Electric Vehicles: What to expect from 2023

Record-breaking EV sales

2022 was a record-breaking year for EV sales as more drivers made the switch to cleaner transport. Back in October, the 1 millionth plug-in electric vehicle was registered in the UK, and the year ended with 2022 registrations 42% higher than the previous year.

As for 2023, this number is set to accelerate. Early indications are that we should surpass the 1.5 millionth EV on UK roads during the year, and by summer, 1 in 3 of all newly registered vehicles will be electric.

Growing infrastructure

In 2022 we saw the public charging network grow by 30%, bringing the total number of charging devices to over 36,000. This is partly due to the growing popularity of rapid and ultra-rapid charging. In fact, since November 2021, there has been a 76% increase in the number of ultra-rapid devices across the country. The number of fast charging devices also grew by 31%, allowing a wider coverage of charging facilities throughout the UK.

This year, we can expect the deployment of EV charge points to increase to keep pace with the rate of electric vehicle adoption. A recent report by British Gas revealed that many local councils have already committed to providing public chargers, aiming to double their current charging coverage over the next 12 months. This would provide an additional 16,000 charge points before the year is up.

With over 300,000 more EVs on our roads compared to 2021, businesses already understand the necessity to futureproof their establishments by providing convenient areas for their customers, staff and visitors to charge. This increased reliance on the public charging infrastructure should see the number of charging devices soar in 2023.

Better customer experience

To convince motorists to make the transition to electric will rely heavily on providing the best, and most simple, customer experience possible. Those moving away from their petrol or diesel vehicle will expect similar payment methods to that of a petrol station. EV chargers offering contactless payment allows for frictionless transactions, whilst alternatively, mobile application payments offer a host of benefits such as membership opportunities allowing for a lower rate of electricity.

Another factor to consider when improving the customer experience is charging times. Drivers are accustomed to filling up and driving off within minutes, something which is not commonly associated with EV charging. However, there is a growing number of rapid and ultra-rapid chargers available which can get you to near full in just 15 minutes, but the simplest way is to provide accessible charge points at locations where people spend the majority of their time, such as their work or home. The convenience of waking up to a full charge, or finishing your work day with a full battery will soon become the new normal in 2023.

Find out more about how EVC are helping businesses get started on their EV journey here.