Electric vehicles (EVs) have gone from fringe curiosity to mainstream contender in the space of a decade. In the UK, sales of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) continue to rise year on year, manufacturers are racing to electrify their line-ups, and a petrol ban is now scheduled for 2035. It all sounds like progress—and it is. But while we’ve crossed an important threshold, there’s still a long road ahead.
We’re not yet at the true tipping point—that moment when EVs become the default choice for the majority of motorists. So, what needs to happen next to get us there?
Getting a loan while on benefits can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Many lenders, like Pounds to Pocket, consider a broader range of income sources, including certain benefits, when assessing applications. This means that even if you’re not employed full-time, you may still be eligible for financial support. Pounds to Pocket offers short-term loans with flexible repayment options, helping to manage unexpected expenses responsibly. It’s important to borrow only what you can afford to repay and to understand the terms clearly. With careful planning and trusted lenders, loans can provide temporary relief and support financial stability during tough times.
1. Expand and Fix Charging Infrastructure
Ask any EV driver what their biggest frustration is and chances are they’ll mention charging—either a lack of it, confusion about pricing, or faulty equipment. The UK has made good strides in building out public charge points, but they’re unevenly distributed and often unreliable.
To truly reach the tipping point, we need:
-
More on-street charging, especially for those without driveways
-
Faster rollout in rural areas, not just urban centres and motorways
-
Universal payment systems—no more app juggling
-
Consistent maintenance to ensure chargers are actually working when people arrive
Without a seamless, accessible network, the public’s confidence in EVs will remain shaky—especially for long-distance or spontaneous travel.
2. Address Affordability and the Second-Hand Market
The upfront cost of a new EV remains a significant barrier for many. While running costs are lower over time, entry-level prices for new models are still out of reach for a large part of the population.
The solution lies not just in price reductions but in:
-
Supporting the second-hand EV market: Buyers need confidence in battery health, serviceability, and fair pricing.
-
Expanding affordable leasing schemes for low-income households
-
Incentivising conversions of existing vehicles, which can be more cost-effective and environmentally sound than scrapping a petrol car and building a new EV from scratch
Government grants for new EVs have been withdrawn, but well-targeted incentives could help bring the benefits of electric transport to more people.
3. Battery Recycling and Supply Chain Reform
As EV adoption grows, so too does concern about the environmental impact of battery production—particularly the mining of lithium, cobalt and other rare materials. While EVs are still cleaner than petrol cars over their lifecycle, a truly sustainable transition must include:
-
A robust battery recycling and repurposing system, to minimise waste and recover valuable materials
-
Stronger ethical standards for supply chains, avoiding human rights abuses and environmental damage
-
Greater investment in alternative chemistries, such as sodium-ion or solid-state batteries, which reduce reliance on scarce resources
The industry must shift from a linear model to a circular one. Consumers should be assured that their EV doesn’t come at the cost of communities elsewhere.
4. Support for EV Conversions and DIY Innovation
EVs don’t have to be brand new to be part of the solution. In fact, converting existing petrol or diesel vehicles to electric power can be an incredibly effective way to reduce emissions and waste.
Groups like the Battery Vehicle Society have been advocating for easier pathways for:
-
Legally registering converted EVs
-
Standardising IVA (Individual Vehicle Approval) processes
-
Encouraging small-scale builders and local businesses to offer retrofits, particularly for classic cars, vans and light commercial vehicles
By supporting this kind of low-volume innovation, policymakers can diversify the EV ecosystem and keep older vehicles on the road in a cleaner form.
5. A Shift in Public Attitudes
Finally, the transition to EVs isn’t just about wires and wheels—it’s about winning hearts and minds. Misinformation still lingers, from myths about EV range to exaggerated concerns about battery fires or grid collapse.
Public education is vital. People need clear, honest information—not marketing hype. Initiatives like community test drives, local EV events, and owner-led demonstrations can go a long way in making electric motoring feel normal, practical, and within reach.
Conclusion: A Shared Responsibility
The shift to electric vehicles is happening—but we’re not quite there yet. Reaching the tipping point requires action across the board: from government and industry, yes, but also from communities, innovators, and everyday drivers.
At the Battery Vehicle Society, we believe in a transport future that’s cleaner, smarter, and more inclusive. With the right support and some joined-up thinking, the tipping point isn’t far off—it’s just around the next bend.