CPOs’ pivotal role in EV revolution

With global electric vehicle sales at a record high, and the UK’s 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars fast approaching, some have been left questioning whether our nation is prepared for the upcoming transition to EVs.

However, a new study provides reassurance, as it ranked the UK third in Europe for EV readiness.

The 2023 Electric Vehicle Readiness Index, carried out by LeasePlan, evaluated 22 European countries on their preparedness for EV adoption, considering the maturity of their EV market and infrastructure, as well as the cost of EV ownership.

This year, the UK retained its third-place spot, following Norway, where EVs account for 89% of new car registrations, and the Netherlands, where, in 2022, 51% of new registrations were for plug-in cars.

The UK achieved its high ranking due to its 23% share of EVs in the new car market and the recent expansion of its charging infrastructure, which increased the nation’s EV readiness score compared to the previous Index.

Across Europe, this general positive trend towards EV readiness was observed, although notably, charging infrastructure was identified as the most substantial barrier to the EV transition.

Progress in the deployment and management of public charging infrastructure will be vital for a successful transition to EVs in the UK, as emphasised by Alfonso Martinez, Managing Director of LeasePlan UK.

“It is now essential that we keep this 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”.

It is crucial that this progress is achieved sooner rather than later, given that the transportation sector remains the largest contributor to carbon emissions in the UK.

Zest is working hard to accelerate the rollout of public charging infrastructure and prepare the UK’s drivers for the transition to EVs, 44% of whom will not have the capability to charge at home.  

Backed by the £420m government sponsored Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF), Zest is partnering with local authorities and commercial landowners to fund, deploy, and manage a nationwide public charging network, preparing the UK for the electric vehicle revolution and helping the country on its way to a net zero future.