Policy Confusion Risks Slowing Progress
The recent EU decision to water down the 2035 ban on petrol and diesel cars has sent shockwaves through the EV community. While headlines scream âscrapped,â the reality is more nuanced: 90% of new cars must still be zeroâemission.
This compromise, however, risks slowing momentum, confusing consumers, and rewarding manufacturers who resisted electrification.
Legacy automakers who invested in EVs and scaling up tech are punished, while those who delayed are rewarded. Meanwhile, oil and gas industries continue to profit from delay.
Trust Undermined by Shifting Deadlines
For EV advocates, this is more than policy â itâs about trust. Every time governments soften commitments, businesses and consumers lose confidence. Mixed messages create hesitation, and people cling to what they know â even if itâs outdated, inefficient, and harmful.
Weâve seen this pattern before. In our analysis of the UKâs proposed payâperâmile scheme, we highlighted how uncertainty undermines public trust.
A Fair EV Transition: Shared Core (v1.0)
Instead of incentivising cleaner travel, unclear signals create fear and resistance.
Why EVs Are Already the Better Option
The truth is simple: EVs are already the better choice. They cut pollution, reduce reliance on fossil fuels, and lower lifetime costs. Hydrogen and ICE alternatives may sound appealing, but they replicate the same inefficient, maintenanceâheavy systems that lock us into dependency.
Without clear, consistent policy, the UK risks ceding leadership to China and other Asian manufacturers, who are scaling EV production rapidly.
If legacy brands scale back, consumers will turn to imports â not because they prefer them, but because theyâre available, affordable, and innovative.
the EV Groups Nexus and Electric Vehicle Associations: A Stronger Voice Together
At the EV Groups Nexus, we believe the path forward is not about bans alone. Itâs about clarity, consistency, and community.
Thatâs why weâre working closely with our national UK & Irish partners â EVA England, EVA Scotland, EVA Cymru, EVA Northern Ireland & the Irish EV Association â to ensure EV drivers are protected and prioritised long term.
EVA England alongside their partners are already delivering results:
- âCharging Divideâ report â exposing inequalities in public charging access and pushing for fair solutions. https://www.evaengland.org.uk/2025/10/31/charging-divide-holding-back-fair-transition-to-electric-vehicles/
- Open letter to the Chancellor â ensuring EV drivers are protected in road pricing debates. https://www.evaengland.org.uk/2025/11/06/letter-to-the-chancellor-supporting-the-driver-in-making-the-switch-to-electric-vehicles/
- Accessibility campaigns â securing government commitments to make public charging userâfriendly for all drivers. https://www.evaengland.org.uk/2025/11/14/government-takes-major-steps-to-make-public-ev-charging-accessible-and-user-friendly-for-all-drivers/
As a member, youâll also gain:
- A direct say in national policy consultations that affect EV drivers.
- Invitations to exclusive events, workshops, and town halls where your views shape the agenda.
- Partner discounts and savings on charging, parking, and more.
- Access to trusted guides and resources that tackle misconceptions and empower you to be an EV champion.
Take Action Today
Join the EV Groups Nexus today as a free club member at https://evGroups.org/member-registration.
Every registered Nexus club member will receive an exclusive endâofâyear offer soon from our community partners, your national Electric Vehicle Associations.
Join your EVA in the UK for just ÂŁ10 (Ireland âŹ10) for your first year â but hurry, the offer ends on New Yearâs Eve.
Membership renewal for EVA England and EVA Scotland is ÂŁ20 per year.
If you reside in Ireland, the same offer applies in Euros: âŹ10 for your first year and âŹ20 thereafter for membership in the Irish EV Association.
EVA Northern Ireland membership is just ÂŁ10 yearâround.
EVA Cymru membership is currently free â however, if you would like to further support their work, a paid membership option at ÂŁ10 per year will be available shortly. Youâll be given the opportunity to opt in when you receive your Nexus welcome email.
This is the most effective way to share your opinion in a constructive, positive, and meaningful way â while showing government that drivers support the existing 2030/35 transition plans.
Together, we can ensure we as EV drivers are not left behind, and that the move to cleaner transport continues with strength, clarity, and confidence.
