Opinion: Mixed messages stall progress

In 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 yo-yoing 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.