MORE than 30 companies representing the UK’s automotive ecosystem have written to the UK Government to emphasise the need for swift action to support the used battery electric vehicle (BEV) market.
Representatives delivered the open letter to the Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander MP, highlighting how the Government can best direct the £1.4bn committed last month to ‘support continued uptake of electric vehicles, including vans and HGVs’.
Coordinated by the BVRLA, the letter has been signed by 33 industry stakeholders spanning vehicle demand and disposal, maintenance and insurance, charging providers and drivers. They include Leasys, BYD and Novuna Vehicle Solutions.
The letter highlights how the used market offers the best value-for-money opportunity for government to accelerate BEV uptake. By underpinning vehicle affordability, equity of access, and the financial viability of new vehicle sales through targeted grants and subsidies, supporting the used BEV market will help more households and SMEs access a BEV. Signatories have also called for broader interventions that include investment in skills and training, public information campaigns, and clear battery health standards.
Delivering the letter, BVRLA Chief Executive, Toby Poston said: “The used car market is nearly four times the size of the new one. Maintaining healthy demand and values for second-hand electric vehicles is essential if we want to deliver a sustained transition. The link between the new and used markets is critical. Low residual values increase the cost of financing and leasing new vehicles. This impacts all customers, especially consumers and SMEs, suppressing demand and eroding confidence across the BEV ecosystem”.
“We know the Government is listening. The £1.4bn committed to support EV uptake last month could make a difference. This letter is just one example of how we continue to work with industry and government to highlight how this money can achieve the best return on investment.”
The letter was delivered to Secretary of State for Transport, Heidi Alexander on Thursday 10 July. In addition to highlighting the scale of the challenge, it invites further dialogue with the automotive industry to develop a supportive used EV environment.
The letter is available in full on the BVLRA website.
Leasing will continue its upward trajectory in 2026 – BVRLA
Leasing is set to start 2026 with a positive outlook, despite wider industry trends, says the first BVRLA Leasing Outlook
Leasing.com’s review of 2025 shows lower prices and fuel type shifts
Leasing.com reveals that 2025 saw monthly payments down plus EVs and hybrids taking a growing share of demand
Alphabet certified top employer for 13th time
Alphabet (GB) has been certified as a Top Employer by the Top Employers Institute for the thirteenth consecutive year
IVECO boosts van part supply times and availability
IVECO has opened a new Parts Distribution Centre in Essex which aims to dramatically decrease fulfilment times of key spare parts
Used car market sees year-end December growth, with EVs leading
Latest figures from Marketcheck show year-on-year growth in used car sales for December, with EVs leading the way
Fleet use of recycled parts made easier by new partnership
Fleet use of recycled parts is being made easier with a new partnership between epyx and The Green Parts Specialists
