As the UK prepares to start taxing electric and zero-emission vehicles on April 1, a senior product designer at Grip Events, David Ukauwa, has expressed concerns about the potential impact on adoption rates. Ukauwa, who has experience working with design styles, illustration, photography, and videography, believes that the new tax policy may slow down the growth of the electric vehicle market in the UK.

Ukauwa, who moved to the UK from Nigeria in 2022 through the Global Talent Visa opportunity offered by Tech Nation, has been following the electric vehicle market closely. He notes that the UK has seen a significant increase in electric vehicle sales, with 381,970 units sold in 2024 alone. However, he worries that the new tax policy may discourage people from switching to electric vehicles, which could have negative environmental implications.

The tax policy, which aims to reduce congestion and emissions in central London and other zones, will charge electric vehicle owners £27.5 ($36) per day. Ukauwa believes that this added cost may make electric vehicles less appealing to consumers, especially in a city like London where public transportation is already well-developed. He also notes that the tax policy may disproportionately affect low-income households who may not be able to afford the added cost.

Despite his concerns, Ukauwa acknowledges that the UK government's efforts to reduce emissions and congestion are necessary. He suggests that the government could consider alternative solutions, such as investing in public transportation infrastructure or offering incentives for electric vehicle owners who use their vehicles for business purposes. Ukauwa also believes that the government could work with private companies to develop more affordable electric vehicle options for low-income households.

Ukauwa's insights into the electric vehicle market are informed by his experience working remotely with US companies from his Lagos bedroom apartment before moving to the UK. He has also traveled extensively, visiting countries like Malaysia and Morocco, which has given him a unique perspective on the global electric vehicle market.

In addition to his concerns about the electric vehicle market, Ukauwa also shared his experiences as a product designer in the UK. He notes that there are many firms in the UK that offer mobility perks, such as Grip Events, which allows him to work remotely and travel frequently. Ukauwa believes that these perks are essential for attracting top talent in the design industry.

Overall, Ukauwa's insights into the electric vehicle market and the UK's tax policy offer a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. As the UK continues to grapple with the challenges of reducing emissions and congestion, Ukauwa's suggestions for alternative solutions and incentives may be worth considering.