Ahead of the forthcoming Government spending review on Wednesday, Iain Reid (pictured), head of editorial at Carwow, said this could be “the vital moment to supercharge Britain’s electric future.”
Carwow has seen a 77% rise in battery electric vehicle (BEV) enquiries between May 2024 to May 2025, which Reid said was a sign that “public interest is clear and growing.”
He added: “What we need now are fiscal policies that keep up with that demand – from direct purchase incentives to scrapping VAT on public charging.
“This isn’t just about helping drivers make the switch – it’s about protecting jobs, attracting investment, and staying on track to meet our net zero targets.
“What we’re hearing from carmakers mirrors what we’re seeing on the ground.
“EV and hybrid interest is accelerating fast. New entrants like BYD and JAECOO are shaking up the market – in May, the JAECOO 7 was our most-configured car, and BYD’s Seal and Seal U were two of the top five most-viewed reviews.
“EVs aren’t a niche anymore, but they’re not fully mainstream either. The Government has a choice: lead the charge, or risk falling behind global competitors.”
Reid warned that price and charging continued to be the most significant friction points.
He recommended equalising the VAT Between home and public charging as a “simple fix,” adding that right now, it’s cheaper to charge on a driveway, which just isn’t fair or practical for millions of people in flats or urban areas.
“Halving VAT on new EVs and removing the cost barriers on charging would give consumers the confidence they need – and signal that Britain is serious about making the EV transition work.
“The private sector is ready. Now it’s time for Government to step up.”
Government spending review “vital moment to supercharge Britain’s electric future” – Carwow
Milly Standing
June 9, 2025
Electric Vehicles, Industry & Market News, Lead Story, News
SHARE
Ahead of the forthcoming Government spending review on Wednesday, Iain Reid (pictured), head of editorial at Carwow, said this could be “the vital moment to supercharge Britain’s electric future.”
Carwow has seen a 77% rise in battery electric vehicle (BEV) enquiries between May 2024 to May 2025, which Reid said was a sign that “public interest is clear and growing.”
He added: “What we need now are fiscal policies that keep up with that demand – from direct purchase incentives to scrapping VAT on public charging.
“This isn’t just about helping drivers make the switch – it’s about protecting jobs, attracting investment, and staying on track to meet our net zero targets.
“What we’re hearing from carmakers mirrors what we’re seeing on the ground.
“EV and hybrid interest is accelerating fast. New entrants like BYD and JAECOO are shaking up the market – in May, the JAECOO 7 was our most-configured car, and BYD’s Seal and Seal U were two of the top five most-viewed reviews.
“EVs aren’t a niche anymore, but they’re not fully mainstream either. The Government has a choice: lead the charge, or risk falling behind global competitors.”
Reid warned that price and charging continued to be the most significant friction points.
He recommended equalising the VAT Between home and public charging as a “simple fix,” adding that right now, it’s cheaper to charge on a driveway, which just isn’t fair or practical for millions of people in flats or urban areas.
“Halving VAT on new EVs and removing the cost barriers on charging would give consumers the confidence they need – and signal that Britain is serious about making the EV transition work.
“The private sector is ready. Now it’s time for Government to step up.”
Related Posts