The UK government has announced plans to accelerate the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, bringing it forward by five years to 2030, as part of its ‘green industrial revolution’.
UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, says: “Our green industrial revolution will be powered by the wind turbines of Scotland and the North East, propelled by the electric vehicles made in the Midlands and advanced by the latest technologies developed in Wales, so we can look ahead to a more prosperous, greener future.”
From fleet owners to parts manufacturers to the big automotive makers, the announcement will have a major impact on business. Here’s a range of opinions and statements from across the sector.
Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the UK automotive manufacturing and traders’ group, the SMMT, issued this response: “We share government’s ambition for leadership in decarbonising road transport and are committed to the journey. Manufacturers have invested billions to deliver vehicles that are already helping thousands of drivers switch to zero, but this new deadline, fast-tracked by a decade, sets an immense challenge.”
He adds: “Success will depend on reassuring consumers that they can afford these new technologies, that they will deliver their mobility needs and, critically, that they can recharge as easily as they refuel. For that, we look to others to step up and match our commitment. We will now work with government on the detail of this plan, which must be delivered at pace to achieve a rapid transition that benefits all of society, and safeguards UK automotive manufacturing and jobs.”
Ian Johnston, CEO of Osprey Charging – a UK EV charging group – says: “Today’s announcement is a truly watershed moment in the UK’s transition to cleaner transport. It sends a clear message to industry and the general public and that we must act now to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles.”
Fiona Howarth, CEO of Octopus Electric Vehicles, comments: “Drivers don’t have to wait until 2030 to go electric – the cars, the charge points, and the affordable prices are here today. By switching now, drivers can save thousands in fuel, tax and maintenance costs, and make the most of generous government incentives that won’t be around forever, not to mention feel good about their impact on the planet.”
Johnston adds: “The spotlight is now on industry and government to ensure that the necessary charging infrastructure is in place to make the switch to electric as frictionless as possible for motorists. The private sector is deploying a vast network of reliable and accessible public charging points and the government must also step up action to fund infrastructure in rural areas and create an attractive trading environment for EV supply.”
Governments’ should define the problem and let engineers innovate the solution,
Dr Andy Palmer was the man who was instrumental in bringing the first modern day EV, the Nissan LEAF, to market. He also ran Aston Martin.
He comments: “If the UK is not investing in batteries and pioneering battery technology, then ultimately Britain’s car industry will decline. Creating an environment where engineers are innovating through competition is Britain’s opportunity to become a global leader in zero carbon transport.”
However, Dr Palmer, who was appointed vice chair of European technology-led battery producer InoBat in October, has also warned of the potential risk of interference in the bid for net zero emissions.
“Governments’ should define the problem and let engineers innovate the solution. Too many are putting in place legislation that picks a technology winner. Those that discourage Darwinism within technology run the risk of losing out on that all-important first mover advantage.”
Charlie Jardine, Founder and CEO of EO Charging, a technology solutions provider which offers electric vehicle charging stations and management software for fleets, homes and destinations, says: “With 59% of vehicles on roads being company or business cars, big business also has a major responsibility to electrify their fleets. We are already seeing very high demand from business customers adopting electric vehicle fleets both in the UK and overseas, but this commitment will help lay the infrastructure required to accelerate the national roll out of EVs for businesses, as well as individuals looking to switch.”
AMTE Power is the UK’s only full-cycle battery manufacturer. Its CEO Kevin Brundish, states: “For businesses like ours, which are targeting the development and supply of innovative battery cell products, this continued government support, which goes alongside financial support packages such as the Faraday Industrial Strategy Challenge Fund and the Automotive Transformation Fund, will help to create the right investment environment for us to grow here in the UK.”
“This accelerated transition to electrification will require an onshore supply chain for the electric vehicle’s most crucial component, the lithium ion battery, the creation and growth of which will also stimulate the wider economy and create much needed jobs. AMTE Power’s own manufacturing expansion plans are very much aligned with this onshore supply chain need,” he adds.
Electric Week on Auto Futures and TheNewsMarket will begin on Monday. November 23rd. It will feature interviews with the likes of Dr Andy Palmer and in-depth reports from California and India.
