Extract from Wales Assembly: Business Statement and Announcement - Dec 4

Mohammad Asghar (Oscar) AM: May I ask for a statement, leader of the house, from the Welsh Government on what it is doing to promote the use of electric vehicles by public sector bodies? Last week the Economy, Infrastructure and Skills Committee heard complaints that Welsh Ministers had not given clear signals on that issue, and that leadership was desperately needed. The view is reinforced when you consider that all 72 vehicles owned by the Welsh Government, including 12 ministerial cars, all use diesel. The committee was told targets needed to be set by Welsh Government for public bodies to adopt electric vehicles to cut emissions. Please can we have a statement on this important issue?

Julie James AM (Leader of the House and Chief Whip): Yes. The Welsh Government has been looking very carefully at accessibility for electric and hybrid cars in Wales, including across the public estate. We are already investing £2 million in electronic vehicle charging points to supplement existing capacity, but the Member will know that there are issues around range and sustainability for electric vehicles.