From Pitch to Plug: How Ryan Yates’ EV Move Could Help Drive a Greener Britain

When footballers take a stand, people pay attention.

And this is why we have enlisted the help of Nottingham Forest captain Ryan Yates – known for leading with quiet conviction on the pitch – to help drive a greener focus in an unexpected arena: the driveway.

His recent installation of a home EV charger from E.ON Next has already made headlines – but what matters now is what follows.

In a time when the climate crisis looms large and the cost of living crisis keeps biting, Yates’ switch to greener transport could help amplify a wider rethink about how we travel, what we spend and the small decisions that build toward a more sustainable UK.

Leading by example, one charge at a time

This isn’t just about a Premier League star going electric.

It’s about making the idea of at-home EV charging accessible and aspirational – something that looks less like a luxury and more like common sense.

So Yates, who’s been a consistent figure in Forest’s top-flight performances, is now putting his foot down in another way.

His new E.ON Next Drive charger means he can juice up his electric vehicle from home at just 6.7p per kWh overnight – a fraction of the cost of petrol.

Yates said: “With training, travel, and matches, I’m always on the move.

“Having a home EV charger just makes everything easier – and cheaper. Sustainability is something we all need to think about, and switching to electric is one of the simplest ways to reduce our carbon footprint.”

It’s a message that carries weight, especially when coming from someone admired by fans not just for his game, but for his grounded values.

In a world where elite athletes could sometimes be seen as removed from daily concerns, Yates choosing to plug in rather than fill up sends a powerful signal: sustainability isn’t a distant ideal – it’s something you can park on your driveway.

Our £2.70 wake-up call

To show just how affordable home charging can be, E.ON Next recently opened a bold little pop-up shop in London where everything cost just £2.70 – the typical cost of a full overnight EV charge with their off-peak rate.

Coffee and fruit usually costing far more than £2.70 – especially in London – went for far less at the pop-up store with a message.

It’s far from a clever stunt, as the message is so serious.

As petrol prices remain volatile, home EV charging offers rare certainty in a chaotic economy.

For anyone sitting on the fence about buying electric, the numbers speak for themselves.

Home charging: the real game changer

E.ON Next’s home EV charging solutions aren’t just for Premier League footballers, they’re affordable for everyone.

Their chargers are compatible with all EV models, come with expert installation, and let customers charge using 100% renewable electricity.

With smart scheduling and integration with flexible tariffs, drivers can slash their fuel bills without sacrificing convenience.

David Butters, Marketing Director at E.ON Drive, said: “We’re delighted to support Ryan Yates in making the move to electric.

“Home EV charging is a game-changer for drivers, offering cost savings, convenience, and the opportunity to charge using 100% renewable electricity.

“We want to make it easier for everyone to embrace greener choices, and Ryan’s decision is a great example of how the game can become greener on and off the pitch.”

How the rest of us can follow

Yates is far from the first to make the EV leap, but the hope is that his choice turns more heads.

Role models aren’t always politicians or CEOs – sometimes, they’re midfielders who quietly make practical, forward-thinking decisions.

If a professional athlete, used to fast travel and high demands, sees the sense in charging at home, why not the rest of us?

The UK’s transition to electric vehicles isn’t just about government mandates or industry pledges, it’s about culture.

And culture changes one story, one figurehead, one choice at a time.

Ryan Yates has made his.

Now the ball’s in our court.

To find out more about E.ON Next’s Drive EV tariff visit here: https://www.eonnext.com/tariffs/next-drive