Government report calls for ‘urgent’ EV roadmap

ILC ARTICLE

13th February 2024

A new government report on electric vehicles has called for ‘urgent changes’ if the UK is to meet its net zero emissions targets.

Published by the House of Lords Committee, the Environment and Climate Change Committee’s EV strategy: rapid recharge needed report revealed that EVs make up just three per cent of all cars now on UK roads.

Despite the introduction of the ZEV Mandate and a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, the report highlighted that barriers still exist around cost and public charging.

It has urged the government to publish a roadmap revealing a clear strategy to 2035 to provide clarity for both customers and automotive manufacturers in order to ‘seize the opportunity it has given itself.’

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said, “Many of the recommendations have already been highlighted by industry, such as chargepoint rollout ahead of need, equalising VAT on public charging to home charging and the importance of purchase incentives, which could be delivered by a VAT cut. The report also notes the need for clear, consistent communication of the UK’s ambition.”