The latest BVRLA Road to Zero Report 2026 provides one of the most comprehensive snapshots of the UK's transition to zero-emission road transport. Covering vehicle demand, charging infrastructure and market supply, the report highlights encouraging progress, while also recognising the challenges that remain for businesses and fleet operators. (Road to Zero)

For organisations considering electric vehicles, company cars or an EV Salary Sacrifice Scheme, the findings reinforce what we're seeing every day at Lease Electric: the transition is accelerating, but choosing the right vehicles and receiving expert support has never been more important.

Business Leasing Continues to Lead EV Adoption

One of the report's strongest messages is that business leasing remains the driving force behind electric vehicle adoption in the UK. Salary sacrifice schemes and company car programmes continue to deliver significant growth in battery electric vehicle (BEV) registrations, while personal leasing remains steady thanks to increasingly competitive leasing offers. (Road to Zero)

Many businesses are discovering that offering electric vehicles through salary sacrifice not only helps reduce their carbon footprint but also provides employees with an affordable route into EV ownership, benefiting from low Benefit in Kind (BiK) taxation and an all-inclusive monthly package.

More Affordable EVs Than Ever Before

One of the biggest barriers to EV adoption has traditionally been purchase price. Encouragingly, that picture is changing rapidly.

According to the report:

• There are now 55 electric car models available under £30,000, more than double the number available just a year ago.

• 22 models are now priced below £25,000, giving drivers more choice than ever before.

• Vehicle efficiency and charging speeds continue to improve across the market. 

For businesses, this means company car policies and salary sacrifice schemes can now accommodate a much wider range of budgets without compromising on technology or range.

Charging Infrastructure Continues to Grow

Charging remains one of the biggest discussion points for businesses making the move to electric.

The Road to Zero Report notes that the UK has now surpassed 120,000 public charge points, including more than 28,000 rapid and ultra-rapid chargers. The pace of installation remains ahead of the Government's long-term trajectory towards 300,000 public chargers by 2030, although deployment has slowed slightly in recent months.

For many drivers, however, home charging continues to offer the greatest financial advantage, making workplace charging and salary sacrifice schemes with home charger options increasingly attractive.

Electric Vans Still Face Challenges

While the passenger car market continues to strengthen, the report highlights that electric vans remain a more complex proposition.

Higher purchase prices, concerns around residual values, payload, real-world range and the availability of van-friendly charging infrastructure continue to affect adoption rates. The BVRLA concludes that current demand still falls well short of the Government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate targets for vans.

The Used EV Market Is Showing Positive Signs

After several years of falling values, there are early indications that the used EV market is beginning to stabilise.

The report highlights that:

• Used EV demand has grown significantly.

• EVs are now among the fastest-selling used vehicles.

• Demand briefly exceeded supply during 2026 for the first time in several years, suggesting growing consumer confidence. 

A healthier used market benefits everyone, helping strengthen future vehicle values and making electric vehicles more accessible to a wider audience.

Challenges Still Remain

The report is balanced in recognising that several barriers continue to slow the UK's transition.

These include:

• Slower adoption of electric vans.

• Continued pressure on used EV residual values.

• Regional differences in charging infrastructure.

• The need for greater public charging accessibility and reliability.

• Ongoing uncertainty surrounding elements of government policy. 

These are challenges the wider industry must continue to address to support long-term confidence.