U-turn on EV policy could stall UK’s take-up of EVs | Fiona Harvey and Jasper Jolly — SkimNews
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- UK government is reviewing the zero emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate, with a consultation ending Friday that could reduce the 2030 target for new cars to 70% or even 50% electric, down from the current 80% goal
- Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) analysis shows weakening the ZEV mandate to 50% EV sales by 2030 could result in 147 megatonnes of additional CO₂ emissions, equivalent to 58% of the emissions from burning oil in the Rosebank field
- 94% of EV drivers report saving money compared to petrol or diesel vehicles, and a similar proportion would buy another electric car and recommend one to others, according to polling by the Electric Vehicle Association
- Jess Ralston of the ECIU argues that weakening the mandate would lock in higher driving costs and air pollution, contradicting government promises to help families escape fossil fuel price volatility
- Barry Gardiner warns that policy flip-flops unfairly penalize forward-thinking automakers that invested early in EVs, while giving an advantage to laggards who delayed transition
- Chris Hinchliff calls a weakened EV target 'another nail in the coffin of a livable future,' reflecting deep divisions among Labour MPs over balancing industrial interests and climate commitments
Why it matters: Lowering the 2030 EV sales target risks adding 147 megatonnes of CO₂ emissions and undermines a policy that could save drivers £1,750 annually, disadvantaging early-adopter manufacturers and eroding public trust in climate commitments just as consumer support for net zero exceeds two-thirds.
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