EVA England has launched a new campaign and online tool for drivers to address their MPs on changes they would like relating to EVs and charging infrastructure.
Call Charge Up Change, the campaign comes a week after a driver-focused event in Parliament. The toolkit aims to tackle the misinformation surrounding EVs and address concerns that recent EV policy has failed to grasp what real world drivers feel is and is not currently working.
This includes both petrol and diesel drivers considering the switch, but facing high upfront costs, and current EV drivers grappling high charging costs, and even access to home and public charging points across the UK.
The event in Parliament was hosted by Perran Moon MP, where EVA England and a host of its members – all EV drivers – briefed MPs on the benefits of owning an EV and the biggest barriers facing consumers.
It also highlighted the need for demand-side policy action to support consumers. While the Government has responded to asks from manufacturers with new flexibilities in the Mandate, EVA England and other leading organisations in the sector are warning that “everyday drivers are being left behind”, it said.
EVs now consistently represent more than 1 in 5 new cars sold, but there hasn’t been any new policies to support EV purchasing – or those already navigating the practicalities of EV ownership, such as charging costs and infrastructure accessibility gaps.
During last week’s parliamentary event, EVA England highlighted the urgent need to address the growing ‘charging divide’, which affects the 40% of UK households without access to off-street parking. It also highlighted challenges around cross-pavement installations and planning, as well as the high upfront costs of electric vehicles.
Some of the solutions outlined included the introduction of targeted schemes to support lower-income households, and measures to strengthen the second-hand EV market, which is often the most accessible entry point for many consumers.
Perran Moon, Labour MP for Camborne and Redruth, said:
“It was a pleasure to host EVA England and their members in Parliament to talk about the priorities for drivers when it comes to switching to and driving electric vehicles. Drivers must be the central consideration when thinking about new charging infrastructure and the wider policies helping the transition to electric – the big changes currently taking hold must ultimately work for them.
“This means making sure the 40% of households without driveways can charge reliably and affordably at home, for instance, and making sure our public infrastructure is safe to use by drivers with disabilities. I look forward to continue working with EVA England and the wider sector at this crucial and exciting time for EVs.”
Vicky Edmonds, CEO of EVA England, said:
“This is a crucial moment for EV policy. EVs bring considerable benefits to those who own and drive them. But as more and more people consider making the switch, we need to make sure the system works for everyone, not just those with off-street parking or early adopter enthusiasm.
“MPs have proven hugely helpful and responsive when made aware of these real-life barriers, as we saw during our event last week. I hope our new ‘Write to Your MP’ tool empowers more drivers to raise their voices and helps spark the change we need to deliver a fair, affordable, and reliable EV future.”
Image courtesy of EVA England
