Abstract:

Britain is falling behind in the global shift to electric vehicles (EVs). If the government wants to, as it says, “cement the UK’s position as a world leader in the low emission and electric vehicle industry”, its forthcoming ‘Road to zero’ strategy is a prime opportunity to shift gear.This report recommends that the government’s ban on petrol and diesel vehicles is brought forward ten years, from 2040 to 2030. But, it says, targets alone won’t be enough. A comprehensive strategy including switching the government vehicle fleet to 100 per cent EV, will be needed to put Britain in a position to be a market leader. Speeding up the uptake of EVs would help reduce the carbon policy gap and allow the UK to become a net vehicle exporter, as well as reduce the costs of EVs, making them more accessible for everyone.