Skip advert
Advertisement

'The government isn't doing enough to encourage electric car sales'

The government needs to do more to encourage people to both build and buy electric cars, says Steve Fowler

OPINION Ralf Speth

As a title that follows the news agenda, we make no excuses for the amount of space we dedicate to electrified cars in Auto Express. It’s where we’re headed, whether we like it or not. Or at least that’s what our government keeps telling us. 

That being the case, I’m not alone in airing my frustration that our legislators aren’t doing more to encourage both British expertise in the area of electric vehicles and more people to buy them.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Best electric cars to buy

One man who is clearly frustrated is Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Ralf Speth. I know from conversations we’ve had in the past that he feels more should be done on charging infrastructure, for example. And speaking at the announcement that JLR was investing hundreds of millions of pounds on building electrified cars at its Castle Bromwich plant in the Midlands, he went further.

“The opportunities presented by an Autonomous, Connected, Electric and Shared future reach far beyond the automotive sector,” said Speth. “The UK has among the best academics and creative talent globally, and we must now leverage this to take advantage of the technology revolution happening around the world.

“Jaguar Land Rover is playing its part, putting in place a carefully considered electrified manufacturing footprint in the West Midlands to support the creation of next-generation vehicles and technologies. But our vision can only be realised if we bring together industry, government and academia to create the ecosystem in which customers, suppliers and communities can embrace the future of mobility.”

I’ve not agreed with everything Speth has said or done over the years, but I couldn’t agree more with him now. The UK has a golden opportunity to lead not only in the technologies that are changing rapidly but also on their adoption. Car makers are doing their bit and buyers are keen. But it needs government support to make it happen.

Do you agree with Steve's thoughts about the future of electric cars in the UK? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Steve Fowler has previously edited Auto Express, Carbuyer, DrivingElectric, What Car?, Autocar and What Hi-Fi? and has been writing about cars for the best part of 30 years. 

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

New Jaguar GT spotted testing again looking long, low and suitably mean
Jaguar Type 00 - front 3/4

New Jaguar GT spotted testing again looking long, low and suitably mean

A close-to-production concept of the eagerly awaited EV is set be revealed later this year, before the road-going model lands in 2026
News
27 Jun 2025
Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
New cars coming soon header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
23 Jun 2025
Land Rover Freelander on track for a comeback, but the UK will have to wait

Land Rover Freelander on track for a comeback, but the UK will have to wait

The Freelander name will be used for new range of electric cars, initially just sold in China but possibly coming here as well down the road
News
14 May 2025
Land Rover Defender drives JLR profits to a ten year high
Land Rover Defender 110 County - cornering

Land Rover Defender drives JLR profits to a ten year high

JLR prepares for a busy year ahead with the launch of the first electric Range Rover, and the next stages of Jaguar’s rebirth
News
14 May 2025

Most Popular

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production
Range Rover Sport SV Black - front

Range Rover Sport SV gets massive £35k price drop as it enters series-production

There’s also a new SV Black trim, and a Range Rover Sport Stealth Package for non SVs
News
1 Jul 2025
Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model
Ferrari Amalfi - front static

Arrivederci Roma: new Ferrari Amalfi slots in as brand’s latest entry-level model

A slick new look and more power are the headlines for Ferrari’s new baby, but it’s probably some simple new buttons that will get customers’ attention
News
1 Jul 2025
Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV
Geely EX5 - front

Geely is coming to the UK, and its assault will start with EX5 SUV

Geely has looked to Lotus to ensure it's new electric SUV lives up to our driving expectations
News
2 Jul 2025