The Rise and Rise of EVs: Why the Electric Future Is Now
- WeFlex Marketing
- 19 hours ago
- 2 min read
Back in 2021, there were around 400,000 electric vehicles on UK roads. Today, that number has accelerated past 1.7 million.
By 2030, projections point to 8 million EVs. By 2040, that figure is expected to reach 25.5 million.
These estimates—from the Energy Saving Trust, drawing on the UK Government’s Road to Zero strategy—show something unmistakable: the electric transition is no longer on the horizon. It’s here, and it’s accelerating.
EVs have moved beyond the early-adopter crowd and are now a mainstream choice for everyday drivers, businesses, and an increasing number of Uber drivers, many of whom are switching to electric through PCO Rent-To-Buy cars.
Here are the five big reasons EV growth is now a near certainty.
1. EVs Are Mainstream Because There’s More Choice Than Ever
A decade ago, choosing an EV meant compromising on size, design, or features.
Today, the opposite is true. The UK now has 90+ EV models and over 1,000 specifications—from compact commuters to large executive cars.
This variety has transformed the market, especially for professional drivers looking for PCO-licensed cars that are comfortable, efficient, and cost-effective on long shifts.
2. EVs Are Mainstream Because They’re Becoming Cheaper to Own
Only 39% of drivers now buy brand-new cars outright. Most lease through business contract hire, salary sacrifice, or personal contract hire—routes that unlock significant discounts.
And when you look at Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)—charging, maintenance, tax incentives, and depreciation—EVs now save the average driver almost £6,000 over their ownership period.
For PCO drivers, the cost savings are even more pronounced, which is why so many now choose Rent-To-Buy cars for Uber as a long-term switch into electric.
3. EVs Are Mainstream Because Charging Is Faster and Everywhere
The UK now hosts over 86,000 public charge points across 43,500+ sites—compared to just 8,300 petrol stations.
Even more importantly, more than 9,000 of these chargers are ultra-rapid (150kW+), making long-distance EV travel much easier.
Here’s what that means in real terms:
150kW charger: ~100 miles in 15 minutes
350kW charger: 150–200 miles in 20 minutes
For rideshare and PCO drivers who depend on quick turnaround times, this infrastructure growth is a game changer.
4. EVs Are Mainstream Because the Used EV Market Is Exploding
Used EV sales jumped from 92,000 to almost 136,500 year-on-year in early 2025.
Lower entry prices are drawing in personal drivers and PCO drivers alike, accelerating adoption across the board.
The Tipping Point Is Behind Us
Everything—from choice and cost to charging networks, policy, and the booming used market—signals the same thing: EVs have crossed into the mainstream.
For everyday drivers and the growing number of PCO drivers shifting to electric through Rent-To-Buy schemes, the future isn’t just electric—it’s already here.