What Do the Local Election Results Mean for EV Uptake in the UK?
National policy may set the direction for the EV transition, but it’s local councils that determine how, and how fast, that vision takes shape on the ground. From planning regulations to parking policies, street layouts to public procurement, local authorities shape the everyday infrastructure that makes EV ownership viable. One of their most important responsibilities is facilitating the rollout of public charging points, especially in residential areas where many households don’t have off-street parking. This is where collaboration with Charge Point Operators (CPOs) like char.gy becomes essential.
Without proactive local engagement, the risk is a patchy and unequal EV network, where some regions surge ahead while others are left behind. That’s why political will at the local level is so critical to ensuring a fair and inclusive transition.
The results of the 2025 local elections have raised a few eyebrows and some questions, especially with the Reform Party making gains across several councils, winning 677 of around 1,600 seats up for grabs. Their growing presence has implications for policy debates, particularly when it comes to climate action and electric vehicle infrastructure.
(Source, BBC News)
So, what could this political shift mean for the future of EV adoption in the UK?
A Challenge to the Climate Consensus?
The Reform Party is resoundingly skeptical of Net Zero targets - Richard Tice even referred to the policy as “net stupid zero”. If Reform's influence grows locally or nationally, we may see pushback on policies that support EVs, such as low-emission zones or on-street charging investment.
However, new polling by Focaldata for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU), conducted during the week of the local elections, reveals a surprising insight into Reform voters.
Despite placing a low priority on climate issues when deciding how to vote, more than half (54%) of those planning to vote for Reform said they support policies to tackle climate change and set targets to keep the UK on track.
When asked which issues influenced their vote:
Immigration and asylum topped the list (66%)
Followed by healthcare and the NHS (39%)
And the economy (39%)
Only 12% selected energy policy, and just 4% named climate change and the environment as a priority, highlighting a clear gap between personal support for climate action and its influence on voting decisions.
Local Councils Are Key to EV Rollout
Councils determine where charge points go, how parking is managed, and whether to support public charging on residential streets. Local authorities that favour car-centric policies may slow the rollout of EV infrastructure, making it harder for residents, especially those in rural or underserved suburban areas, to make the switch to electric.
At char.gy, we work closely with councils to provide convenient, kerbside charging that supports residents without driveways. That’s why shifts in local political will matter: without council buy-in, communities risk being left behind in the transition to cleaner transport.
Staying the Course
Despite the political noise, the long-term direction of travel is unchanged. EVs are here to stay, and the UK remains committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars. The question is how fast, and how fairly, we get there.
At char.gy, we remain focused on building the infrastructure the UK needs: affordable, convenient and reliable charging that works for everyone, not just the few.