Government Weighs Cutting UK's 2030 Electric Car Target

The government is considering weakening the 2030 target for electric vehicles, according to analysis by the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) thinktank seen by the Guardian.

Under the zero emissions vehicle mandate, all new cars and vans sold from 2035 must be fully electric. Interim targets require 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans to be zero-emission by 2030. The 2035 end goal is likely to remain. But after a consultation that ended on Friday, the 2030 car target could be cut to 70% or even as low as 50%.

The ECIU says that, together with earlier changes allowing more sales of hybrid cars, such a cut would lead to emissions greater than burning all the gas in the Jackdaw field. A drop to 50% could mean an extra 147 megatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. That equals about 58% of the likely emissions from burning the oil produced by the Rosebank field.

Sales and running costs

More than half of new cars sold in the UK last month were electric if hybrids are counted, and about 28% were electric only. About 2 million people currently drive EVs. In a poll by the Electric Vehicle Association, 94% of EV drivers said they were saving money compared with petrol or diesel cars, and a similar share would stay electric for their next car. Drivers are paying about 2.4p a mile, while a full tank of petrol or diesel costs about £120.

Jess Ralston, an analyst at the ECIU, said weakening the target would not solve the problems of manufacturers, who face intensified competition from China. EVs can be £1,750 a year cheaper to run, she said. "A decision to U-turn could look very odd," she added.

Divided Labour MPs

Car makers have lobbied for a weaker mandate, and Labour MPs are deeply divided. Some in constituencies with car plants side with the manufacturers. Others argue that EVs help lower living costs.

Chris Hinchliff, Labour MP for North East Hertfordshire, said weakening the target would be "another nail in the coffin of a livable future". Barry Gardiner, Labour MP for Brent West, said it would favour laggards over companies that moved early to comply.

A government spokesperson said ministers are reviewing the mandate to ensure it continues to support British industry and investment, and that no decisions have been taken. The end goal has not changed, the spokesperson said, and the government remains committed to its legally binding net zero targets.

Source: The Guardian