Experts have reacted to the new plans from the Labour Government to launch a consultation to seek views regarding the future of the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
Earlier this morning, the Department for Transport launched a new consultation about the future of the 2030 petrol and diesel vehicle ban, as well as how the ZEV mandate will run in the coming years.
As part of the new consultation, the Government aims to “restore clarity” for vehicle manufacturers, the wider industry and motorists amid the need to transition to zero emission vehicles in the coming years.
The consultation will work alongside the Government’s plans to have a further 100,000 public charging stations installed across the UK through the Local EV Infrastructure (LEVI) Fund alone.
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Experts have praised the newly announced consultation about the future of the ZEV mandate
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Sector experts have been called on to leave their feedback regarding the future of the UK’s approach to the ZEV mandate, transition to electric vehicles and the phase out of petrol and diesel cars.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said the switch to electric vehicles was necessary to “drive forward our clean energy superpower mission”, adding that it would bring massive economic benefits.
Quentin Willson, Founder of FairCharge and EVUK advisory board member, added that the consultation gave certainty to the industry and consumers and could attract global EV investment.
He said: “Good to hear that off-street charger planning processes will be simplified and legislation amended to increase charger roll out.
“The UK is the second most successful EV market in Europe. We mustn’t lose that momentum. The results of this consultation could make us number one.”
Under the current rules of the ZEV mandate, manufacturers are required to have at least 22 per cent of sales come from zero emission vehicles by the end of 2024.
This target will continue to increase over the coming years, with a provisional target of 28 per cent by the end of 2025, before reaching 80 per cent at the end of the decade.
Dan Caesar, CEO of EVUK, added: “We welcome confirmation of the consultation after several consecutive months of clear, growing demand for used and new battery EVs in the UK.
“The ZEV mandate is working and we believe that clarity around the direction of travel will see the UK cement its position as one of the most attractive battery EV markets on the global stage.”
According to data from Zapmap, there are more than 72,500 public charging devices around the UK, as of November. Many experts suggest that the Government will reach its goal of having 300,000 chargers installed by the end of the decade.
James Court, Public Policy Director at Octopus Electric Vehicles, said the UK could not let momentum of EV sales slip as 25 per cent of all new car sales were electric last month.
He added: “Drivers and investors need certainty to build confidence in our transition to clean, cheap driving and with clear and bold policy the UK can position itself as a world leader for EVs – creating green jobs, saving drivers cash and cleaning our local air for future generations.”
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Major car brands need a minimum of 22 per cent of sales to come from zero emission vehicles by the end of the year
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The Government has remained steadfast in its commitment to the development of electric vehicles, adding that it was “committed to delivering greener transport”.
Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK said: “ChargeUK has been vocal in its assertion that billions of this investment, as well as the significant progress made in the charging rollout, will be put at risk should the ZEV mandate be weakened.
“As the consultation finally gets underway, we call on the Government to hold its nerve and commit to a policy approach that combines ambitious EV sales targets with bold measures to help drivers make the switch.
“This will enable a healthy flow of investment into our sector and ensure we can stay on track to deliver the chargers needed for the EV transition.”
