Dear Santa: The EV world sets out its Christmas wish list

With Christmas just around the corner we asked senior figures from across the EV landscape about their hopes and dreams for the industry in 2025

Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK

My wish for 2025 is for a clear road ahead for the charging sector. For the last couple of years due to policy changes, the general election, then the consultation government announced in November we’ve lacked clarity on key measures such as the ZEV mandate. And yet ChargeUK members have made huge strides in rolling out vital charging infrastructure in that time.

I’d like the government to set out clearly that the ZEV mandate is settled, that they will support our industry to stay ahead of demand and that they are committed to removing remaining barriers to connection.

Jordan Brompton, co-founder and CMO of myenergi

My one EV Christmas wish as 2024 draws to a close would be for the government to maintain its positivity, proactivity and ambition around the UK’s transition to Net Zero. Decarbonisation, decentralisation and distributed energy have remained at the forefront of the conversation for a number of years now, and I believe that this has proven pivotal to accelerating national progress towards a cleaner, greener, more sustainable future.

Over the next 12 months, I’d like to see this ambition continue. This includes holding firm on ZEV mandate targets, as well as maintaining progress towards decarbonising homes and heating.

Edmund King, president of The AA

We need levelling up in the world of EVs. For someone with the tax breaks of salary sacrifice and off-street parking, switching to an EV is a no-brainer, practically and financially.

But for someone doing shift work, living in a tower block with no off-street parking, it is almost impossible financially and practically. Hence we tend incentives to help those on lower incomes to snap up some of the used EV bargains with zero-interest loans or indeed targeted incentives. More community charging on streets, carparks, office or industrial car parks or supermarkets not used at night, would also help local residents. Reduced VAT on street charging would also help to level the playing field.

Paul Philpott, President & CEO, Kia UK

“Ultimately, one thing I would like to see in 2025 is a much clearer vision from our government on what the plans are between 2030 and 2035. Pure ICE cars are due to be banned, but there’s still uncertainty around hybrids and plug-in hybrids. Fortunately, we are in good stead for the future with a wide, and constantly increasing, range of cutting-edge EVs consistently recognised as leaders in each of their respective segments. EVs, hybrids and plug-in hybrids have made up around 50% of our sales in 2024, giving customers plenty of choice, even if they don’t yet feel ready to go fully electric. We need to know the government’s plans for phasing out non-EV options, in clear and obvious terms.”

Quentin Willson, motoring journalist and EV advocate

My wish – and it is achievable – is for the government to be much louder in their support for EVs in 2025. They’ve allowed sections of the media and social media to construct a strong anti-EV narrative that has slowed both consumer demand and investment. Labour made much of electrification before the election and then fell reprehensibly silent. I’d like to see more EV-focussed policies like cutting the VAT on public charging, scrapping the VED Expensive Car Supplement on EVs and offering incentives to private buyers. The DfT also needs to launch a national campaign to rebut the most entrenched and mischievous myths and present the facts that have persuaded 1.2 million UK drivers to successfully fold battery-only electric cars into their lives.

David Watson, CEO of Ohme

“My EV-related wish for 2025 is to help more EV drivers to save money. At Ohme, we try and encourage EV drivers to switch to dynamic energy tariffs which can see a typical motorist run an EV for less than £10 a month. Ohme has also been involved with several grid flexibility trials in 2024 and will continue to do so in 2025. These will help Ohme and energy providers to balance supply and demand on the grid while also helping EV drivers to earn rewards for simply plugging in their cars.”

Victor Zhang, UK country manager at Omoda/Jaecoo

With UK consumers embracing the joy of EV motoring, and with EVs now an accepted mainstream choice of powertrain, my main wish for the year ahead is for the continued roll-out and expansion of the UK’s public charging network. Although the network has expanded by more than 40% this year, there is a still a way to go if we are to ensure that the network can keep up with the increased demands of the future.

Tom Carr, managing director at PHM Group

PHM’s greatest wish for 2025 is for the majority to recognise that while EVs aren’t perfect yet, they remain the best mobility solution available today. We hope to see EV advocacy triumph over the half-truths and misinformation spread by negative influencers. Unfortunately, satisfied EV users are less vocal than those who are disappointed, and defenders of combustion engines dominate the conversation among those resistant to change. The transition to EVs will be driven through proactive education, open conversations, great experiences and, hopefully, governments that actually provide clear, consistent support for EVs.

Asif Ghafoor, CEO of Be.EV

My Christmas wish would be for the government and automotive sector to realise that the EV transition isn’t only about reaching net zero – it’s about saving lives as well. Roughly 36,000 people die every year as a direct result of air pollution, and over half of the UK’s domestic vehicle emissions were as a result of cars. It’s simply unacceptable that many are dragging their heels when this is the case. The debate between EVs and petrol and diesel is pointless. It’s clear that EVs are the answer – the only wish I have is that everyone would realise how important this goal is and band together to get behind it.

Osman Boyner, founder & CEO of Bedeo

My wish for 2025 is greater support for the large van fleet retrofit EV market. Retrofitting existing large vans with electric drivetrains is a practical, cost-effective way to accelerate decarbonisation while maximising asset value. It reduces waste, extends vehicle lifespans, and offers an affordable pathway for fleet operators to meet sustainability targets. However, for this market to thrive, we need clearer regulations, financial incentives and support for enabling technology. By supporting the retrofit market, we can unlock significant emissions reductions and make sustainable transportation accessible for businesses, driving meaningful progress toward our climate goals. We have started to see progress in 2024, I hope 2025 continues in the right direction.

Daniel Forsberg, marketing manager at CTEK

My Christmas and New Year wish for the EV industry is the widespread adoption of autocharge and plug & charge technologies. These features eliminate the need for apps, cards, RFID tags, or even credit cards. With vehicles automatically identifying themselves and charging sessions seamlessly billed to the owner’s account, we’re looking at the future of destination charging. It’s all about convenience, simplicity, and reliability—making charging as effortless as plugging in and driving away. Let’s embrace these innovations and make 2025 the year of truly seamless destination EV charging.