9th September is World EV Day™, an important day to reflect on the progress of electric vehicles (EVs) and the pivotal role they play in shaping the future of transportation. To mark the occasion, Cat Hancock, Believ’s Chief of Staff, spoke with Electric Drives to discuss her career journey, the diverse contributions of women who are at the forefront of the EV transformation, and pathways for women in the sector.
You can read the article here: EV Leaders: Cat Hancock,, Chief of Staff, Believ
What does your role at Believ entail?
The Chief of Staff role can look very different between companies, but at Believ I oversee all internal aspects of the business relating to People and Culture, as well as supporting the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) with their strategy, including process optimisation, effective communication, and managing new projects. The variety of my role is what I enjoy the most, and no two days are the same! Personally, I’m passionate about connection and helping make people’s lives easier, so this role suits my character and personality well.
Tell me about your career path, and what brought you to Believ?
My career path has been a bit unconventional but also a lot of fun! After graduating with a classical music degree, I ran my own cookie company out of my parents’ kitchen for three years, which was like my personal grad scheme. I learnt a lot of business acumen skills, helping me to understand the complexities of running a startup and the importance of providing a great experience. After a 6-month solo travelling stint, I joined an early-stage tech accessories startup that scaled significantly during my 7 years there, and over time my role became Head of Experience, overseeing both the customer and employee experience. This ultimately led me to discover my love for internal communications, so when the Chief of Staff role came up at Believ, I was ready for a change and it felt like the natural next step.
Why is it important that we celebrate Women in EV, and what more could be done to get more women into the industry?
It’s no secret that, traditionally, sectors to do with cars, engineering and tech have been male dominated. However, the future of transport – EVs – is for everyone, and it’s crucial that women are not only part of the conversation but also the leadership. We also know that diverse teams bring more varied perspectives, higher creativity, and ultimately better outcomes, so we should celebrate women who are paving the way in EV.
To get more women into the industry, it starts with making the pathways clear from a young age. Mentorship programs, university initiatives, and early education, for example, are key to ensuring visibility and creating opportunities. There are also a variety of roles, such as mine, that people might not immediately consider part of the sector, but these all play a critical part in supporting the transition to electric vehicles.
What three pieces of advice would you give women looking to get into the industry?
- Don’t wait until you know everything to get into the industry. In an ever-evolving space such as EVs, you can learn quickly as you go along if you stay open and curious.
- Trust your perspective. Your experience, no matter the field, brings transferable skills to the table. The industry will also benefit from fresh views and expertise, so don’t be afraid to challenge the norm!
- Build your network. There’s a strong community of women in the EV industry – be proactive in seeking out mentorship and advice, and connect with as many people as you can.
It’s World EV Day™ on 9th September, what does the day mean to you and why is it important to mark the day?
World EV Day™ is an opportunity to reflect both on how far we’ve come and how much further we have to go. Working at Believ, I’ve been amazed by the rapid pace of change in the EV space, and I believe that the next few years will look drastically different from where we are now (for the better!).
EVs do and will impact everyone, yet not everyone has daily interaction with them. Therefore, World EV Day™ helps build awareness, engage the public, and combat the negative myths surrounding EVs. It also provides an opportunity for thought leaders like Believ to share real-world experiences and educate people about the transition to electric vehicles.
In your opinion, what more can be done to help drivers transition to EVs?
As an industry we must increase driver confidence, as nervousness of the transition is currently a barrier. It’s a chicken-and-egg situation: people need to trust that chargers will be available and operate efficiently, but there can be a reluctance from operators to keep installing charging infrastructure until demand increases. So, it’s important to help local authorities, businesses and landowners see the benefits and greater good of EV infrastructure. Creating a seamless user experience – especially from an app perspective – will also make the transition smoother in encouraging more people to switch to EVs, and will ultimately set EV charging brands apart.
What do you think are the biggest myths or misconceptions about EVs that still exist, and how can we overcome them?
A common myth is ‘range anxiety’, where people fear EVs can’t handle everyday use or long trips. However, EV technology has improved significantly, and cars are now able to travel long distances on a single charge. In fact, the average range for a new EV is now around 300 miles, though it could vary depending on factors such as the battery size, vehicle type and driving conditions.
Another myth is that people assume EVs are still far more expensive to buy and run, but the reality is very different: there are now grants available to provide up to £3,750 off a new EV; and second-hand EV prices have come down considerably in price. The total cost of ownership is actually lower over time, and of course the reduced cost to our environment is also an essential factor.
