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Blog Post 26 February 2026

Celebrating the women supporting the EV transition

Lorraine Wenham
Reviewed by
Lorraine Wenham
Content Manager (former)

Tuesday 10 February 2026

Today marks the inaugural year of Global Women in EV Day, a worldwide celebration of the women who power the electric vehicle transition. Energy Saving Trust is celebrating this by sharing stories of our own inspiring women leading our work on decarbonising transport.

It’s not just a celebration though; this new annual event was created in the face of striking statistics that tell the story of underrepresentation which is holding back the mission.

The organisers point to the fact that, while representing half of all drivers, YouGov research found that women only account for a third of electric vehicle (EV) drivers.

We need to tackle this challenge to improve EV adoption, so let’s hear from the women at Energy Saving Trust who are powering transport’s electrification.

Eveline Vouillemin, assistant programme manager, EV adoption for disabled drivers and passengers

I’m proud to be involved in work dedicated to making EVs and charging infrastructure accessible for all

I decided that I wanted to work in the environmental sector while at university, so I started an eco blog called Green Habits UK and volunteered for organisations like Flight Free UK and the Royal Parks.

In 2021, I applied for a programme administrator role in the England Transport team at Energy Saving Trust. This gave me a great introduction to the world of transport decarbonisation.

I currently lead our work to raise awareness of the accessible EV charging standard PAS 1899 and accessible vehicle design. I recently launched an EV Accessibility Hub for local authority officers, which includes resources and guidance for incorporating PAS 1899 into EV infrastructure, and case studies with disabled EV drivers.

I’m proud to be involved in work dedicated to making EVs and charging infrastructure accessible for all, ensuring that those with accessibility needs are not left behind in the net zero transition.

Grace O'Callaghan, deputy programme manager, EV infrastructure grants and loans

I was drawn to transport because, despite being the biggest emitting sector in the UK, decarbonisation feels achievable.

I was drawn to transport because, despite being the biggest emitting sector in the UK, decarbonisation feels achievable. Many of the major technological challenges have already been solved, particularly with passenger vehicles.

We now need policy to shift behaviour through introducing economic levers, building the infrastructure, and addressing cultural barriers. Coming from a policy, rather than engineering background, I’m really interested in these questions.

The grant funding we administer helps local authorities provide public charging infrastructure for those who can’t charge at home, targeting underserved areas, such as rural and lower-income neighbourhoods. Despite 33% of UK homes not having a driveway, they only represent 10% of EV drivers. We hope this infrastructure funding will help address this disparity in EV adoption.

Claire Forrester, assistant programme manager, EV infrastructure grants and loans

I’m particularly interested in using data to gain insights, highlight challenges, support delivery and inform decision-making on future EVI policy

I’m undertaking a data technician apprenticeship, and I’m particularly interested in using data to gain insights, highlight challenges, support delivery and inform decision-making on future EVI policy.

I’ve supported EV infrastructure programmes for three years since joining Energy Saving Trust’s Transport Team, working on the rollout of public EV chargepoints and with the National Franchised Dealer Association on a Trustmark scheme to signpost consumers to dealerships with expertise in EV guidance, sales and service.

Fiona Appleton, regional account manager, the Local Government Support Programme

As an EV driver, I understand first-hand some of the practical considerations that influence people’s willingness to switch, particularly women. Feeling safe when charging is essential.

I’m a regional account manager within the Local Government Support Programme at Energy Saving Trust. My career began in the public sector, working in sustainable transport.

In my current role, I work closely with local authorities to support them in shaping their EV charging strategies and in engaging and communicating with stakeholders, making sure that plans for charging infrastructure are well-understood by communities, partners and decision‑makers.

As an EV driver, I understand first-hand some of the practical considerations that influence people’s willingness to switch, particularly women. Feeling safe when charging is essential. Well‑lit, visible, and thoughtfully located public chargepoints make a real difference for lone women using infrastructure at night or in unfamiliar places.

