Electric cars surge in popularity

Lash Saranna, Co-founder and CEO of EZOO, is on a mission to revolutionize the electric vehicle (EV) sector. In an exclusive interview, he sheds light on the challenges and opportunities in the market, offering a glimpse into the future of sustainable transportation.

Q. Please can you explain what EZOO does?

A. “EZOO offers Premium Salary Sacrifice for electric cars.”

Q. How does your offering compare to other EV models such as long-term leasing?

A. “EZOO is the UK’s only business with our own EV Fleet offering the shortest term of just 12 months for Salary Sacrifice.”

Q. What do you make of the state of the current electric vehicle market?

A. “The current EV market offers the best value ever to the public. I do not believe they will ever have access to EVs at such low prices than they will have from now to the end of 2024. This is an accumulation of oversupply, discounts, and fear of not reaching the EV sales targets set by the UK Government.”

Q. What should the Government do to help further drive sales of EVs?

A. “The Government should re-introduce 0% Benefit in Kind for EVs to help increase EV sales. Provide better information and education about the benefits of EVs.”

Q. What are some of the biggest challenges facing the sector?

A. “The three biggest concerns used to be the price being too expensive, range anxiety, and where will I charge my EV, all three have been answered pretty comprehensively. The prices have come down, there is more choice at lower prices, the cars have longer range than ever before, and there is more charging infrastructure across the UK, with lots more to come.”

Q. What needs to be done to drive down the cost of EV insurance?

A. “The insurance companies need to educate for the cost of replacement parts for EVs as they currently make EVs total losses as they appear to be afraid to repair them. The accident repair industry needs to be better trained to repair EVs for both franchised and independent body shops and have mandatory accreditation for EV skill sets.”

Q. What are some of the main benefits of driving electric?

A. “Cost reduction, environmental benefit, reduction in air pollution, added comfort, and reduction in noise pollution.”

Q. How big an impact is misinformation having on the market?

A. “In my opinion, misinformation and myth-spreading account for an average of 25% loss of sales. It’s normally from people who have never experienced an EV but have formed a view as to why an EV does not work for them when there is no reason why an EV would not work for them.”

Q. Would you like to see the Government reinstate the 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars?

A. “I believe the reinstatement of the 2030 deadline would help increase the sales of EVs as it would create a sense of urgency for everyone to be on the same journey with an end date that is in sight.”

Q. What is your favourite EV?

A. “I have more than one, the BYD Seal for price and practicality around town. Tesla for the all-round versatility, long-distance capability with the flawless charging infrastructure. Finally, the new Porsche Macan that we will be adding to our fleet as it feels like a homecoming to the brand that I know so well, only this time it’s electric!”

Q. In what ways do you work with vehicle manufacturers to ensure you’re able to offer the latest models of EVs?

A. “Being totally brand agnostic, we try to offer the latest models in the premium, mid, and budget sectors to ensure there is an EV for everyone at every level. We try to keep open dialogue with most OEMs with a view to assist them to increase the penetration of EVs, this tends to work better with some OEMs than others.”

Q. If you could introduce one thing to help accelerate the transition to electrification, what would it be?

A. “Get every person to experience an electric car, 95% of the time they would choose an EV over ICE.”

Image of Lash Saranna courtesy of EZOO.

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