For International Women’s Day 2025, Compleo wants to celebrate all the incredible women who are not just part of the EV industry — they’re powering it. 

The EV industry has truly taken the world by storm in the last 15 years. When you look back, it’s hard to imagine that not too long ago, the automotive sector was largely considered a male-dominated space. But today, the shift is undeniable — not only are we transitioning from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric alternatives, but women in the EV industry are no longer an exception; they are essential to its growth and success.

At Compleo UK, we don’t just want to celebrate the amazing women in our team; we want to shine a light on all the incredible women in the EV industry. It’s truly inspiring how women in this space come together to support, encourage, and celebrate each other. It’s not just about individual success, but about lifting each other up and creating an environment where we can all thrive. This International Women’s Day, we’re proud to be part of an industry where women aren’t just included — they’re leading the way.

When talking about women in the industry, here at Compleo, we decided to ask the women in our community about their experiences within the sector and their vision for the future — one where women continue to play a major role in shaping the industry. A common theme that emerged when we asked what motivates and inspires them was the desire to be part of positive change for the environment. The drive to protect the planet motivates them every single day. And this sense of purpose isn’t limited to just the women in the industry — it’s something that everyone in the EV space shares. The power of positive change is truly incredible.

Like many industries, even though women are helping to pave the way for a cleaner future, we still face challenges within the EV sector. Some women have faced assumptions like, “Women couldn’t possibly know about cars,” or have been stereotyped as not being capable. Others have experienced “mansplaining” and the dismissal of their knowledge simply because they’re women. These challenges are all too common in our industry, but needless to say, like most women, those in the EV industry are incredibly strong and determined to break down these stereotypes.

One inspiring example comes from a woman who was told by her line manager to “go back to college and do more maths and physics” — but instead of backing down, she left that job and went on to win the Woman in Engineering: Sustainability Award (Women’s Engineering Society) shortly after. This just goes to show that women can achieve anything, even when faced with setbacks, and that we will always prove our place in the industry we’re passionate about.

So, what does International Women’s Day mean to the women of the industry, and why is it important to celebrate?

As women, we love to celebrate one another, whether that’s winning or being nominated for awards, or, as one woman said, feeling a huge sense of achievement every time she works out how to take a diesel vehicle off the road, or goes into schools to speak to girls about becoming fleet managers. We come together to support each other in all of our achievements. While we celebrate the women, it’s also important to acknowledge the men in the industry — the EV industry thrives on collaboration and shared successes, regardless of gender.

For one woman, it’s about celebrating the achievements of others. “Women are generally good at celebrating the successes of other women, rather than criticising or contradicting,” she said. “That’s why International Women’s Day is so important. We need to celebrate more women’s successes and provide a platform to inspire more young women to set a path to their chosen destination.”

Another woman shared her thoughts, International Women’s Day also shines a light on the everyday challenges women face in the workplace. “There is so much research that shows men and women get treated differently in the workplace, and it’s even worse for women of colour,” she explained. “Women, of course, can be hugely successful, but the build-up of microaggressions to get us there can be exhausting.”

Looking ahead, what’s the vision for the next generation of women in the EV industry?

For many of us, the vision is a future where women’s voices are not just heard but celebrated. “It doesn’t need to be male-dominated. Women can really make a difference, and through groups like Women Drive Electric, we need to empower more young women to join our industry. In the future, male-dominated panels will become a thing of the past, and we’ll have a more balanced, zero-tailpipe emission world.”

And lastly, one woman shared a powerful thought: “I hope the next generation continues the drive for a better world. That’s the legacy we’re building, and it’s what will inspire the next wave of women in EV.”

Coming together on days like International Women’s Day is crucial, as it helps to shine a light on the industry and the collective support we show one another.

From my short time in the industry, I’d say the EV sector feels like one big family. Everyone supports everyone and celebrates each other’s successes. This is why, for International Women’s Day, we’re not just celebrating the women in our team at Compleo, but the women who work together as a whole to create that “legacy” for the future of the EV industry. Together, we’re not only driving change but inspiring the next generation of women to continue that journey and make an even bigger impact.