Select Car Leasing welcomed Liberal Democrat MP Clive Jones to its headquarters in Reading to discuss initiatives to accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), according to a press release.
Mr Jones, the MP for Wokingham, was joined by representatives from the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) for the discussions.
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The meeting brought together key figures, including Select Car Leasing’s Joint CEOs and co-founders Mark Tongue and James O’Malley, Head of Select Electric Shane Pither, and Senior Account Manager Dee Edwards.
Key discussion topics included disparities in the cost of home versus public charging and the need for increased government incentives to encourage wider adoption of EVs. Mr Jones was also presented with proposals to raise the Expensive Car Supplement (ECS) threshold from £40,000 for EVs, addressing concerns that the policy may discourage EV uptake due to higher upfront costs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles.
Zohra Chagani, Senior Policy Advisor with the BVRLA, highlighted the importance of strengthening the used EV market to boost demand and stabilise residual values. The group also discussed the implications of a recent Court of Appeal ruling requiring brokers to obtain customers’ fully informed consent before earning commissions from lenders, a decision with potential industry-wide ramifications.
Mr Jones expressed appreciation for the opportunity to engage with industry leaders. “I’m grateful to Select Car Leasing and the BVRLA for sharing their insights on government policies and the transition to EVs. It was also important to understand the wider implications of the Court of Appeal’s ruling on commission disclosure. Hearing directly from those working in the leasing sector was invaluable,” he said.
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By GlobalDataShane Pither, Select’s newly appointed Head of Electric, described the meeting as an opportunity to shed light on challenges faced by EV customers, particularly fleet drivers and those without access to home charging solutions. “We also highlighted the impact of the upcoming loss of the EV installation grant after March 2025, which adds complexity for businesses and individuals,” Pither said.
Mark Tongue, Joint CEO of Select Car Leasing, noted the growing receptiveness of lease customers to EVs. “Currently, 38% of the vehicles we lease are either fully electric or plug-in hybrid, which far exceeds the automotive industry’s market share,” Tongue said. He emphasised the need for legal clarity on commission disclosure to ensure ongoing transparency within the sector.
BVRLA’s Zohra Chagani, who helped spearhead the association’s ‘Happy EV After’ campaign to protect used EV values, underscored the sector’s need for government support. “Collapsing used battery electric vehicle (BEV) values pose an immediate risk to the stability of the leasing industry. Clive’s visit is a timely show of support for our sector, which plays a leading role in the transition to cleaner, greener road transport,” she said.
During the visit, Mr Jones advocated for increased investment in EV charging infrastructure and parity in VAT rates on electricity, noting that public EV charge points incur a 20% VAT rate compared to 5% for domestic electricity. “This discrepancy is an unnecessary barrier for those unable to charge an EV at home,” he said.
The Liberal Democrats have also called for the return of plug-in grants for EVs and the introduction of grants to convert internal combustion engine vehicles to electric. Mr Jones reiterated his party’s commitment to addressing the climate crisis and air pollution. “We want EVs to become an affordable and practical alternative for everyone. The Government must act now to increase charging points, reform vehicle taxation, and cut VAT on EVs,” he said.
Clive Jones, elected MP for Wokingham in July’s general election, serves as the Liberal Democrat spokesperson on trade.
