This is after a challenging time for the industry – with parts shortages impacting all manufactures, as well as many potential customers still not being ready for the switch.
Trevelyan’s announcement was part of the Government’s plans to kickstart measures to help the UK meet its aim of reaching net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
In November 2020, then Prime Minister Boris Johnsons revealed his ‘extremely ambitious’ plans to move the ban from 2035 to 2030 – which had already been brought forward from 2040 in February of that same year.
Following the announcement, there was an increase in the interest in making the switch to electric vehicles.
The Transport Secretary’s new statement was made in an effort to ease fears within the industry – after months of shortages of parts for EVs.
There was already a global shortage of computer chips since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic, but further challenges have arisen in recent months.
After the Transport Secretary made her statement to the Government, several industry groups have put pressure on key decision makers to accelerate plans to increase the number of on-street charging points and rapid chargers across the UK.
They believe that these chargers are the key to making the switch for many Brits.
Earlier this year, the Department for Transport (DfT) released a statement where they set out their goals for 22% of manufacturers' new car sales to be zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) in 2024. These are legally binding targets, following consultation with industry leaders.
The aim for this is for sales to rise to more than 33% in 2026, 52% in 2028, and 80% in 2030 – an ambitious target.
This follows the Government’s planned schedule for all new cars and vans be fully zero emission at the tailpipe from 2035.
These plans also include details on the sales of new cars between 2030 and 2035 – where they can only be bought if they are able to partially drive with zero emissions.
DfT and Trevelyan have rejected claims that the Government was planning on reducing targets to make them more achievable for manufacturers.
A DfT spokesperson said: “These claims are untrue, and we remain firm in our commitment to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.
“The move to electric vehicles is happening worldwide, and we are helping make the UK a world leader in this area by pledging £2.5bn to support the transition.
“Electric vehicles offer significant opportunities for savings against their petrol and diesel counterparts thanks to cheaper charging, lower maintenance costs and tax incentives – not to mention the potential for creating growth and jobs in the UK.”
With sales of EVs rising in the UK, are you looking at making the switch to electric for your next vehicle? What is putting you off buying an EV right now? Leave your comments below.
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