Electric vehicles are no longer a niche technology or a glimpse of the distant future—they’re here, now, and growing fast. Yet the journey is far from complete. As we stand on the brink of a transport revolution, the Battery Vehicle Society (BVS) continues to champion practical, people-driven innovation while looking ahead to what the next decades might bring.
This Future of EVs page explores the emerging trends, technologies, and challenges that will define the next era of electric transport—both globally and here in the UK.
Beyond the Battery: What Comes Next?
Today’s EVs rely predominantly on lithium-ion battery technology—a chemistry that has evolved dramatically over the last 20 years. But researchers and manufacturers are already developing alternatives that promise faster charging, greater range, and lower environmental impact.
Some future battery technologies on the horizon include:
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Solid-State Batteries – Using solid electrolytes instead of liquid ones, solid-state batteries could offer greater energy density, faster charging, and improved safety.
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Sodium-Ion Batteries – A cheaper, more abundant alternative to lithium, ideal for lower-cost and large-scale applications.
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Recyclable and Low-Impact Chemistries – Including efforts to reduce reliance on rare-earth materials like cobalt and nickel.
As these technologies mature, EVs are likely to become more affordable, more durable, and more sustainable.
Charging Gets Smarter
The future of EVs isn’t just about what powers them, but how they interact with the grid—and with each other.
Key developments include:
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Ultra-Fast Charging – New infrastructure is being designed to deliver 350kW+ charging, bringing refuelling times in line with traditional vehicles.
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Wireless Charging – Especially useful for taxis, buses and even autonomous vehicles that can top up at rest stops without plugging in.
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Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) – Allowing EVs to send unused electricity back to the grid, helping balance supply and demand and potentially earning money for vehicle owners.
BVS members are already exploring DIY V2G systems, solar charging setups, and off-grid installations—proving the grassroots has a role to play in shaping these technologies.
Decentralised and Personalised Transport
As technology becomes more modular and accessible, transport is becoming increasingly tailored to the individual.
We’re already seeing:
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Small-scale electric vehicles like electric mopeds, quadricycles, and DIY e-conversions becoming a part of daily life—especially in cities and rural areas where public transport is patchy.
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Open-source platforms for vehicle development and control systems, which let individuals and communities create their own transport solutions.
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Shared ownership models and local co-ops exploring how EVs can serve more people with fewer vehicles.
The BVS supports this diversification by providing guidance not just for full-size cars, but for electric bikes, trikes, boats, and even electric trailers.
The Role of Autonomy and AI
While self-driving cars remain controversial, there’s no doubt that automation and AI will influence how electric vehicles operate. This includes:
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Smarter energy management and route planning
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Advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS)
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Fleet optimisation for deliveries and transport services
Importantly, electric drivetrains make automation more straightforward to implement. As these technologies evolve, they’ll be particularly valuable in logistics, public transport, and urban planning.
The BVS remains cautiously optimistic, focusing on transparency, user control, and ethical deployment of autonomous systems.
Green Isn’t Guaranteed
As promising as the future looks, there are risks we must acknowledge. The transition to electric transport won’t automatically mean a greener world unless it’s done responsibly.
The BVS continues to advocate for:
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Sustainable battery sourcing and recycling
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Accessible and equitable EV infrastructure
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Support for conversions and extending the life of existing vehicles, rather than scrapping and replacing
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Rural and low-income area support, ensuring no one is left behind in the EV transition
We must ensure that the shift to EVs doesn’t simply replace petrol with a new form of waste or inequality.
The Future for Conversions and Community Builders
One of the most exciting aspects of the EV future is that it won’t be led solely by large manufacturers. The tools, knowledge, and components are becoming more accessible every year, meaning that individuals and communities can shape transport in ways that suit their needs.
At the BVS, we’re already seeing:
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More people converting vehicles at home with improved lithium packs and CAN bus tools
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The rise of modular vehicle platforms, where users can swap out batteries or bodies as needed
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Creative projects like solar-powered vans, electric canal boats, and mobile workstations
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A growing interest in heritage EVs, where classic cars are reborn with zero emissions and timeless design
We believe that the future of EVs will be as much about choice and customisation as it is about range or acceleration.
The BVS Vision
Looking ahead, the Battery Vehicle Society sees a world where:
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Everyone has access to clean, electric transport
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Knowledge and tools are shared openly and freely
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Electric vehicles reflect the creativity and diversity of their users
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The transition to electric is thoughtful, just, and sustainable
We’ll continue to host workshops, share resources, and support policy that reflects these values.
Help Shape What’s Next
The future is not fixed—it’s something we build, test, and improve together. Whether you’re working on a new battery pack in your garage, writing code for a smart charger, or advocating for change in your local community, you’re part of the EV story.
At the BVS, we don’t just follow the future—we help invent it.