As the UK accelerates towards its net zero ambitions, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is no longer a niche endeavour—it’s a strategic necessity. At both national and local levels, electrification is fast becoming the foundation for the future of urban mobility. 

With 2025 marking a critical milestone for local authorities to finalise their urban electrification strategies, the coming year will be transformative. Government-backed schemes like ZEBRA and ScotZEB are already enabling public transport operators to invest in zero-emission buses, paving the way for scalable, high-capacity electrification across towns and cities.

Innovation is at the heart of this shift. From smarter energy management systems to faster, more reliable charging infrastructure, the EV ecosystem is evolving rapidly. However, challenges remain. Public charging is still fragmented, and inconsistent customer service and reliability issues risk slowing adoption. That’s where charge assurance becomes critical—delivering consistent, reliable charging experiences that instil confidence in operators and drivers alike. 

Commercial fleets are also waking up to the long-term value of going electric. Beyond environmental impact, EVs offer cost efficiencies and help businesses stay ahead of increasingly stringent regulations. We’re now seeing major investments in fleet-scale infrastructure, including high-capacity charging hubs and smart grid integration. 

Yet, it’s not just UK players driving this evolution. China continues to reshape the global EV market, thanks to its competitive battery technology and strong government–industry collaboration. This model offers valuable lessons: rather than relying solely on regulation, the UK must foster deeper partnerships between public and private sectors to drive innovation and scale.

Charge point operators also have a pivotal role to play. Only those with robust, customer-focused strategies will thrive in this evolving landscape. As demand grows, uptime and reliability will be non-negotiable. 

This year will be a defining year for EV adoption in both the commercial and public transport sectors. As more fleet operators embrace electrification, and government support intensifies, we’ll move closer to creating fully electric cities. This transition won’t just support climate goals—it will redefine how we power and connect our urban environments for the better.