Women Drivers Face Exclusion in Electric Vehicle Shift
New research has sparked significant alarm, indicating that female motorists could be dangerously left behind during the nation's critical transition to electric vehicles. The emerging data points to a substantial underrepresentation of women among EV owners, creating what experts are now terming a worrying "EV gender gap."
A Stark Disparity in Ownership
The statistics reveal a profound imbalance. While women maintain an equal 50 per cent share of petrol and diesel car ownership alongside men, they constitute only one-third of all electric vehicle drivers. This disparity is particularly concerning given the UK's legislative timeline. The sale of new internal combustion engine vehicles will be prohibited from 2035, following an initial ban on their manufacture from 2030.
This transition period is crucial, and the current trend suggests women are not adopting electric technology at the same rate as their male counterparts. If this gap is not addressed, there is a genuine risk that a significant portion of the driving population will be unprepared for the future of road transport.
A Call for Inclusive Design
In direct response to this challenge, the inaugural Global Women in EV Day is launching next week. The initiative's core mission emphasises that closing this gap is not merely a matter of social equity but is fundamental to the successful, widespread adoption of electric vehicles across society.
Gill Nowell, Founder of Global Women in EV Day, stated: "The transition to electric mobility gives us a once-in-a-generation chance to build a fairer, more inclusive industry - but only if we choose to design it that way. It's about recognising the women already driving this transition, and making sure the next generation sees that they belong here too."
Industry Leaders Rally for Change
The event has garnered strong support from key figures within the electric vehicle and charging infrastructure sectors, who are advocating for a more considered approach to the green transport revolution.
Rachel Beaton, Commercial Director at Octopus Electroverse, a supporting organisation, commented: "We are proud to host the first Global Women in EV Day - a moment for the industry to come together, amplify diverse voices, and commit to a more inclusive future. The transition to electric mobility must put all drivers at the centre, regardless of their gender or background."
Melanie Shufflebotham, cofounder and COO of charging app service Zapmap, added: "Global Women in EV Day shines a light on the women building cleaner, more gender-equitable transport systems, and on putting women firmly in the driver’s seat of the green economy."
The consensus is clear: for the UK's electric vehicle future to be a true success, it must be accessible and designed for everyone. The current data serves as a critical warning that, without intentional action, the benefits of cleaner transport and the new green economy risk being unevenly distributed.
