The Explorer EV Rally 2025 marked a significant milestone in promoting electric vehicle adoption across the United Kingdom, serving as a dynamic platform to exhibit the evolving landscape of sustainable transport. This five-day event, which took place from 1 September to 5 September 2025, brought together a diverse array of electric vehicles traversing over 900+ miles from the coastal starting point in Newquay, Cornwall, to the picturesque finish at Tatton Park in Knutsford, Cheshire.
Image: Coolkit
Organised by GREENFLEET, a leading advocate for fleet decarbonisation, and sponsored by Lex Autolease, the rally not only tested the endurance of EVs but also spotlighted the UK’s public charging infrastructure and innovative clean energy solutions.
The rally’s route was meticulously planned to incorporate a variety of terrains, from scenic rural roads to urban hubs, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of EV performance in real-world conditions.
Beginning at Motor Fuel Group’s charging hub in Newquay, participants journeyed through stops including Dunkeswell Aerodrome in Devon, Haynes Motor Museum in Somerset, Instavolt’s charging hub in Winchester, the Cenex Expo at UTAC Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, Drax Electric Vehicles’ office in Ipswich, Tyseley Energy Park in Birmingham, Sixt’s site in Eccles near Manchester, and the Chamber House solar farm in Greater Manchester, before culminating at Tatton Park.
This itinerary allowed teams to engage with innovative energy projects, such as solar farms and hydrogen facilities, aligning with the rally’s theme of “Clean Energy & Innovation.”
There were 15 teams and 46 vehicles that took part in the rally, representing a broad spectrum of EV types to demonstrate versatility beyond traditional passenger cars. The lineup included electric BMW vehicles used by GREENFLEET staff and media, vans such as the Farizon SV and Ford E-Transit, and HGVs exemplified by the Mercedes-Benz eActros 600 articulated lorry. Other notable entries featured the Skywell BE11, Harris Higer models, and vehicles from teams like MINI, Zaptec, SIXT, Speedy Hire, Tusker, OVO, and EVjuiceNGo. This diversity underscored the rally’s goal to prove that EVs are viable for various fleet applications, from light-duty deliveries to heavy-haulage operations.
Image: Farizon
On-road logistics were primarily handled by Farizon, the official logistics partner, which deployed its all-electric SV not only as a support vehicle but also as a participant, highlighting its capabilities over the 900-plus mile challenge. Additional support came from Maxus UK for vehicle provision, ensuring seamless operations throughout the demanding itinerary.
By integrating visits to clean energy sites, the event emphasised sustainable innovations, such as wind, solar, hydro, and nuclear power, to inspire broader adoption in the fleet sector towards net zero goals. As Colin Boyton, the rally’s event manager, explained: “2025 sees the EV Rally embrace a new theme – Clean Energy & Innovation. The Teams will discover new and innovative examples that are helping shape and accelerate e-mobility in UK fleet, and in the middle of it all sees us enter a new partnership with Cenex, who have kindly agreed to host us at their Cenex EXPO event at Millbrook, on Day 3 of the Rally.”
He further reflected post-event: “This year saw us embrace the theme of clean energy and innovation. The teams discovered cutting-edge projects that are accelerating e-mobility in the UK fleet sector. Partnering with Cenex and visiting their Expo added another exciting layer to the rally.
“GREENFLEET’s Explorer EV Rally is designed to showcase EV capability, the public charging infrastructure and also examples of clean energy and innovation, all in real-world conditions. The 15 teams, using some 46 vehicles, together with the 16 partners, epitomise ‘collaboration’ across the five days. Working together, over 950+ miles, we’re truly able to showcase e-mobility and capability, demonstrating what’s achievable”.
Nick Williams, Managing Director of Lex Autolease, stated: “Since day one, Lex Autolease has been leading the charge towards a net-zero future and we’re thrilled to be the lead sponsor of the 2025 ‘Explorer’ EV Rally. This event is a powerful platform to showcase advancements in electric vehicle technology and infrastructure. Our commitment to sustainability and empowering fleet managers with the knowledge to take charge of change is at the heart of everything we do.”
Image: Farizon
Chris Chandler, Principal Fleet Consultant at Lex Autolease, added: “With our strong focus on our customers’ transitioning to zero emission vehicles, the EXPLORER EV Rally ’25 is another fantastic showcase for what electric vehicles and the associated infrastructure can achieve. The EV market has been accelerating at a tremendous pace, but we need to maintain this momentum and also help develop the used vehicle market for EVs.”
Cenex CEO Robert Evans praised the initiative: “Cenex Expo is the premier platform where ground-breaking low-carbon vehicle and connected automated mobility innovations come together to shape the future of sustainable transport. Therefore, we are thrilled to welcome the EV Rally to Cenex Expo on Wednesday, September 3rd, as it showcases the real-world capabilities of electric vehicles in action.”
Mark Salisbury, Editor, Fleetpoint, commented: “The EV Rally is a remarkable event that showcases the wide range of vehicles now available as an electric alternative, and with range becoming less of a problem all the time, these vehicles are well worth considering.
“I was lucky enough to take part in the rally and enjoyed my time at the wheel of a Farizon SV on the Milton Keynes to Millbrook leg. I was impressed on how well it performed on different road conditions such as dual-carriageway, country lanes and the urban environment – where I feel it will spend much of its time.”
In summary, the Explorer EV Rally 2025 not only validated the practicality of EVs for diverse applications but also fostered partnerships and knowledge-sharing essential for the UK’s transition to greener mobility. As the EV sector continues to evolve, events like this play a pivotal role in driving forward sustainable innovation.
