Members of UK Parliament will debate the House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee (ECC) report: ‘EV strategy: rapid recharge needed’ today [Wednesday 16 October].
The debate follows a 19 April 2024 UK government response to the report which itself was published 6 February 2024.
The initial electric vehicle (EV) report outlined ECC recommendations following its enquiry into the viability and landscape of British EV ownership and operation.
The ECC’s report praised the government’s commitment to fostering the EV transition, however, it also stated that it was incumbent on the government to be more proactive in communicating a positive vision of the EV transition to consumers.
The government, according to the ECC report, should develop a communication strategy in collaboration with industry partners and consumer organisations to provide clear, authoritative and trustworthy information to consumers.
This could build on previous successes such as the Go Ultra Low website, the ECC report concluded.
READ MORE: Labour considers reinstating 2030 deadline for ICE ban
The government’s response to the report agreed in principle with the findings, recognising the importance of clear communication to consumers on the use of EVs.
The response also highlighted the importance of EVs, identifying the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) as a crucial step in ensuring the UK meets its 2050 net zero target.
The response also highlighted the work of the ZEV mandate that entered into effect in Great Britain on 3 January 2024.
The ZEV mandate requires that 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain be zero
emission by 2030, on a pathway to 100% by 2035.
One of the largest carbon saving measures across government, the strategy should provide long-term policy certainty for investors, manufacturers and consumers in the UK market.
The news comes amid conflicting stances concerning the future of British road tax, with the UK government ruling out changing the current tax in the upcoming Autumn Budget (that affect EVs) whilst several industry leaders portend its inevitability.
The debate will begin no earlier than 3.40pm and can be watched live or afterwards on Parliament TV.
Speaking ahead of the Autumn Budget, interim CEO at car maintenance marketplace FixMyCar, Amanda Webb said: “This is a key budget for the new government to give the public a first glimpse of their agenda and how this will impact drivers and targets for electrification.
“We could also see details about the petrol/diesel ban being brought forward again to 2030 as a statement of intent to support EV growth.
“Decisions like this are positive in driving change for car buyers. There is still a huge investment needed to raise the confidence of car owners, as well as garages and mechanics.
“More funding is needed to improve nationwide charging for drivers, but there is also a significant gap in the aftermarket for EV repair skills.
“Our data predicts a minimum increase of 280% in EV repairs and maintenance work by 2030, highlighting a significant challenge for mechanics in the next five years where less than a quarter (24%) currently offer EV repairs.
“Therefore, the government needs to consider the fundamental infrastructure, running cost, and after-sales support for any acceleration of EV ownership in the short term.”
Achievements and innovations in EV charging infrastructure will be celebrated at the third annual CiTTi Awards, which will be held on 26 November 2024 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
