Electric vehicles are not just a matter of personal choice—they are a vital component in the transition towards a cleaner, more sustainable transport system in the UK and beyond. Since its formation in 1973, the Battery Vehicle Society has not only supported innovation in the workshop but has also lent its voice to the wider conversation about how we power our vehicles, design our cities, and plan for the future.
The Policy & Advocacy work of the BVS is rooted in the experience of its members. Our decades of hands-on engagement with electric vehicle (EV) technologies give us a practical perspective that complements academic research and commercial interests. Through consultation responses, public education, and collaboration with like-minded organisations, we aim to ensure the voices of real EV users and builders are heard.
Representing the Grassroots
Most of our members are not from big corporations or political lobbying firms—they’re individuals who live and breathe EV technology every day. This gives the BVS a unique, grounded credibility in policy conversations.
We regularly contribute to consultations led by:
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The Department for Transport (DfT)
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Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV)
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Local and devolved governments
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Standards agencies like the DVSA and British Standards Institution
Our focus is always the same: sensible, inclusive policy that empowers more people to adopt or build electric vehicles, without unnecessary barriers or red tape.
Key Advocacy Areas
1. Support for Conversions and Kit Builders
For decades, BVS members have been converting internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to electric. We advocate for clear, fair regulations around vehicle conversions—ensuring DIY and low-volume builders are supported rather than restricted.
We have submitted detailed feedback to the DVLA regarding the Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) process, calling for:
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Streamlined documentation for EV conversions
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Greater clarity around emissions exemption
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Reasonable testing fees for amateur builds
Our technical committee is also working on draft guidance to assist hobbyists in meeting UK roadworthiness standards.
2. Right to Repair and Reuse
Modern EVs are increasingly locked down by proprietary software and restricted repair access. We stand firmly in support of the Right to Repair, and advocate for:
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Open access to diagnostic tools and software
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Legal protections for independent repair shops and hobbyists
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Regulations that allow safe reuse of EV components from salvaged vehicles
Through collaboration with other grassroots movements, we aim to push back against unnecessary limitations that stifle innovation and sustainability.
3. Charging Infrastructure Equity
As EV adoption grows, so too must the UK’s charging infrastructure—but this expansion must be fair and inclusive.
We have advocated for:
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Improved access to charging for flat-dwellers and renters
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More rural charging options, where commercial viability is often limited
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Standardised pricing and plug types, to reduce consumer confusion
The BVS supports local authorities in understanding grassroots needs and advises on infrastructure strategies that work for everyday users—not just motorway commuters.
4. Historic and Classic EV Conversions
Many members of the BVS are also classic car enthusiasts. Converting older vehicles to electric not only preserves their life but also makes them cleaner and more usable.
We work to ensure:
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Historic vehicles are not unfairly penalised or removed from the road
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Low-impact EV conversions can be completed without excessive bureaucracy
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Heritage is preserved alongside innovation
We support exemptions for classic EV conversions under Clean Air Zone and ULEZ policies, provided they meet road safety and environmental criteria.
Working with Partners
We don’t do this alone. The BVS regularly collaborates with:
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The Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England
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Transport & Environment (T&E)
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Local and regional climate action groups
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Academic institutions conducting transport policy research
We also participate in public roundtables, green technology fairs, and parliamentary briefings where appropriate.
Education as Advocacy
One of our most powerful tools is education. Many members give talks in schools, universities, and community centres. Others attend motor shows, classic car meets, or village fetes to show what a real-world EV conversion looks like.
We believe that normalising electric vehicles—especially home-built or community-based ones—is key to winning public support and ensuring policies are grounded in reality.
Our magazine and online resources regularly feature explainers on regulation, conversion legality, and MOT compliance, ensuring members are informed advocates in their own right.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re a lifelong member or just discovering the BVS, there are many ways you can support our advocacy work:
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Respond to Consultations – We alert members to upcoming policy consultations and provide template responses.
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Join the Technical Committee – If you have professional experience in regulation, engineering, or law, your expertise could shape future guidance.
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Write to Your MP – Share your EV story and ask them to support fair, forward-looking legislation.
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Host a Talk or Demo – Let others see what’s possible with electric vehicles and encourage grassroots momentum.
A Voice Worth Hearing
The Battery Vehicle Society stands at the intersection of past and future—between traditional motoring and tomorrow’s mobility. Our policy and advocacy efforts are not about ticking boxes, but about making real change possible, from the garage floor to the halls of Parliament.
If you believe in accessible, practical, and people-powered electric transport, we invite you to lend your voice to ours.