric vehicle revolution and found significant improvements. This includes the UK, which remains in the top three markets.

The Index is based on three factors: the maturity of the EV market, the maturity of EV infrastructure, and the total cost of EV ownership in each country.

Overall EV Readiness increased by +12% (72 combined points) across the countries surveyed. Norway headed up the leaderboard for the third consecutive year Once again, it was followed by the Netherlands in second place and the UK in third. But Denmark was the biggest climber. It made an eight-point jump in its EV preparedness versus 2022, taking it from #11 to #7. This success was driven by improvements to both its infrastructure and market maturity.

The research has also found that maturity of the EV market increased by +19% (42 points) across Europe – with the UK increasing by 1 point – reflecting the overall improved penetration of EVs in European countries.

Germany had the most EVs (including battery electric vehicles, fuel cell electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids) registered per population throughout the past year, followed by the UK.

The UK was the highest scoring in terms of government incentives.

Charging infrastructure improved considerably, with a +43% (45 points) boost across Europe. The UK has significantly improved charging infrastructure compared to the previous year with over 71,000 public charge locations and over 13,000 fast charge locations per population; the second highest across Europe.

However, the report also found that while EVs are still more affordable in most European countries compared to an ICE alternative, the total cost of ownership (TCO) maturity of EVs has slightly decreased by 6% (14 points). This is mostly driven by rising energy prices in 2022.

Alfonso Martinez, managing director at LeasePlan UK, welcomed the significant improvement on EV readiness this year – but said it was essential to keep the momentum going.

“This year’s Index shows drivers in the UK are ready and willing to make the switch to electric, and we must keep pressure on both European and UK government to ensure a robust public charging infrastructure is available to all drivers – including commercial vehicle fleets, incentives for switching like low Benefit-in-Kind rates, and OEMs that are able to keep pace with demand.

“Data from our World EV Day research found that 64% of drivers would consider switching to an EV, yet 53% found the switching process confusing. To mobilise the next generation of EV drivers we must make it simple, affordable and intuitive.

“We want every single driver in the UK to be able to go electric, and while this year’s results are promising, we still have work to do.”

LeasePlan’s 2023 EV Readiness Index can be downloaded here.