The Government’s 2040 targets for zero emission cars are vague and
unambitious, says the Business, Energy and Industrial
Strategy Committee in a report published today.
The Electric vehicles: driving the
transition report recommends the Government bring forward
a clear, precise target for new sales of cars and vans to be
zero emission by 2032.
The report finds that the poor provision of charging points for
electric vehicles (EVs) is one of the greatest barriers to
growing the UK EV market. The Committee calls on the Government
to take the lead in ensuring charging points are provided
nationwide and help local authorities access greater technical
and financial support to develop charging infrastructure across
the country, including in remote and rural areas.
MP, Chair of the Business,
Energy and Industrial Strategy
Committee said: “Electric vehicles are
increasingly popular, and present exciting opportunities for the
UK to develop an internationally competitive EV industry and
reduce our carbon emissions. But, for all the rhetoric of the UK
becoming a world leader in EVs, the reality is that the
Government’s deeds do not match the ambitions of their
words.
“The IPCC report was clear on the need to encourage changes
in consumer behaviour, including increasing the switch to
electric vehicles, to help decarbonise our economy. But the UK
Government’s targets on zero-emissions vehicles are unambitious
and vague, giving little clarity or incentive to industry or the
consumer to invest in electric cars. If we are serious about
being EV world leaders, the Government must come forward with a
target of new sales of cars and vans to be zero emission by
2032.
“Our EV charging infrastructure is simply not fit for
purpose. We cannot expect consumers to overcome ‘range anxiety’
and switch to electric vehicles if they cannot be confident of
finding convenient, reliable points to regularly charge their
cars. The Government cannot simply will the ends and leave local
government, or private companies, to deliver the means. The
Government needs to get a grip and lead on coordinating the
financial support and technical know-how necessary for local
authorities to promote this infrastructure and help ensure that
electric cars are an attractive option for consumers”.
The report finds that the current fiscal regime for EVs provides
inconsistent messages about the Government’s ambitions for EVs
and recommends that the Government align new fiscal changes with
the zero emissions target. The Government should ensure buyers of
electric vehicles benefit from preferential Vehicle Excise Duty
rates and that the introduction of preferential rates on company
car tax for EVs is brought forward without delay. The Government
should also maintain Plug-in Grants for new electric vehicles at
current levels, rather than cutting them from November (as
announced by the Department for Transport on 11 October).
MP, Chair of the BEIS
Committee said: “The Department for
Transport’s slashing of the Plug-in Grant scheme
drives the incentives of buying an electric vehicle into reverse.
Cutting support is a perverse way to encourage drivers to move to
non-polluting cars. This is only the latest sign of the
Government’s inconsistent approach to developing the market for
electric vehicles. The Committee on Climate Change has made clear
in their judgements on the Clean Growth Strategy and the ‘Road to
Zero’ strategy that these plans do not go far enough to tackle
transport emissions, putting the UK's long-term carbon reduction
targets at risk. A more joined-up and consistent approach is
needed from Government if the UK is to seize the business
opportunities of electric vehicles and deliver carbon emissions
reductions.”
The report recognises the importance of the British car industry
and the need to move ahead with the transition to electric
vehicles if the automotive industry is to remain globally
competitive. The report calls on the Government to work to create
an attractive investment environment that will encourage
manufacturers to locate new EV facilities in the UK.
On battery manufacturing, the report notes that other countries
have already taken a substantial lead in this area and suggests
that seeking to catch-up on this activity would leave the UK on
the back foot. The report says that the UK can better capitalise
on industrial opportunities if there is an aggressive targeting
of high-value aspects of the EV and battery supply chains where
the UK already holds comparative strengths. There also needs to
be a focus on reskilling the existing car industry work-force so
they are equipped to help lead the transition to mass use of
electric vehicles.
ENDS
Editor’s note
A list of the report’s recommendations and conclusions is
available on p. 48 of the report. The BEIS Committee held six
evidence hearings as part of this inquiry. Witnesses included
representatives from organisations and businesses such as RAC,
Tesla, National Grid, Nissan Europe, BMW, BYD UK, Toyota, and the
BEIS Minister . A full witness list
(and links to evidence transcripts) is available on p.59 of the
report.
