Volvo EX90 electric SUV in silver/champagne color parked outside modern glass office buildings at sunset. The premium family EV features sleek Scandinavian design, distinctive Thor's hammer headlights, and aerodynamic wheels.

Key insights:

Electric vehicles have moved beyond trend status, with nearly all major manufacturers transitioning production lines and the UK's public charging infrastructure expanding dramatically to over 50,000 points.
Modern EVs now offer impressive 300+ mile ranges and rapid charging capabilities, with solid-state battery technology promising even greater performance improvements by 2026-2027.
While battery electric vehicles lead the transition, alternatives like hydrogen fuel cells and synthetic fuels are being developed for specialised applications, suggesting a multi-technology approach to zero-emission transportation.

Electric vehicles (EVs) have moved beyond trend status to become the clear future of transportation, with nearly every major manufacturer now transitioning their production lines. In 2025, we're seeing huge levels of commitment from automotive giants like Ford, who have invested £1.4 billion in the UK to accelerate EV efforts.

The infrastructure supporting the is equally impressive, with the UK now boasting over 50,000 public charging points - a 40% increase from just two years ago. Combined with government mandates ending new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, the question is no longer if electric cars will dominate our roads, but how quickly the transition will happen.

Will All Cars Be Electric By 2050?

The UK government has announced a ban of selling new petrol and diesel vehicles starting in 2030, demonstrating a clear commitment to an electric future. But will this mean all cars on the road will be electric by 2050?

According to forecasts by investment bank UBS, by 2025, 20% of all new global car sales will be electric, increasing to 40% by 2030. By 2040, nearly all new cars sold worldwide are projected to be electric. However, a Thomson Reuters report suggests that even in 2040, approximately half of vehicles on the road will still be petrol or diesel-powered, reflecting the gradual turnover of existing vehicle fleets.

The transition timeline varies by region. Countries like Norway, with strong incentives and high EV adoption rates, may reach near-complete electrification sooner, while regions with less developed infrastructure may take longer. Ultimately, a combination of technological advancements, policy decisions, and consumer acceptance will determine the exact timeline for complete electrification.

What Does EV Demand Currently Look Like?

Demand for electric vehicles has continued its growth trajectory since 2020. In 2024, electric vehicles accounted for a significant portion of new car sales globally, with the UK seeing particularly strong adoption. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, March 2025 saw the highest number of electric car registrations… ever! The market share of new car registrations was 19.4%, establishing itself as the second most popular powertrain choice behind petrol vehicles!

Kia EV6 electric crossover in white/silver displayed against Frankfurt skyline at dusk. The modern EV features aerodynamic fastback styling, distinctive lighting signature, and sporty wheels with a city backdrop. — Today's automotive landscape offers more environmentally friendly options than ever before: Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs), Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs), and pure Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs). The latter has shown the most substantial growth, with UK BEV registrations increasing by 42.6% from 2024 to 2025.

The charging infrastructure has expanded dramatically, with the UK now boasting over 50,000 public charging points - a big increase from 28,460 at the end of 2021. The government's Rapid Charging Fund has allocated £950 million to ensure 6,000 high-powered chargers across England's motorways by 2035, addressing previous "charging deserts" in rural and underserved areas.

Technological advancements have been crucial to this adoption curve. Today's electric vehicles offer impressive ranges exceeding 300 miles on a single charge, rapid charging capabilities that can add 200 miles in under 20 minutes, and sophisticated features like enhanced driver assistance systems, all while maintaining the comfort and practicality drivers expect from conventional vehicles.

Battery Technology Has Come A Long Way

Gone are the days when an electric car had a maximum range of 100 miles; say goodbye to range anxiety! Today, the average electric vehicle will typically have a range of around 300 miles before you need a recharge.

Manufacturers are systematically addressing factors that affect an EV's range through comprehensive engineering solutions. Their research focuses on optimising aerodynamics, reducing vehicle weight, and improving drive system efficiency, all without resorting to oversized batteries that add unnecessary weight and cost. This strategic approach means future electric vehicles will deliver substantially improved range performance, effectively eliminating range anxiety for most drivers. As these advancements continue to roll out across production models, EV ownership becomes increasingly practical for everyday use in various driving conditions.

Solid-state batteries represent one of the most promising developments in EV technology today. These advanced energy storage systems replace traditional liquid electrolytes with solid materials, offering significant improvements in safety, energy density, and charging capabilities. The solid design eliminates leakage risks and dramatically reduces the possibility of thermal runaway incidents that can lead to battery fires in conventional lithium-ion designs. Major manufacturers are investing heavily in this technology, like Mercedes-Benz, for example. Several manufacturers plan to introduce solid-state batteries in production vehicles by 2026-2027, potentially revolutionising electric vehicle performance and addressing many of the remaining concerns about EV adoption.

