The used EV market, airport electrification, destination charging and grid capacity were among the topics discussed across a host of recent meetings between the BVRLA and critical government departments. Alongside members and industry stakeholders, the BVRLA has chaired multiple roundtables this week to discuss the challenges being tackled by the sector.
In line with the association leading #UsedEVWeek, the BVRLA and representatives from members joined MPs in Parliament. They explained how the ongoing volatility in the used EV market threatens to undermine the entire transition due to the knock-on impact on new rental rates. MPs and government representatives heard about how the current value transfer from first-owners to second-buyers is not only abnormal, but also unsustainable. The group collectively explored what measures could be pursued to bring customer confidence in used EVs, alongside industry and government collaboration.
In a separate engagement, the challenges facing airport electrification and the transition to zero-emission rental fleets was discussed with Ruth Cadbury MP, Chair of the Transport Select Committee. The BVRLA also shared details of the Bon VoyCharge campaign, positively promoting the need for destination charging where a vehicle will already be for a period of time, for example, hotels, airports and tourist destinations.
Through the Bon VoyCharge campaign, the BVRLA has asked airports to commit to collaborative planning with rental operators, ensuring that infrastructure rollout supports the transition to zero-emission fleets.
Both sessions followed a BVRLA-chaired roundtable last week that explored the topic of battery health. Attendees included representatives from government departments and sector spokespeople from companies across the insurance, dealer, consumer, leasing, rental and remarketing sectors. It was broadly accepted that industry has a role to play in reducing consumer concerns around battery degradation, which in turn will improve consumer confidence.
The BVRLA wants members to be assured that all of these topics remain a priority. Engagement will continue with Government, officials, and stakeholders to ensure the efficient and effective UK transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Contact [email protected] to find out more about the association’s work in this space.