Jia Rohilla, assistant programme manager, EV infrastructure grants and loans

Women are still outnumbered in the tech and engineering‑focused EV sector, which is why representation matters so much. It’s inspiring to have a day to celebrate the women across our team, and the wider sector

I’m part of the Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Support Body, and our team includes so many brilliant women. Being surrounded by them in a field where women are often in the minority genuinely motivates me.

We deliver grants that enable local authorities to roll out accessible EV infrastructure. Even though we’re just one part of a wider national effort, we’re helping close gaps in charging coverage while making sure local needs are prioritised.

Women are still outnumbered in the tech and engineering‑focused EV sector, which is why representation matters so much. It’s inspiring to have a day to celebrate the women across our team, and the wider sector, who are helping shape a more inclusive transition towards EV adoption.

Samantha Van Schalkwyk, assistant programme manager, EV infrastructure grants and loans

The women in the LEVI support body are incredible colleagues who are knowledgeable, dedicated and inspiring to work with.

I work in the transport sector and support the Midlands local authorities with their LEVI and On-street Residential Chargepoint Scheme (ORCS) projects. One of the most inspiring parts of my work is seeing how many of these projects are led by women. The women in the LEVI support body are incredible colleagues who are knowledgeable, dedicated and inspiring to work with.

Ceit Skinner, programme manager, transport grant programmes funded by Transport Scotland

I’m lucky to manage a strong portfolio of grant funds that support the transition to electric vehicles or active travel.

I studied business and was always drawn towards operations and logistics, so I knew I wanted to work in logistics. I later studied green logistics and joined Energy Saving Trust to work on charge-point funding in 2019 after working in vehicle supply chains for a few years.

I’m lucky to manage a strong portfolio of grant funds that support the transition to electric vehicles or active travel. The funds target groups and areas most in need of support or at risk of being left behind, so the work is really rewarding.

The most exciting project for me this year is the Rural and Island Infrastructure Fund. This project aims to grow public EV infrastructure in rural areas and required designing from scratch. It gave me an opportunity to work with our Transport Technical Team on site assessments and innovative technologies. The fund was a great success, being fully allocated before Christmas.

Let’s also hear from some of the LEVI Support Body partners that we collaborate with:

I’m passionate about translating policy into practical delivery that accelerates rollout and am thrilled to see the first LEVI charge points already in the ground.

I came into the EV sector as the commercial delivery lead for the LEVI Support Body, supporting local authorities to deliver value‑for‑money EV infrastructure and helping to shape procurement practice nationally. I’m passionate about translating policy into practical delivery that accelerates rollout and am thrilled to see the first LEVI charge points already in the ground.

I’m proud to be active in Women in Transport, championing greater representation and supporting women across the sector. I’m also proud to work alongside so many brilliant women across the LEVI Support Body, the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV), and the wider EV industry.

Chloe Hampton, EV infrastructure strategist at Cenex

After ten years working in innovation, I now understand what I bring, why people see value in it, and why I’ve been given the opportunities I’ve had. I hope this resonates with others as we celebrate the many women contributing to the EV transition

My career started in tech transfer at a university where the core research strength was integrated energy systems. This was my first real exposure to EVs, not as a mode of transport but as an energy asset within a wider system. The roles I’ve held since then have given me experience across the EV infrastructure industry, including my current role at Cenex.

I currently support organisations to prepare for, plan, and deliver public EV infrastructure. I use my experience across different parts of the EV and EV infrastructure industry to help others navigate the strategic and practical rollout challenges.

For a long time, I focused on the technical or engineering skills I didn’t have, rather than recognising the contribution I was already making. After ten years working in innovation, I now understand what I bring, why people see value in it, and why I’ve been given the opportunities I’ve had. I hope this resonates with others as we celebrate the many women contributing to the EV transition in different yet equally vital ways.

 

These stories are a powerful example of the wider commitments we make to support EV adoption and infrastructure.

 

You can find more examples by exploring our Local Government Support Programme, EV Accessibility Hub, and the UK Government’s Local Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund Support Body activity.

You can also contact us today to find out more or discuss how we could work together to decarbonise transport.

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Last updated: 26 February 2026