Written evidence submitted by Be.EV (SEV0102)

Be.EV, the public charging network built around drivers, is the UK’s second-highest rated medium rapid/ultra-rapid network. With a network of nearly 1,000 chargepoints, Be.EV is the exclusive partner of Transport for Greater Manchester along with numerous public and private partners across the UK.

We welcome the opportunity to contribute to this inquiry and would start by saying that, on the whole, the EV transition is working. Manufacturers are meeting ZEV mandate targets, drivers are switching to electric vehicles, and the charging network is expanding rapidly with significant levels of investment from private investors and limited reliance on grants and public finance support. However, the benefits of electrification are not being shared equally. While most drivers can access low-cost home charging, around a third of UK households lack off-street parking and must rely on public charging, where costs are higher and availability remains uneven, particularly in rural and lower-adoption regions.

These challenges stem from two root causes. First, policy-driven costs—such as high electricity standing charges, policy levies, higher VAT on public charging, and exclusion from renewable fuel incentives—are inflating public charging prices and weakening the commercial case for deployment in lower-utilisation areas. Second, ongoing uncertainty around the future of the ZEV mandate risks undermining the investment confidence that has enabled rapid network growth to date.

Electrification delivers clear benefits aligned with Government priorities: lower running costs for drivers, improved energy security through reduced reliance on imported fossil fuels, and significant economic growth and job creation. These benefits are already being realised where charging is affordable and accessible. The challenge is ensuring the transition continues at the pace required to meet carbon budgets while working for all drivers, not just those with driveways.

Policy certainty has created a proven virtuous cycle: clear targets drive private investment, investment expands charging infrastructure, and a growing network gives consumers confidence to switch to electric. Weakening the ZEV mandate would risk breaking this cycle, slowing deployment, deterring investment, and making targets harder—not easier—to meet.

The Government has taken positive steps to support EV uptake, including the Electric Car Grant and measures to reduce household energy costs. The remaining major barrier is the cost of public charging. Addressing this would unlock affordability for drivers without home charging/reliant on public charging, strengthen demand, improve utilisation, and support continued investment across the UK.

The forthcoming Cost of Charging Review provides the opportunity to finish the job. We, along with our industry peers, urge Government to maintain the ZEV mandate without dilution and to reform policy-driven cost burdens by addressing electricity standing charges, equalising VAT between home and public charging and extending levy relief to public charging.

With decisive action on costs and clear, consistent policy signals, the UK can sustain and accelerate the virtuous cycle that is already delivering investment, infrastructure, and consumer confidence—ensuring the EV transition remains affordable, fair, and on track.

January 2026