Ben Nelmes of New Automotive highlights data-driven strategies to accelerate the UK’s EV shift and 2030 ICE phase-out at the London EV Show

Ben Nelmes, the Chief Executive of New AutoMotive, delivered an inspiring address at the London EV Show, spotlighting the organisation’s role in driving the UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Known for its independent research and robust policy advocacy, New AutoMotive has become a linchpin in the nation’s push towards cleaner, more sustainable transport.

Speaking before a diverse audience of policymakers, automotive industry leaders, and sustainability advocates, Nelmes emphasised the transformative power of data in shaping the EV revolution. “We are not just observers of change; we are active participants,” he stated. “Our work is rooted in data that not only reflects trends but also informs actionable policies and empowers consumers to make sustainable choices.”

New AutoMotive’s advocacy for the 2030 phase-out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and the implementation of the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate was a central theme in Nelmes’s presentation. He detailed how these policies serve as critical levers to meet the UK’s climate goals, reduce carbon emissions, and establish the nation as a global leader in clean transport.

The organisation’s approach combines rigorous data collection with an intimate understanding of consumer behaviour. Nelmes described how New AutoMotive uses advanced analytics to identify barriers to EV adoption, enabling stakeholders to address challenges effectively. “Data is the foundation of our strategy,” he explained. “It reveals not only what is happening but why it is happening, allowing us to craft solutions that resonate with consumers and businesses alike.”

Nelmes’s insights are underpinned by a wealth of experience in policy and public affairs. Before co-founding New AutoMotive, he served as Head of Public Policy at the UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association and worked within the UK Parliament. This strong policy background has shaped his approach to advocacy, ensuring that New AutoMotive remains a trusted voice in the transition to cleaner transport.

Under Nelmes’s leadership, New AutoMotive has pioneered research that directly informs governmental and industry strategies. The organisation’s policy recommendations have played a pivotal role in shaping the UK’s ZEV Mandate, a cornerstone of the country’s commitment to achieving Net Zero emissions by 2050.

The London EV Show provided the ideal platform for Nelmes to share his vision. He stressed the importance of collaboration across sectors to accelerate progress. “The shift to electric vehicles is not just a technological transition; it’s a societal transformation,” he said. “It requires buy-in from everyone—government, industry, and consumers.”

Nelmes also highlighted the urgency of maintaining momentum as the 2030 ICE phase-out approaches. “We’re at a critical juncture,” he remarked. “The decisions we make today will determine whether we achieve a sustainable, equitable future or fall short of our ambitions.”

With his commitment to evidence-based advocacy and his ability to bridge the gap between data, policy, and consumer needs, Nelmes has positioned New AutoMotive as a key driver in the UK’s EV transformation. His address at the London EV Show was a compelling call to action, urging stakeholders to embrace innovation, collaboration, and urgency in their efforts to create a greener future.