The UK’s shift towards electric vehicles (EV’s) is key to its goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. To encourage this transition, the government has introduced proposals such as re-establishing the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2030 and a Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. However, concerns remain about the commitment to implement the measures and whether the measures are sufficient to boost EV adoption.
Norway offers a successful model, having surpassed the milestone of more EVs on its roads than petrol vehicles, with more EVs per capita than any other country. Its government supports the transition through generous incentives like tax exemptions and infrastructure investment. Norway plans to fully ban new petrol and diesel car sales by 2025, setting a global benchmark.
In contrast, the UK has faced setbacks including the deferral of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles. The discontinuation of the Plug-in Car Grant in 2022 reduced affordability for EVs, slowing their sales growth. The ZEV mandate, starting in 2024, sets ambitious targets for automakers, requiring 22% of vehicle sales to be electric, rising to 100% by 2035. Yet, by mid-2024, only 17% of vehicles sold in the UK were electric, highlighting the gap between goals and reality.
Industry bodies have called for more support, advocating for VAT reductions on new EV’s, improved charging infrastructure, and fairer electricity pricing for public charging. The example of Norway shows how sustained government backing can drive EV adoption. Will the UK government reassess its approach to drive forward the adoption of EV’s? This month’s budget will perhaps provide some clues.
