EV News: The Driver Update

The electric vehicle (EV) industry is constantly evolving. Zest is keeping current and prospective EV drivers up to date with the major developments we believe will be shaping the industry going forward.

Which EVs to buy - and which to avoid

With a vast number of EV models now on sale in the UK, The Independent has tested a range of cars in real-world situations on a variety of roads in the UK and abroad. The Kia EV3 scored the highest and was praised for its stylish and spacious, family-friendly, design. For budget-conscious buyers, the Dacia Spring was recognised for its price of £14,995 and well-judged design.  

The article also highlighted which EVs to avoid. As expected, older models like the Nissan Leaf and Mazda MX-30 were flagged due to their small batteries, slow charging speeds, and limited range.  

Ultimately, with new EV models being launched almost every month, drivers now have an extensive list of models to choose from.

BEV sales continue to grow in the UK 

According to the latest figures from the SMMT, 32,738 new battery electric vehicles (BEVs) were sold in May, a 25.8% increase compared to May 2024. As a result, EVs accounted for 21.8% of all new cars sold last month. In contrast, sales of petrol and diesel cars fell by 12.5% and 15.5% respectively.  

There are now over 130 EV models available in the UK market, with vehicles to suit a wide range of needs. This growing variety is helping to accelerate adoption; so far in 2025, BEVs have accounted for 20.9% of the UK’s new car market.

EVs as a solution for power outages

UK think tank, The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, has recently highlighted that EVs could power homes in the event of a power outage.  

As the technology becomes mainstream, an increasing number of EVs will offer vehicle to grid (V2G), or vehicle to home (V2H), capability. With V2G, an EV can transfer energy via a bi-directional charger, supplying energy back to the grid, or even direct to the home. This would mean a typical home could be powered for six days using just 60% of the EV’s battery capacity.  

The technology is already proving its worth. Following recent power outages in Spain, several EV owners shared on social media how they used their cars to keep their homes running, highlighting the real-world benefits of V2H. By charging EVs during off-peak hours, when electricity is cheaper, and selling energy back to the grid during peak demand, drivers could also recoup up to £630 a year.

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