- Government meets its 2022 target for decarbonising its car
fleet
- Figures show at least a quarter of government vehicles are
ultra-low emission
- Government is leading by example in the transition to
decarbonised road transport
The Government is powering forward towards decarbonising its
central car fleet as it has been confirmed today (19th
January) it hit its target in switching over a quarter of all its
cars (25.5%) to ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV).
Having a higher rate of ULEV vehicles in its fleet means the
Government is on track to meet its 2027 target deadline for the
entire fleet be fully zero emission.
As set out in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural
Affairs’ Greening Government Commitments in 2021 - 2025, the
Government was required to transition a minimum of a quarter of
its car fleet to ultra-low emission vehicles by the end of 2022.
As of the latest data from September, 25.5% of all central
government cars were ultra-low emission vehicles, reaching the
target three months ahead of schedule.
Technology and Decarbonisation Minister :
“As the UK moves towards a cleaner transport network, the
Government is doing its part, with over 25% of its central car
fleet being battery-powered three months earlier than planned.
“It’s critical that progress in decarbonising fleets is matched
elsewhere. We will continue to forge ahead, to complete the
switch by 2027 and help make the UK a word-leader in
decarbonisation.”
With the electric vehicle (EV) sector showing year on year
growth, today’s announcement demonstrates the Government’s
commitment to decarbonising its own vehicle fleet. The target is
just a first milestone as government looks to decarbonise the
entirety of its central car and van fleet to zero emission
vehicles by 2027 – faster than the wider phase out date which see
the sales of new petrol and diesel cars banned by 2030.
Across the wider market, the UK continues to lead the way in
transitioning to battery powered cars as 1 in 5 cars sold in 2022
had a plug. According to the latest industry statistics from the
Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders showed that the sales
of EVs overtake those of diesel in 2022 for the first time.
With a burgeoning EV sector, the Government has also made great
strides in boosting the charging network. The £10m Local Electric
Vehicle Infrastructure (LEVI) Pilot, part of the wider LEVI Fund,
is expected to deliver 1,000 local chargepoints across England,
with nine local authorities receiving funding. Winning projects
are supported by an additional £9 million in private funding.
This will improve access to EV chargers, particularly
for residents without off-street parking, supporting the nation’s
uptake of zero emission vehicles.
The Government is committed to ending the sales of new petrol and
diesel cars by 2030 as we work towards a carbon-free transport
network.
Notes to editors
