Skip advert
Advertisement

'Power outages do nothing to inspire confidence in would-be EV buyers'

Mike Rutherford thinks the switch to an all-electric UK car market hasn't been thought through

Finally, the Government has hit us with a few firm (for now) car-culling dates we can pencil into our diaries, before cautiously planning our futures.

The story so far: subject to confirmation by yet-to-be-elected governments in the mid to late 2020s/early 2030s, the latest proposal is that brand-new pure petrol and pure diesel cars will be on death row for a nine-year stretch from now until 31 December 2029 – the date of their execution. Bit harsh?

Therefore, from 1 January 2030, the sale of such state-of-the-art vehicles will be declared wholly illegal while, at the same time, sales of inevitably older, dirtier second-hand motors/bangers will be perfectly legal. I wonder – and then some – if all this has been properly thought through.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Additionally, there’s a plan for factory-fresh hybrids (petrol-electrics or diesel-electrics) to be killed off – some from 31 December 2029, others (the greener but not green enough ones) from 31 December 2034. 

Are these considered ‘proposals’ and ‘plans’ from the top of Government? I’m not convinced. Too often it feels like our leaders make stuff up as they bumble along in their limos, well aware that most of them will be out of power, comfortably retired or deceased (perhaps all three) within the next decade and a half, when the EV revolution is supposed to arrive proper.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Either way, the overwhelming majority of consumers purchasing new cars in the 2030s and beyond will be offered a huge and market-dominant selection of pure-electrics – and not much else. True, there will be a comparatively small number of hybrids, plus an even smaller choice of hydrogen-powered cars and other personal vehicles with alternative fuels.

But at the same time, motorists whose heads, hearts, and wallets take them down the used-car route will have far wider choices to enjoy. It’ll be a genuine case of less is more as they will, of course, be able to buy second-hand versions of all the above... plus pure-petrol, pure-diesel, or hybrid vehicles built and registered in the 2020s, 2010s or earlier.

Much as I admire today’s current and growing crop of EVs, I still wince at some of their prices. It’s claimed that by 2025 these models will, all things considered (purchase price, insurance, daily running costs, depreciation, etc), boast the same all-in costs as ICE cars. But we need proof, not predictions. Until then, consumers are right to be cautious.

More honesty regarding battery life and replacement costs is also required. As are two sets of range figures per car: first the ‘official’ one taken with a large pinch of salt, the other ‘real-world’ and more accurate, relevant, and enlightening.

I’m confident this can be achieved. Conversely, National Grid’s too-frequent power outages, plus ongoing problems with public charging points and national charging infrastructure (or lack thereof) do nothing to inspire confidence in would-be EV buyers.

Finally, while the Government can give generous financial incentives to the thousands who buy electric cars now, can it offer them to the millions urged to buy EVs in the future? Not a chance. So grab those hand-outs while you can – before they (inevitably) run out.

Check out the best electric cars to buy right now...

Skip advert
Advertisement
Chief columnist

Mike was one of the founding fathers of Auto Express in 1988. He's been motoring editor on four tabloid newspapers - London Evening News, The Sun, News of the World & Daily Mirror. He was also a weekly columnist on the Daily Telegraph, The Independent and The Sunday Times. 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

No matter who wins the election, we’ll keep pushing to get motorists the best deal
Opinion - election 2024

No matter who wins the election, we’ll keep pushing to get motorists the best deal

After the transport secretaries pitch for votes in our leaders’ debate, editor Paul Barker wonders what it could all mean for the motorist
News
27 Jun 2024
Raise a glass in memory of Nick Rielly, a Vauxhall and automotive industry legend
Nick Reilly standing next to an Opel Ampera

Raise a glass in memory of Nick Rielly, a Vauxhall and automotive industry legend

Editor Paul Barker remembers Nick Rielly, a giant figure of the British and International car industry who sadly died on Friday
Opinion
11 Jun 2024
“You don’t need a Land Rover to have some off-road fun”
Opinion - You don’t need a Land Rover to have some off-road fun

“You don’t need a Land Rover to have some off-road fun”

Senior News Reporter Alastair Crooks has got the off-road bug and wonders what’s stopping people from exploring the limits of their SUVs
Opinion
1 May 2024
“I’m thrilled to lead Auto Express into a new era. We’ll build on what we have and make it even better”
Opinion - Paul Barker

“I’m thrilled to lead Auto Express into a new era. We’ll build on what we have and make it even better”

Our new editor, Paul Barker says hello and sets out the stall for an Auto Express that’s better than ever
Opinion
10 Apr 2024

Most Popular

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options
Renault Clio design render - front

New Renault Clio to shun electric power and stick with petrol and hybrid options

Renault’s sixth-generation Clio hatchback will get a clean look and hi-tech kit, and our exclusive images show what it could look like
News
12 Feb 2025
The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027
Fiat Panda Cross - front static

The small petrol car lives! Pint-sized Fiat Pandina due in 2027

Fiat will build a new city-sized Pandina based on the new 500 platform, bringing a proper, petrol powered A-segment city car to market as early as 202…
News
12 Feb 2025
Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it
Renault 5 - front cornering

Car Deal of the Day: retro Renault 5 for £232 per month, plus four years to enjoy it

The reborn Renault 5 is one of the most feverishly anticipated cars in a long time, and at such a low price, our Deal of the Day for 8 February is a p…
News
8 Feb 2025

Find a car with the experts