Accelerating towards net zero transport with a Zero Emission Vehicles mandate to boost uptake and affordability of electric cars

From EVA England 

• UK Government launches Transport Decarbonisation Plan, including consulting on world-leading pledge to end the sale of all new, polluting road vehicles (HGVs) by 2040  
• Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England welcomes today’s announcements and the clear signal by Government to accelerate our drive towards battery electric vehicles and lower emissions including consulting on a Zero Emission Vehicles mandate 
• Government commits to laying legislation this year to ensure that all new private EV chargepoints meet smart charging standards 

The eagerly awaited Transport Decarbonisation Plan has landed, together with a raft of associated documents, including a 2035 Delivery Plan and the Government’s response to the smart charging consultation.  

In addition, EVA England welcomes the commitment by Government for its 40,000 strong fleet of vehicles to be battery electric by 2027, as well as consultation on a Zero Emission Vehicles mandate. 

Gill Nowell, a Director at EVA England, comments: 

“As UK Government today launches its Transport Decarbonisation Plan, EVA England welcomes the Green Paper on the CO₂ Regulatory Framework for cars and vans, which includes consultation on a Zero Emission Vehicles mandate. Such a mandate would require automotive manufacturers to increase the proportion of battery electric vehicles they sell.  

This would promote the uptake of battery electric cars and push more onto the secondhand market, making electric cars more affordable to more people. EVA England will encourage its members and electric cars drivers across England to share their views with Government on this important topic.  

Zero emission driving is essential to maximising emissions reductions from the transportation sector. The proposed 2040 ban on the sales of new diesel and petrol HGVs is a good step that sends a clear indication of the UK’s decarbonisation plans ahead of COP26 in Glasgow this autumn.”  

Under the Government’s plans, it is expected that the requirement for all new home chargers to meet smart charging standards will be enshrined in law later this year. Following its survey of over 1,200 EV drivers on the consumer experience of public EV charging earlier this year, EVA England views this as good news for the consumer as well as good news for the energy system. 

More information on the Government’s Transport Decarbonisation Plan and associated documents can be found here. 

Ends 

EVA England media contact 

Gill Nowell, EVA England Board Member and Media Liaison 

E: gill.nowell@evaengland.org.uk 

W: www.evaengland.org.uk 

About Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England 

Electric Vehicle Association (EVA) England was established in June 2020 to offer a voice, services and representation to current and prospective electric vehicle drivers in England. EVA England is a non-profit community interest company founded by passionate drivers inspired by the benefits of electric driving and concerned by the health and climate impacts of the use of petrol and diesel cars and vans.