The Netherlands, Norway and the United Kingdom are now the best prepared countries in Europe for the electric vehicle revolution.

LeasePlan’s EV Readiness Index 2020 explores the preparedness of 22 European countries for mass EV adoption

That’s the finding of LeasePlan’s latest EV Readiness Index, which analysed 22 European countries on their “preparedness for the electric vehicle revolution” and found almost all had improved in the last year, but some significantly more than others.

The research, which covers EV registrations, the maturity of EV infrastructure, government incentives and LeasePlan’s experience with EVs in each country, found that improvements in EV readiness were due to a combination of the increased availability of public charging infrastructure (up 73%) and a more beneficial taxation regime for EV drivers in many countries. On average, EV drivers pay 40% less tax than drivers of Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles, although in some countries EV drivers actually pay more tax.

Across the continent, EV registrations were up around 60% on average.

However, LeasePlan reiterated ongoing comments from within the fleet and automotive industries that we still have a long way to go before we get everyone driving electric and much more work needs to be done by governments to encourage a shift to EVs.

Tex Gunning, CEO of LeasePlan, said: “Millions of Europeans still live in countries where public charging infrastructure is woefully inadequate or in which they pay more taxation than drivers of fossil fuel cars. Transitioning to electric is one of the simplest things we can all do to help tackle climate change and everyone should be able to afford to go green. Policymakers must therefore step up and continue to invest in public charging infrastructure and to incentivise EV uptake until electric becomes the common sense choice for all drivers.”

His comments back research published by automotive data specialist Sophus3 in December 2019 that found the EV market will struggle to grow to match consumer interest and governmental aspirations unless car supply, charging infrastructure and incentives all align.

To access the LeasePlan EV Readiness Index 2020, click here.