EV Innovation

It is no secret that the technology around electric car features is evolving, with electric car brands striving to make their cars superior to their competition. Electric cars are so new that there are likely more questions on brand loyalty - those die-hard BMW fans may look to a Tesla or Polestar for their next car. Our point is, there is a lot more pressure to stand out since there are so many more options to consider other than just looking for an upgrade.

BMW iX intelligence panel

There are more subtle innovations like the BMW iX intelligence panel, an adaptation of the grille from petrol and diesel BMWs.

BMW iX electric SUV in blue displayed at a coastal location during sunset. The vehicle showcases BMW's distinctive large kidney grille design, LED headlights, and aerodynamic proportions against a dramatic sky — BMW kept the grille on their electric cars even though they were not necessary, petrol and diesel cousins featured a grille to vent the internal combustion engine but as the iX is pure electric and therefore runs on a battery, the BMW gave it another purpose - an intelligence panel.

The electric BMW has an intelligence panel grille which stores a combination of sensors to enhance the driving experience. It also has a self-healing feature which will heal any scratches in a warm environment keeping the car looking shiny and new – just how BMW drivers like it!

Audi virtual exterior mirrors

Audi Q8 e-tron has a new feature that is popping up on other electric cars – virtual mirrors. The cameras are positioned on either side of the car, exactly where you would usually find a mirror! What is the point of this you ask? To provide a more detailed view of the driver's surroundings, and help the driver become more aware of their surroundings.

Major Plans Announced For The UK’s Charging Infrastructure

Range anxiety, while diminishing, remains a concern for potential EV adopters. Fortunately, the UK has made substantial progress with over 50,000 public charging locations already operational. This network is set to expand dramatically under the government's £1.6 billion Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Strategy, which aims to deploy 300,000 public chargers by 2030 - a sixfold increase from current levels.

The plan includes strategic installation of rapid chargers every 25 miles along motorways and major A-roads, plus significant investment in on-street residential charging to serve households without private driveways. Power grid upgrades are also planned to support this expansion, ensuring the infrastructure can handle increased demand as EV adoption accelerates toward the 2035 target for ending new petrol and diesel car sales.

Will There Be Alternatives to Electric Cars?

While battery electric vehicles have gained significant momentum, the automotive industry continues to explore parallel technologies to ensure a diverse and resilient zero-emission future.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Vehicles

Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles (FCEVs) represent a promising alternative that creates electricity through a chemical reaction between hydrogen and oxygen, emitting only water vapour. Recent advancements have improved fuel cell efficiency and reduced production costs, with Toyota, Hyundai, and BMW maintaining substantial investments in the technology.

The UK government has allocated money toward hydrogen infrastructure development, focusing on establishing hydrogen corridors by 2025. Currently limited by sparse refuelling infrastructure (just 15 public stations nationwide) and high production costs, FCEVs offer compelling advantages, including rapid refuelling (3-5 minutes) and ranges comparable to conventional vehicles (300-400 miles).

Synthetic Fuels

Porsche Taycan electric sports car in silver parked on a terrace with scenic coastal town view in the background. The luxury EV features sleek aerodynamic design, distinctive headlights, and premium alloy wheels

Synthetic fuels (e-fuels) are emerging as another potential solution, particularly for specialised applications. Created by combining captured carbon dioxide with hydrogen produced from renewable electricity, these carbon-neutral fuels can power conventional internal combustion engines with minimal modifications.

Porsche has taken a leading role, investing over €100 million in e-fuel production facilities and successfully testing the technology in motorsport applications. While unlikely to compete with EVs for mainstream transportation due to lower energy efficiency, synthetic fuels offer a practical solution for classic cars, aviation, and specialised vehicles where electrification proves challenging.

These alternatives highlight that while battery electric vehicles are currently leading the transition to sustainable transportation, a multi-technology approach may ultimately create the most resilient and adaptable zero-emission ecosystem.

Making the Transition: How to Get Started with Electric Vehicles

For those considering the switch to electric, numerous options exist beyond outright purchase:

Salary Sacrifice Schemes: Programs like The Electric Car Scheme allow employees to lease electric vehicles through their gross pay, potentially saving 20-50% compared to traditional financing. See our EV deals here.
Government Incentives: Various grants, tax benefits, and incentives help offset the higher initial cost of electric vehicles.
Used Electric Vehicles: The growing second-hand EV market offers more affordable entry points.