The 2026 GREENFLEET EV Rally gets under way this September, with a clear mission to bust myths and misinformation surrounding electric vehicles, while putting the vehicles and charging infrastructure to the test across more than 1,000 miles
Now in its sixth year, the EV Rally brings together teams from across the fleet, transport and energy sectors to showcase the real-world capabilities of electric vehicles, while highlighting the challenges that still need to be overcome to accelerate their wider adoption.
During the five days, teams will visit charging hubs, manufacturing locations and testing facilities, highlighting the technology and infrastructure helping to drive the transition to zero-emission transport.
Busting EV myths
This year’s Rally will tackle some of the most persistent misconceptions about electric vehicles.
Among the myths being put to the test are claims that EVs catch fire easily, that their batteries and tyres cannot be recycled sustainably, that used-EVs are a poor choice, that suitable charging infrastructure isn't available for electric trucks, and many more.
A key change for 2026 is the introduction of two separate routes: one for cars and vans, and another for trucks, in recognition of the different operational and charging requirements of larger electric vehicles.
Sponsored by Lex Autolease, the Rally starts in Exeter on 7 September. Over the following five days, teams will cover around 1,000 miles, visiting innovative clean-energy and charging projects before crossing the finish line at Everything Electric in Twickenham on 11 September.
Lex Autolease Managing Director Nick Williams said: “There’s still a need for open, honest discussion, and the rally gives people something concrete to react to. It helps move the conversation from assumption to understanding.
“This year’s Mythbusters theme plays into that well. It gives us a chance to address some of the uncertainty that still exists and help people feel more confident in the decisions they’re making.”
Checkpoints showcasing innovation
The two Rally routes have been designed to showcase the breadth of innovation taking place across the UK's EV and clean-energy landscape.
One of the notable stops on day one will be Veolia's EV Battery Recycling Facility in Minworth, West Midlands.
The facility is the UK's first commercial electric vehicle battery recycling plant and was opened with the capacity to process up to 20% of the UK's end-of-life EV batteries. The site safely discharges and dismantles batteries and recovers critical materials including lithium, cobalt and nickel.
It provides a real-world example of how end-of-life EV batteries can be recovered and their materials returned to the supply chain – directly addressing the myth that EV batteries cannot be recycled and will ultimately end up in landfill.
Veolia's Debbie Revell, said: “Our Minworth battery recycling facility plays a pivotal role in the circular economy as it kick-starts the process of turning end-of-life batteries into materials that can be used to manufacture batteries for future EVs. With an anticipated 350,000 tonnes of end-of-life EV batteries predicted to be in the country by 2040, facilities like ours will help to maintain the production and uptake of EVs.”
Another key checkpoint will be DAF's truck manufacturing facility in Leyland, which produces more than 15,000 trucks each year and serves as the primary production site for almost all DAF trucks registered in the UK. The site also manufactures zero-emission models, including the DAF XB Electric range.
For the Trucks & Trailers route, the Rally is supported by Gridserve, showcasing the Innovate UK and UK Government funded Electric Freightway facilities at Gridserve’s dedicated electric forecourts. And on Day 3, the Rally stops at Milence's charging hub in Immingham. Teams will experience a dedicated heavy-duty charging environment, explore the driver-focused facilities and see high-power charging in operation, while learning more about the development of public charging infrastructure for electric trucks across Europe.
The route will also include four stops at GRIDSERVE forecourts, with each designed to accommodate the needs of larger electric vehicles.
Finishing at Everything Electric
After five days on the road, the Rally will cross the finish line at Everything Electric in Twickenham, where the cars, trucks and teams will be showcased to visitors.
Dan Caesar, CEO of Everything Electric, said: “The EV Rally showcases the innovation, collaboration and real-world capability of electric vehicles, bringing together industry leaders and passionate advocates from across the sector.
“We're especially excited that the rally will culminate at Everything Electric, with participants crossing the finish line at our Twickenham event on 11 September. It will be a fantastic way to celebrate the achievements of the rally teams while connecting them with thousands of consumers, businesses and policymakers who are driving the electric revolution forward.”
Teams and partners
The Rally is supported by a network of partners helping to keep the event moving and provide expertise along the way.
The AA is the event's Roadside Assistance Partner, providing support if any teams encounter problems on the road. Drivetech is the Driver Training Partner, helping teams get the most from their electric vehicles.
KGM Motors, the Vehicle Partner, will provide a selection of its electric vehicles for GREENFLEET's senior management and media teams. Farizon are back as the Official Logistics Partner, where event crews will get to experience the SV once more, alongside the new-to-market V7E.
Monitoring the event this year, providing valuable energy and safety data, is Quartix, making their debut as the Technology Partner.
Charging for the 2026 event is being provided by the Partners who are opening-up their facilities, including Gridserve, Arnold Clark Charge, Fastned, E.On and Milence.
Headline sponsor Lex Autolease will host the Rally's wrap party, bringing the finalists together to celebrate five days of zero-emission driving and clean-energy innovation.
This year's teams include professionals from Lex Autolease, The AA, Vaylens, Tusker, Speedy, Jaama, E.ON, BMW/MINI, Qwello, Farizon, Kwik Fit, Maxus, Higer, GRIDSERVE and SAGA Trucks.
The Rally's media crew – Sara Sloman, John Curtis, Karl O'Sullivan and Paul Trunkfield – will once again be broadcasting the action across social media. There is an added challenge for the team this year, with Sara Sloman taking on the Trucks & Trailers route behind the wheel of a Mercedes-Benz eActros 600.
With two routes, more than 1,000 miles and a host of EV myths to bust, the 2026 EV Rally is set to be an exciting showcase of the UK's progress and success in electric vehicles and clean energy.
