RAC head of policy Nicholas Lyes said: “We are not
surprised by the Government’s plans to bring forward the date to
ban the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles to 2035 as there is
indisputable need to tackle climate change.
“A more ambitious target should be the catalyst for faster
change, but there are clearly many hurdles to cross.
Manufacturers face a great challenge in switching their
production from conventional powertrains to cleaner electric
technology. More electric vehicles (EVs) will also require a
great deal of investment in charging infrastructure –
particularly for those who rely on on-street parking outside
their homes.
“Drivers themselves are showing greater interest in
purchasing electric vehicles, with our
latest findings showing a doubling to 6% of
drivers that will opt for a pure electric vehicle as their next
car choice. But while EV take-up is accelerating, high initial
purchase prices are still holding sales back. These will
inevitably come down as manufacturers bring out more and more
electric vehicles. In the short to medium-term we should not,
however, overlook the role plug-in hybrid vehicles with cleaner
than ever petrol engines could play in bridging the gap to going
completely electric.
“In the meantime we urge the Government to extend the
plug-in car grant for at least another three years to help those
that want to go electric, but who are put off by the high initial
costs. At a local level, authorities should also incentivise
their use with cheaper parking rates and lower residents’ parking
permit fees.”
