Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? Electric car demands new government.
As the nation heads to the polls, Fleet World examines the electric vehicle (EV) wish list of the automotive and fleet sector for the new government.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) highlighted that the UK’s shift to EVs is progressing steadily but not as rapidly as before. The decision to extend the phase-out of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to 2035 instead of 2030 has been perceived as a signal of a slow-down in the overall EV agenda.
According to Ashley Tate, managing director of Allstar Chargepass UK, the absence of a clear government strategy for EVs is evident due to political agendas taking precedence over addressing the strategic challenges faced by road users. Tate emphasised the importance of setting a clear strategy to boost the adoption of EVs, primarily by making them more affordable through subsidies.
Paul Hollick, chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP), stressed the need for extended company car Benefit-in-Kind taxation tables to be among the first fleet tasks for the new government. The AFP recommended a gradual approach to tax hikes to ensure a smooth transition to electric vehicles.
Paul Holland, managing director for UK/ANZ fleet at Corpay, highlighted the high costs associated with driving, whether for personal or professional purposes. He advocated for making EVs more affordable to purchase, possibly through government incentives and subsidies to drive adoption.
Greenpower Park called on the government to accelerate domestic battery production to attract vital overseas investment. The centre underscored the urgency of securing a supply of battery cells to meet the escalating demand for electric energy storage in the UK.
FleetCheck urged the government to reconsider the zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate for vans to address the challenges faced by fleets in adopting electric vans. Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, noted the difficulties in transitioning to electric vans due to range limitations and inadequate charging infrastructure.
The National Franchised Dealer Association (NFDA) highlighted the stagnation in the private EV market and called for action to incentivise uptake, dispel myths, and boost charge point installations. The association recommended price incentives, VAT harmonisation on EV charging, and extending Vehicle Excise Duty (VED) exemptions on battery electric vehicles (BEVs) to stimulate the private EV market.
In conclusion, with the upcoming elections, the automotive and fleet sectors are looking to the new government to implement policies that promote the widespread adoption of electric vehicles, address infrastructure challenges, and make EVs more accessible and affordable for all.
