Britain is the biggest market for EVs

Who would have thought that Britain would be the largest market for electric cars in Europe?

Given the daily misgivings about the technology rehearsed in some of the media, not to mention the constant negative criticism on social media, you might possibly think that Britain really doesn’t want anything to do with this zero tailpipe emission technology.

But actually, we do.

In fact, Britain has become the biggest market in Europe for electric cars.

At the end of 2024, one in five new cars in Britain were EVs, totalling 382,000 across the last 12 months, beating Germany by 1,000 units. Until 2024, Germany had been the hot spot for EVs.

I think this result is terrific. I’m also rather pleased that my crystal ball gazing this time last year was correct: 2024 will be the year of the EV.

I know there are plenty of drivers who believe that the technology is too expensive, that the infrastructure isn’t there, and the leap from filling up with fuel to replenishing with electrons is a step too far… at least for the moment.

Although I believe much of this negativity is to do with fear of the unknown. Certainly, drivers of EVs seem convinced by their choice. A recent survey by Zapmap of its users found that fewer than 3% of EV drivers stated they missed their petrol or diesel vehicle and wanted to switch back.

Our own company fleet went full electric in 2021 and not one of our staff is hankering after the old technology of filling up with fuel.

And neither have our clients.

As a sustainable mobility company – a sustainable mobility provider that also became carbon neutral in 2024 – providing the cleanest vehicles to clients is central to our business. In 2024 Fleet Alliance played its part in helping Britain become Europe’s EV leader by delivering a record number of electric cars to clients, ranging from £22,240 (SMART ForFour Electric Hatchback) to £162,079 (Porsche Taycan Saloon).

I realise that one of the criticisms aimed at EVs is that they are too expensive, beyond the reach of many consumers, and that the Government should incentivise private sales by bringing back the Plug-in Car Grant.

It’s a view I wouldn’t disagree with regarding Government support. But, there are other ways for consumers to access electric cars in a way that is affordable, and offers similar benefits to company car drivers. It’s not the traditional purchase process that many EV critics are fixated by, rather it’s through the tax breaks offered by salary sacrifice.

How salary sacrifice is a way for personal drivers to access electric cars

Progressive companies are addressing their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) agendas by introducing staff electric car salary schemes as part of their decarbonisation programmes.

Such electric car salary sacrifice schemes offer non-company car drivers the opportunity of driving an electric car. What’s more, it’s an electric car that is insured and fully maintained at a cost below funding the same car on a personal lease out of taxed income.

A really good example of this working in practice is the electric car salary sacrifice scheme that Fleet Alliance provides to The Unity Schools partnership.

Sarah Garner, Deputy CEO and Director of Finance says the scheme has been well received by staff and offers the partnership a valuable retention and recruitment enticement. It also forms part of Unity Schools’ wider environmental remit to reduce carbon.

On the road to price parity with petrol and diesel cars

And, looking into my crystal ball for 2025, I suspect we may well see cost rises on petrol and diesel cars that will bring price parity with electric cars. It’s already happening in Europe, and it’s looking likely that the same will happen in Britain.

The current Government is maintaining its stance on the ban of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, which will encourage more electric cars onto the market, both from existing manufacturers and exciting new entrants..

Which makes me wonder: in 2025, could Britain again be the leader in electric car sales in Europe? I certainly wouldn’t discount two years at the top!