Industry and NGOs call for campaigns to galvanise public support for EVs
Tue 18 February 2025
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Members of EV100, the global initiative convened by the international, non-profit Climate Group, are calling for a public campaign to go hand-in-hand with a national mission to galvanise more people around the country’s shift to electric motoring.
BT, Openreach, Mitie, OVO, Zenith and Grundfos are among the companies asking the UK Government to ramp up its championing of electric vehicles (EVs) – and launch a public campaign on the issue.
Fleet operators are one of the main drivers behind the UK’s EV transition, but the general public is lagging behind. With manufacturers driven by the ZEV mandate to increase supply each year to 2035, it's critical that there are enough willing buyers in the market. Some companies are now warning that a “much bigger perception shift in the population is needed for them to continue their EV transitions at pace”.
The Climate Group says that a public campaign could demonstrate how rapidly the transition is advancing and highlight the benefits of EVs for public health, economic growth, and the climate – as well as financially.
EV100 is the Climate Group’s network of more than 120 companies committed to electrifying their fleets by 2030.
Helen Clarkson, CEO, Climate Group, said: “The UK is ahead of the curve, driving one of Europe’s most successful EV transitions, but the Government is failing to grab this unprecedented opportunity with both hands. To really attract investment, harness innovation, and deliver growth for generations to come, now is the time to shift up a gear.
“That means bringing together the energy, charging, automotive, and public sector in a national mission on EV infrastructure, so we can develop our charging and grid infrastructure with the urgency and ambition required.”
Clive Selley, CEO, Openreach, said: “A public campaign would boost awareness and confidence in EV benefits, speeding up the UK’s journey to a greener, sustainable future.”
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