What It Means for the UK's Electric Vehicle Future
The UK government has launched a consultation on proposals to phase out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. The move is part of the government's ongoing drive to cut carbon emissions and accelerate the take-up of electric vehicles across the UK. It has also invited views from experts in the automotive and charging industries to bring clarity back in the direction and help reach Labour's manifesto commitment for the phase-out of the petrol and diesel car requirement by 2030.
What Does This Consultation Entail?
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has called on industry professionals for their views on how exactly this plan can be realized to make sure that the UK can meet its zero-emission targets. The previous Conservative government extended the phase-out date to 2035, but Labour wants to revert back to 2030. The move has led to a row between the government and the automotive industry, with many manufacturers airing their concerns about current low demand for EVs and the need for incentives, backed by the government, to boost electric vehicle uptake.
Lisa Brankin, the chair and managing director at Ford UK, told the Today programme on BBC Radio 4 the "government's mandated ZEV growth works just doesn't work for companies like ourselves when real world demand from customers in huge markets doesn't radically grow".
The consultation also includes plans to update the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which details the percentage of new zero-emission vehicles manufacturers should sell each year until 2030. More than two-thirds of car manufacturers in the UK are signed up to a pledge to go fully electric by the target year, including some of the biggest such as Stellantis. The same companies have since announced job cuts in part due to the pressure on EV targets.
In this respect, this move by the DfT hopes the consultation will shed light on clarity for the automotive sector and charging industry, spurring long-term investments and growth within the UK's automotive industry. The government also wants to make electric vehicle charging more accessible and much more affordable for consumers, with more than 72,000 public charging points across the UK, and another 100,000 due.
Why the UK's Electric Future Matters
With electric vehicles making one in four cars sold in the UK last month, according to Transport Secretary Grant Shapps, this proves that "drivers are switching to cleaner, greener cars quicker than ever." This comes as part of the needed transition to clean energy if the UK is to meet its climate change objectives. Such a move from the government is envisioned to drive green growth, expose thousands to new job opportunities, and make the UK a hub for clean green energy.
What Next for the Automotive Industry?
In this respect, Mike Hawes, chief executive officer of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, insisted that reviewing the date for the sale of petrol and diesel cars, plus possible reforms of the ZEV Mandate, would be basic. According to him, the industry needs incentives given current global challenges on this matter that are bold enough to kickstart demand for electric cars.
With the 2025 market looming and increased pressure to decarbonize ahead of natural market demand, carmakers are calling for urgent resolutions in the form of clear regulations that will support this transition.
The outcome of this consultation will provide the necessary roadmap that will shape the future of electric vehicles in the UK. Along with further investment in charging infrastructure, such a bold government policy will help the UK see EV adoption increase manifold, helping to attain both environmental and economic goals.