Companies representing the UK’s automotive ecosystem have written to the UK Government to emphasise the need for swift action to support the used battery electric vehicle (BEV) market.
Representatives from more than 30 companies delivered the open letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, highlighting how the Government can best direct the £1.4bn committed last month to ‘support continued uptake of electric vehicles, including vans and HGVs’.
Coordinated by the BVRLA, the letter has been signed by industry stakeholders spanning vehicle demand and disposal, maintenance and insurance, charging providers and drivers.
The letter highlights how the used market offers the best value-for-money opportunity for government to accelerate BEV uptake.
By underpinning vehicle affordability, equity of access, and the financial viability of new vehicle sales through targeted grants and subsidies, supporting the used BEV market will help more households and SMEs access a BEV.
Signatories have also called for broader interventions that include investment in skills and training, public information campaigns, and clear battery health standards.
Delivering the letter, BVRLA Chief Executive, Toby Poston said:
“The used car market is nearly four times the size of the new one. Maintaining healthy demand and values for second-hand electric vehicles is essential if we want to deliver a sustained transition. The link between the new and used markets is critical. Low residual values increase the cost of financing and leasing new vehicles. This impacts all customers, especially consumers and SMEs, suppressing demand and eroding confidence across the BEV ecosystem.
“We know the Government is listening. The £1.4bn committed to support EV uptake last month could make a difference. This letter is just one example of how we continue to work with industry and government to highlight how this money can achieve the best return on investment.”
The letter was delivered to Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander on Thursday 10th July. In addition to highlighting the scale of the challenge, it invites further dialogue with the automotive industry to develop a supportive used EV environment. 33 companies signed (detailed below) to underline their support.
Signatories of open letter to SoS for Transport, 10 July 2025
BVRLA
Association of British Insurers (ABI), General Insurance Policy Team
Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP)
Autotrader UK
Electric Vehicles UK
Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England
Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI)
National Association of Motor Auctions (NAMA)
National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA)
REA
Shoreham Vehicle Auctions
Vehicle Remarketing Association (VRA)
Alphabet
Arnold Clark Finance Ltd
Arval UK
Ayvens UK
Cox Automotive Europe
Kinto UK Ltd
Leasys
Select Lease by Mobilize
Novuna Vehicle Solutions
Motability Operations
Pendragon Vehicle Management
United Rental Group (URG)
Zenith
BYD UK
MG Motor UK
Polestar
VW Financial Services
AXA UK & Ireland
MJ Quinn
Sanctuary Housing
Speedy Hire
