New figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveal that UK car buyers now have a record 171 fully electric models to choose from, with a new battery electric model reaching the market, on average, every fortnight.

Responding to the figures, Venson Automotive Solutions is warning that this record level of choice will only translate into faster fleet adoption if charging reliability and cost keep pace, with its own driver research pointing to persistent concerns about the public charging network.

Simon Staton, Client Management Director at Venson Automotive Solutions, explains: “It’s genuinely good news that fleet operators now have more than 170 electric models to choose from, more than double the number that were on sale three years ago.

“Our own research shows real appetite to make that switch, with almost two-thirds of the business drivers we surveyed planning to go electric within the next five years. Reduced electricity costs are now the single biggest incentive driving that decision, cited by 56% of respondents, ahead of tax breaks, grants or falling vehicle prices.

“But choice on the forecourt doesn’t automatically translate into a smooth experience on the road. Among drivers already running an EV for work, 76% tell us charging issues have caused delays or added stress to work journeys at least occasionally, and only 40% are confident that the UK’s charging infrastructure can actually support mass adoption.

“If the industry wants this expanding model range to convert into real fleet uptake, the charging experience, and the cost of it, needs to catch up with the model line-up.”