Championing women in EV

International Women’s Day Q&A with Lucy Day, senior account manager at Believ

International Women’s Day on 8 March encourages those working in traditionally male-dominated industries like the electric vehicle (EV) industry to celebrate diversity, with this year’s theme ‘Give to Gain’ encouraging a mindset of generosity and collaboration when working towards women’s advancement.

Believ’s senior account manager, Lucy Day, discusses her experience as a woman working in the EV sector and her advice for other women interested in entering the industry.

What does your role at Believ entail? 

I look after Believ’s relationships with public and private sector clients rolling out EV charging infrastructure, acting as the voice of the customer inside the organisation.

My role is all about actively listening and really understanding our clients’ ambitions, challenges and long-term strategies, ensuring we deliver solutions that genuinely support them on their journey to electrification.

No two days are the same at Believ. My time is mostly spent working closely with partners to help shape EV charging strategies that work for their communities and stakeholders. It’s a fast-paced and collaborative environment, which makes it both exciting and rewarding.

Can you tell us about your career path and what brought you to Believ?

I left school at 16 knowing I wanted to head straight into the workplace. I started my career in the property sector, which gave me a strong commercial foundation, but over time I felt drawn to something more purpose-led.

Sustainability had always been important to me. Moving into EV felt like a way to contribute directly to net zero while stepping into an industry that is evolving at incredible pace and helping to shape it as a woman in that space.

When I discovered Believ, I was struck not only by the high standards and clarity of vision, but by the ambition to do things differently. It felt like a place where I could grow, contribute and be heard. Nearly two years on, I’m proud to be part of a business helping to drive meaningful change.

Why is it important to celebrate women in EV during International Women’s Day?

International Women’s Day is more than a moment of celebration, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the structural progress women have made, particularly in industries that haven’t historically had significant female representation. It shines a light not only on individual achievements, but also on the collective shifts that are gradually reshaping traditionally male-dominated sectors.

Visibility inspires, so the representation of women in the sector is really important. When younger women see women across disciplines and seniority levels within EV and wider clean energy sectors, it changes what they believe is possible for themselves. It shows them that this industry is open to them and that their voices are needed.

It’s not just about fairness; it’s about building a stronger, more innovative sector.

How does Believ create an environment where women feel empowered to contribute and lead?

Believ places emphasis on the importance of workplace culture, and the foundations of that culture are built around ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

Women are still outnumbered in the UK engineering and technology sector, with EngineeringUK reporting that women made up just 15.7% of this workforce, so ensuring women’s voices are heard is crucial in the ongoing push for further representation.

At Believ, we are proud to have a higher representation of women compared to an industry average, and representation remains a priority. But beyond statistics, it’s the lived experience that matters. There’s strong female representation across teams and, and it’s a workplace where women actively support one another celebrating successes, navigating complex projects together and creating safe spaces for honest conversation.

Have you been involved in activities to give back to women in the industry?

Mentorship and shared learning are powerful tools, and throughout my career I’ve taken part in women in leadership programmes that connect women across teams and businesses. 

These initiatives have added significant value to my personal development and created networks that extend beyond individual roles. The power of reciprocity: female mentoring, advocating for, and lifting each other up, is what drives empowerment and opens more opportunities across the EV sector.

What three pieces of advice would you give women looking to enter the EV industry?

1. Believe in yourself. The EV industry is fast-moving and ambitious, but you belong here as much as anyone else. Confidence in your abilities is the first step to making an impact.
2. Know your strengths and make them visible. Be proactive in sharing your ideas and expertise; your unique perspective is valuable and can shape real change.
3. Speak up, even if it seems obvious. What feels obvious to you might spark a breakthrough for others. Your voice can uncover solutions, challenge assumptions, and push the industry forward.

What does inclusivity in EV look like to you beyond gender diversity?

True inclusivity means no one is left behind.

As we shape the future of transport and charging infrastructure, we have a responsibility to listen to every voice, particularly those traditionally underrepresented. The EV landscape must work for everyone: different communities, income levels and abilities.

Believ was recently involved in the BSI PAS 1899 review for accessible charging guidance and has also been working with local authorities to improve inclusive EV charging infrastructure across several London boroughs as part of our social responsibility to make EV charging inclusive for every driver. 

If we’re serious about the transition to clean transport, it has to be for everyone, and not for a select few.

How do you see technology and innovation in EV charging creating opportunities for women over the next decade?

What makes the EV landscape so exciting is the pace at which it is evolving. Innovation in charging infrastructure is opening doors across engineering, data, commercial strategy and customer experience.

Recent data indicates that women remain underrepresented among EV drivers, despite making up 49% of UK licence holders. As we work to accelerate EV adoption and achieve the UK’s net zero goals, it is more important than ever to ensure women’s voices are heard within the industry. By bringing diverse perspectives to the design, deployment, and promotion of EVs, we can create solutions that are inclusive, practical, and appealing to all drivers.

There is enormous opportunity ahead. At Believ, we can see the growth trajectory we’re on, and it’s only the beginning.

My message to women considering the sector is simple: get involved now. Make your voice heard. Be part of shaping the innovation that will deliver cleaner air and a more sustainable future for everyone.

Believ is an electric vehicle chargepoint operator (CPO) on a mission to deliver cleaner air for all. It installs, operates and maintains all speeds of publicly accessible chargepoints at zero cost to both public and business sectors. Believ uses 100% renewable energy as part of its overarching passion and commitment to minimising the effects of climate change.

Believ is funded by Liberty Global Ventures and Zouk Capital, the manager of the HM Treasury-backed Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund (CIIF). Believ partners with sister company Virgin Media O2 in the deployment of charging infrastructure, enabling the installation of chargepoints at scale and pace throughout the UK.