EV News: The Driver Update

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is changing constantly. Zest is keeping current and prospective drivers up to date with some of the developments that will be shaping the industry going forward.

Availability Of Chargers and EV Range

EV naysayers often cite range and charging concerns, but in 2025, range anxiety is no longer a common issue. Zapmap reports over 20,000 new charge points were installed in 2024, averaging 1,650 per month. By year-end, the UK had 73,699 charge points, a 38% annual increase.

Meanwhile a record 132 EV models are now available in the UK - also a 38% rise since 2023. EVs now make up a third of all new car models on sale, with an average range of nearly 280 miles, enough for over two weeks of typical driving.  

With expanding infrastructure and increasing model availability, EVs are a practical choice for everyday use while strong range figures ensure drivers can travel confidently without worrying about running out of charge.  

BEVs vs Hybrids

In 2024, 13.4% of new cars sold were hybrid vehicles (HEVs) and 8.6% were plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEVs). Meanwhile, battery electric vehicles (BEVs) made up 19.6% of new cars sold.

So, what’s the difference? In short, an HEV uses a conventional engine as its primary means of propulsion but has a battery and an electric motor to improve efficiency. This can yield a few miles of pure electric driving in a town or city, for example. A PHEV takes this further with a larger battery, delivering between 25 and 70 miles of electric range, depending on the model. An electric car (BEV/ EV) relies solely on a battery for propulsion. Both EVs and PHEVs need to be plugged in to charge their batteries.

Which one is best? In terms of carbon impact, a BEV is of course, the most sustainable choice, with zero tailpipe emissions. A comparison of these vehicle types by the RAC also commended EVs for their low running costs and fun yet smooth driving experience.

Checkout the RAC’s full article here.

EV Costs In 2025

Autotrader's 2025 motoring cost forecast highlights a substantial increase in affordable EV models, with 29 options under £30,000 as of January 2025, compared to 9 in January 2024. Additionally, several new EV models under £25,000 are expected this year. For used cars, one in three EVs are now priced under £20,000 - a 25% increase in model availability from 2023.

Starting in April, EV drivers will pay Vehicle Excise Duty (VED). Despite this, those with home charging could still save up to £750 annually compared to petrol cars. The expanding UK charging network and a shift to cheaper, cleaner electricity will further support the EV affordability. With lower maintenance costs and ongoing technological advancements, EVs are set to become more efficient and feature-rich, driving a more affordable transition to sustainable transportation.

EV Range Put To The Test

CarWow tested the range of six electric SUVs, which were driven until their batteries ran out. Conducted on the same day, route, and weather conditions, the test offered valuable insights into how vehicles perform in everyday driving. While none exactly matched their advertised range, this is expected due to higher energy consumption in motorway driving.  

Notably, three vehicles achieved over 80% of their advertised range, surpassing 250 miles. The Polestar 4 covered 333 miles, reaching 90% of its claimed range. Meanwhile, the Ford Explorer and Tesla Model Y stood out for their high efficiency and nearly identical ranges.

Efficiency plays an important role in EV performance. Vehicles like the Tesla and Ford, which achieve long range with modest battery packs, save drivers money on upfront costs and long-term energy use. This also translates to a lower carbon footprint.

Ultimately, EVs provide ample range for most drivers, reinforcing their status as an eco-friendly and practical choice.

‍