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.

Record rise in used EV market demand

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has recently published figures for used car sales in 2024. Of the 7,643,180 cars sold, used EVs accounted for 188,382 sales, representing 2.5% of the market. This is an increase from 1.7% in 2023 and 13 times greater than in 2019. As such, used EV sales jumped a record 57.4% in 2024 compared to the year previous.

Soaring sales of second hand EVs demonstrate a strong appetite for them. 2024’s used EV market growth is good news for prospective and current EV drivers, offering more choice, affordability, and accessibility than ever before.

EV skills growth

The transition to EVs is also reportedly driving growth in apprenticeships. Large employers in the automotive sector are investing in apprenticeships with the number of available opportunities expected to increase by 16% in 2025.

£20 billion has been invested in the EV transition over the last two years and this large investment is driving the need for a highly skilled workforce. A range of career opportunities exists from EV technicians to battery specialists.

More than 550 new apprentices have joined the sector this academic year and 740 apprenticeships are still available as of February 2025.

To support the growth in apprenticeships, initiatives like Skills England and the Growth & Skills Levy will enhance training access. As the UK enters a ‘green growth decade’, the automotive industry is investing in both zero-emission vehicles and the skilled workforce needed to design, build, and maintain them, ensuring long-term, well-paid careers in a fast-evolving sector.

More learners choosing an EV  

As the UK moves towards a zero-emission future, younger generations are driving the shift to EVs. A survey of 2,000 people found that 36% of Gen Z and millennials (18-34 year olds) would prefer to learn to drive in an EV, compared to just 19% of those over 55.

According to BYD, younger drivers are more receptive to new technology and are keen to experience the industry-leading innovations found in EVs. They are also more likely to be environmentally conscious, feeling a stronger responsibility for the planet’s future and therefore more likely to choose electric cars.

This shift is crucial for both prospective EV drivers and the industry. Learners who start in EVs won’t experience a transition from petrol, making long-term adoption smoother.

EVs and the North Coast 500

Scotland’s famous North Coast 500 (NC500) involves 1,864 miles of driving through rugged and wild landscapes. An EV may not necessarily be the typical vehicle of choice for such a journey, but Pelumi Nubi of The Independent has proved that it is possible. She took a Peugeot e-208 and found that there was no need to be concerned about range-anxiety.

Each day’s driving could be planned based on charger locations. Upon reaching a charger, Nubi found that she could take time to reflect and appreciate a slower pace of travel. During her breaks, Nubi met fellow travellers and shared in camaraderie.

Ultimately, Pelumi Nubi felt the slower rhythm of EV travel brought a sense of community to her journey. The story highlights the potential for long distance EV journeys; not only are they feasible but they also create opportunities to embrace the experience in ways that otherwise might be overlooked.

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