A coalition of major businesses has called for all new car and van sales to be fully electric by 2030.
As the UK Government outlines plans to build back better from the Covid-19 crisis, the UK Electric Fleets Coalition today recommended a package of measures to boost the EV business case, stimulate EV manufacturing and strengthen the charging network.
Run by international non-profit The Climate Group in partnership with BT Group, the coalition’s package includes making sure 100% of new car and van sales are fully electric by 2030, with exceptions for the small number of vehicles where this may not be possible.
It also includes the introduction of a zero-emission vehicle mandate to require vehicle manufacturers to produce an annually increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles.
The coalition, which has 21 members, has also called for the extension of grants for electric vehicles and charging points through to at least 2022, when EVs are expected to start competing on price with conventional vehicles.
It also called for the speeding up of the rollout of public charge-points across the UK for use by any payment system.
Helen Clarkson, CEO, The Climate Group said: ‘We need to build back better from the COVID-19 crisis as we look ahead to next year’s COP26 climate summit.
‘Scaling up EV manufacturing and the nationwide charge point network are both huge opportunities for jobs and growth in the UK.
‘Businesses are making the switch themselves through our EV100 initiative and now they are coming together with a clear message to Government: match our ambition and help us move to clean electric transport.’