Zev Mandate
In a response to the Zero Emissions Vehicle Mandate (ZEV) consultation and US tariffs on the car industry, the Government’s announcement to allow hybrids between 2030-35 and to refine restrictions on vehicle manufacturers marks a significant milestone in the journey towards a greener future.
The Prime Minister's recent announcements are a pragmatic step forward, aimed at bolstering confidence among manufacturers and drivers alike. The inclusion of hybrids in the plan serves as a crucial stepping stone for those who are not yet ready to make the full switch to electric vehicles (EVs).
Hesitant, not Hostile
At The AA, our consistent message to the government has been clear: more needs to be done to make EVs accessible for everyone. While drivers may be hesitant, they are generally not hostile to the change. With the right support and incentives, we can encourage more people to embrace electric vehicles.
One of the key areas where help is needed is in stimulating demand for EVs. Broader fiscal incentives can play a vital role in making EVs more attractive to potential buyers. Drivers continue to raise concerns about the cost of purchase, cost of charging, and availability of chargers. Addressing these issues is essential to making EVs a viable option for everyone.
Interestingly, range anxiety, which was once a major concern, is now becoming a thing of the past. Our AA breakdown figures show that only 1.85% of all EV breakdowns are due to running out of charge, compared to approximately 1% of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles running out of fuel. This data highlights how better range and more chargers helps alleviate fears about range anxiety.
AA Viewpoint
For those interested in a deeper dive into our research and viewpoint on EVs, I encourage you to check out: AA EV Viewpoint
The AA has suggested several fiscal incentives to the government to stimulate demand for EVs. These include reducing VAT to 5% for on-street charging to level the playing field, as it currently costs 5% VAT to charge at home and 20% VAT on-street. Additionally, targeted incentives to buy new and used vehicles. And help with home chargers, for those on lower incomes have been proposed. The AA also recommends introducing targeted EV incentives like 0% loans on used EVs, as previously used in Scotland, and broader means-tested incentives such as scrappage schemes.
These fiscal incentives aim to make EVs more accessible and affordable, encouraging more drivers to make the switch to electric vehicles.
The significant dates of 2030/2035 are getting ever closer so there is still much more to be done to get many drivers on board for the EV transition.
Awareness Campaign
Clearer information in the form of an EV Drive UK Public Awareness Campaign would help. The AA proposes a coordinated public awareness campaign led by government and industry to address the doubts and needs of different driver segments. This campaign should provide accurate and impartial information to help drivers make informed decisions about EVs.
Together, we can drive towards a cleaner, more sustainable future.