Automotive Business Magazine – Q3 2026 – Digital edition - Flipbook - Page 13
OPINION
EV
Mixed messages
stall progress
→ Tom Middleditch is head of B2B marketing and sustainability spokesperson at Europcar
I
n April, the UK saw its two millionth
battery electric vehicle (BEV)
registered. The latest SMMT figures
show that BEVs now account for
27.3% of all new cars registered
while plug-in hybrids (PHEVs) and
hybrids (HEVs) make up 13.8% and
12.9%, respectively. However, looking
at vehicle sales in 2026 to date,
the BEV figure drops to 23.9%, far lower
than the ZEV Mandate target. On the
current trajectory, the UK market will fall
spectacularly short.
Barriers to rapid growth
The Europcar EV Barometer tracks
sentiment towards BEVs, and the latest
data makes for interesting reading.
While BEV costs are moving closer to
ICE models and savings can be made on
fuel and maintenance, concerns around
the cost of purchase, maintenance
and finance were a bigger issue for
businesses in Q1 2026 than Q4 2025.
Despite the charging network
expanding to more than 120,000 public
chargers across the UK, infrastructure
concerns are another key concern.
The cost-based reluctance from
businesses is likely to be due, at least
in part, to ongoing mixed messages
from Government, and even the yoyoing of decisions. Potential per-mile
tax on BEVs, the increase in BiK, and
changes to grants and other funding
support – businesses planning ahead
need certainty and clear direction before
making long-term commitments.
Of course, one clear advantage of BEVS
is fuel savings. Interest in new and used
BEVs have risen in the wake of rapid
fuel price rises sparked by the Iran war.
However, our own research suggests that
only 30% believe higher fuel prices will
accelerate their company’s transition.
Seeing BEVs clearly
It is encouraging to see that respondents
to the EV Barometer seem more
confident in their understanding around
owning and driving an EV, with just 14.2%
held back by lack of knowledge, down
from 16.7% in Q4 2025.
First-hand experience is, of course,
the best way to increase knowledge and
understanding. And we are seeing clear
evidence of how rental is playing its part
in this respect.
In Q1 2026, Europcar BEV rentals saw
a 139% year-on-year increase, growth
which we believe is contributing to
increased confidence. Indeed, in the
past few years since introducing BEVs
to our rental fleet, we have found that
lack of confidence among first-time BEV
drivers disappears by the end of the
rental period.
There’s no question that there are
still challenges for businesses that are
considering the switch. But the reality is
that the landscape is much easier than it
was. Chargers are much easier to find in
times of low-battery need, the range of
vehicle options is bigger than ever, and
running and maintenance costs are lower
than ICE equivalents, with purchase
costs coming down steadily.
Plus, there are solutions available that
give businesses the ability to make the
change in phased steps, without having
to make a long-term commitment, such
as short and long-term rental.
What’s needed now is more clarity from
Government so that businesses can plan
for the future.
Q3 2026
Confidence
rises with every
day trialling an
electric vehicle
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