Drivers invited to shape future of EV ‘pay-per-mile’ charging reforms

EVA England appoints road pricing expert Natasha Robinson to board

Drivers across the UK are being asked to share their views on the government’s proposed ‘pay-per-mile’ scheme (eVED) and the state of the public charging network.

The Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England survey comes at a critical moment, as policymakers consider how to replace declining fuel duty revenues and improve charging affordability and availability. 

EVA England has warned that, too often, drivers risk becoming a “forgotten voice” in debates dominated by manufacturers, energy companies and infrastructure providers.

Building on its established programme of national research with drivers, EVA Englans wants to ensure that any upcoming reforms are grounded in real-world experience – from whether these reforms affect drivers’ appetite for going electric, to how mileage might be recorded and paid for, and whether public charging is fair, reliable and accessible.

The survey invites drivers of electric, hybrid, petrol and diesel vehicles to share their views on the proposed mileage-based charging, how it might affect future vehicle choices, and their experiences of using the public charging network – including costs, reliability and access.

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Alongside its survey, EVA England is expanding its expertise via the appointment of Natasha Robinson to its board. Robinson, who is associate project director at Agilia Infrastructure Partners, is an expert in transport decarbonisation and road pricing policy.

As head of the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV) for six years, Robinson led the UK’s roll-out of electric vehicles and helped create a flourishing early market for zero-emission transport. Her recent experience also includes leading the UK government’s industrial strategy on developing a UK sustainable aviation fuel industry. She also worked on road pricing back in 2007 when the government was looking at the potential for rolling it out across the country.

Natasha Robinson said: “I’m incredibly proud to be joining EVA England at such an important time for drivers. Whatever happens as we move towards new ways of paying for our roads, it’s essential that policies like pay-per-mile are designed sensibly and fairly, with drivers at their heart.

“Too often, decisions are made without fully understanding how they will affect people’s daily lives. This survey is a vital opportunity for drivers to make their voices heard and help shape a system that genuinely works for them.”

Vicky Edmonds, chief executive of EVA England, said: “With major decisions looming on road pricing and public charging, it is crucial that drivers are not left on the sidelines. This survey is about making sure policymakers hear directly from the people who will be most affected.

“We’re asking drivers to tell us honestly what’s working, what isn’t, and what would make these new systems fair and practical in real life.

“I’m also delighted to welcome Natasha to our board. Her expertise on electrification and road pricing, and her commitment to putting drivers first, will be a huge asset as we respond to these consultations and continue our advocacy work.”

Warren Philips, chair and co-founding director of EVA England, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Natasha to the EVA England board at such a pivotal moment, following the government’s eVED announcement. Her expertise in road pricing and commitment to drivers will help steer us in the right direction as we respond to these important changes.”