EVA England Appoints Ex-Senior Civil Servant as CEO

Welcome, Net Zero News readers,

In a significant move for the electric vehicle (EV) sector, the drivers’ association EVA England has announced the appointment of Dr Vicky Edmonds as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This transition marks an exciting chapter for the organisation, which is dedicated to championing the interests of EV drivers across England.

Dr Edmonds is not only a seasoned civil servant with nearly two decades of experience in government transport and net zero policy, but she is also a passionate advocate for electric vehicles. Her extensive background includes a pivotal role as the head of the Office for Low Emission Vehicles (now known as OZEV), where she played a vital part in shaping the UK Government’s 2030 phase-out policy, which sets a definitive timeline for the cessation of new petrol and diesel car sales.

During her tenure, Dr Edmonds spearheaded several significant initiatives, including the £950 million Rapid Charging Fund and the Local EV Infrastructure Fund. These projects are instrumental in enhancing the national charging infrastructure, a critical component for the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.

As she steps into her new role, Dr Edmonds has emphasised that the electric vehicle sector is currently at a pivotal juncture. “Sales of EVs and the installation of charge points are increasing at ever-higher rates,” she noted, “yet the coverage of EVs can sometimes be confusing and even damaging. An independent voice for EV drivers has never been more crucial. As the champion for that voice, EVA England delivers the powerful message that these cars can and do work for the consumer.”

Dr Edmonds recognises the challenges that potential EV drivers face, particularly concerning the cost of ownership, access to charging, and the often mixed messages surrounding electric vehicles. “We have a key role to play in helping drivers overcome perceived barriers to EV uptake,” she asserted. “I look forward to working with our members and partners to deliver that mission.”

Warren Philips, the Chair of EVA England, expressed gratitude for Dr Edmonds’ commitment to the association. “We are profoundly grateful to Vicky for dedicating the next chapter of her highly successful career to ensuring that all aspects of the EV sector, from charging infrastructure to the cost of ownership, truly meet and respond to drivers’ real-world priorities,” he said.

Dr Edmonds takes over from James Court, who transitioned to Octopus Electric Vehicles as Director of Public Policy in November 2024. Her leadership will empower EVA England to further establish itself as the leading voice for EV drivers in England, advocating for their needs and concerns at a time when the market is evolving rapidly.

In her initial initiatives, Dr Edmonds plans to host a series of town hall meetings and workshops in the coming weeks. These sessions will coincide with the current government consultation on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, providing a platform for drivers to share their perceptions and priorities regarding the EV sector. The first of these meetings is scheduled for Wednesday, 29 January, where Dr Edmonds will present her vision for the association and discuss her insights on the broader industry landscape. She will be joined by a representative from OZEV, who will be available to answer questions from EVA England members.

With Dr Edmonds at the helm, EVA England is poised to strengthen its advocacy for electric vehicle drivers, ensuring that their voices are heard in the ongoing discussions shaping the future of transport in the UK. Her wealth of experience and commitment to the cause promises to steer the organisation towards a future where electric vehicles are not just a viable option but the preferred choice for consumers.

As the UK continues its journey towards net zero, the role of electric vehicles will be paramount. With dedicated leaders like Dr Vicky Edmonds championing the cause, we can look forward to a more sustainable and accessible future for all drivers.

Stay tuned for more updates as EVA England embarks on this exciting new chapter under Dr Edmonds’ leadership. Together, we can pave the way for a greener tomorrow.

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