The UK electric vehicle (EV) market has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past decade, shifting from niche early adoption to mainstream consideration, writes Sue Robinson, chief executive, National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA).
With more than 130 battery electric models now available, including SUVs, hatchbacks, and family cars offering longer ranges and greater practicality, the industry is at a pivotal moment.
In 2025, EVs accounted for 23.4% of new car registrations. For franchised dealers, this growth has been both exciting and challenging, necessitating significant investment in staff training, charging facilities and customer engagement to keep up with the demands of a rapidly evolving market.
Looking ahead, franchised dealers are optimistic about the continued growth of EV adoption but remain cautious about the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires 80% of new car sales to be zero-emission by 2030.
While the NFDA supports the transition to electric vehicles, it has raised concerns that the ZEV mandate’s targets are overly ambitious and risk placing undue pressure on both consumers and the automotive retail sector.
Affordability, infrastructure, and supply chain readiness remain key challenges, and the NFDA believes that a more flexible, market-driven approach will better support the transition to EVs while safeguarding consumer confidence.
Projections from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) suggest battery electric vehicles could make up 28.5% of new car sales by 2026, but for this growth to be sustainable, it must align with real-world consumer demand and infrastructure improvements.
Closing the policy gaps
There remain some issues to overcome. Upfront costs continue to deter many potential buyers. Charging infrastructure is another critical issue. While urban areas are increasingly well-equipped, rural regions lag behind, and for those without off-street parking, access to reliable charging remains a significant concern.
Addressing these gaps will require coordinated investment and planning across government, industry, and local authorities.
The ZEV mandate has provided a clear framework for driving change, but practical support must align with policy ambition. Price incentives, improved infrastructure, and targeted grants for lower-income households are essential to building consumer confidence.
NFDA has emphasised the importance of closing the gap between government targets and market realities to ensure a smooth transition.
Issues for franchised dealers
For franchised dealers, the growth of EVs is reshaping both the retail and aftersales landscapes. Electric vehicles require less frequent servicing than their internal combustion counterparts, leading dealers to focus more on areas like battery health, tyre care, software updates, and charging solutions.
Technician training has become critical. Programmes like the NFDA’s Electric Vehicle Approved (EVA) accreditation scheme are working to raise standards but further investment is needed to prepare dealerships for the future.
To remain competitive, franchised dealers must prioritise technician training, educate consumers on the total cost of EV ownership, and embrace digital tools to adapt to evolving customer expectations.
Collaboration with manufacturers, government, and other stakeholders will be key to ensuring the UK’s transition to electric vehicles is defined by trust, accessibility, and widespread consumer confidence. With the right support, the UK EV market is poised to continue its remarkable progress, addressing affordability and infrastructure challenges to achieve mass adoption.
Innovation at the fore
The UK’s franchised dealer network has always been at the forefront of innovation and adaptability, and the EV transition is no exception.
Dealers have demonstrated their ability to respond to challenges, from investing in cutting-edge charging infrastructure and technician training to reshaping the customer experience for a digital-first, EV-focused world.
With their deep understanding of consumer needs and commitment to delivering trusted advice and support, franchised dealers are uniquely positioned to bridge the gap between ambition and reality.
By continuing to innovate, advocate for practical solutions and work collaboratively with manufacturers and policymakers, dealers will play a vital role in ensuring the EV market evolves in a way that benefits both consumers and the wider automotive industry.
Author: Sue Robinson, chief executive, NFDA
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