Accelerating the Switch

EXCERPT

New AutoMotive welcomes the government’s intention to introduce a ZEV mandate in the UK, and the opportunity to respond to this consultation. Government policy has played a crucial role in driving up sales of electric cars and vans in the UK. As the UK enters into tougher carbon budgets and the transition to zero emission cars and vans enters its next phase, the role of public policy in driving progress will be no less crucial. The ZEV mandate will be the key policy driver that will realise the government’s commitment to achieving net zero and ending sales of petrol and diesel cars in the 2030s. An ambitious and effective mandate will attract investment in domestic  manufacturing, reduce UK emissions in line with carbon budget requirements, reduce the UK’s reliance on imported fuels and help reduce the cost of motoring for people who are most dependent on their cars. 

We welcome the decision by DfT to use powers in the 2008 Climate Change Act to create this scheme. Schemes that allow the trading of obligations - such as ZEV mandates - can be effective at reducing emissions, but the success of such schemes requires striking the right balance between ambition and flexibility. It is our view that the ZEV mandate should be more ambitious than that which is proposed in the consultation and more flexible so as to provide a clear and consistent policy signal to the market.