'No single solution to reduce carbon will suit us all'

Deputy editor John McIlroy praises the variety of solutions that car firms are taking to lower emissions

Opinion COP26

As this issue closed for press, hundreds of officials were still arguing over the semantics and promises contained within a proposed agreement from the COP26 summit on climate change in Glasgow. And there was plenty of haggling among car manufacturers last week too, with some agreeing to hastily drawn-up goals on pure-electric strategy, and others declining.

We’ll hold back on judging the overall success of the Scottish gathering. But if anything, this week’s magazine shows the multi-faceted approach that car companies are taking, regardless of any formal commitment – reflecting the fact that every customer is at a different stage of the journey towards zero-emissions motoring.

For example, our cover star, the MG ZS, is a big-battery, pure-electric family SUV whose price tag would have been unthinkable even a year ago. 

For those who aren’t ready for an EV, this week’s group test contains two electrified SUVs, with complex but differing technical solutions, from Honda and Renault, plus a conventionally powered SEAT. Again, the car companies have you covered, regardless of how prepared you are to pay for cleaner motoring.

We’re not surprised that many car companies chose to hold back on COP26 promises. Over the years, the industry has been quick and clever to respond to legislative demands on emissions, plus the taxation rules introduced to encourage movement in that area. And more than once, they and their customers have been caught out by sudden policy shifts.

The current product mix shows that the solutions exist to deliver real progress on ICE car emissions. The huge ramp-up in battery production, already funded and being undertaken by countless brands, will deliver this at keener prices than ever. All that’s left, really, is for those in charge of legislation and infrastructure to fill in the gaps. The car-buying public, and the car makers, should do the rest.

Are you thinking of getting an electric car? Check out the best EVs to buy now...

Editor-at-large

John started journalism reporting on motorsport – specifically rallying, which he had followed avidly since he was a boy. After a stint as editor of weekly motorsport bible Autosport, he moved across to testing road cars. He’s now been reviewing cars and writing news stories about them for almost 20 years.

Recommended

“Faster manufacturing can bring a new wave of cheap EVs from Europe’s big players”
Opinion – cheap EV manufacturing
Opinion

“Faster manufacturing can bring a new wave of cheap EVs from Europe’s big players”

The Chinese may yet falter: quicker, more efficient production could see prices of European electric cars fall
19 Oct 2023
‘MP Greg Smith is fighting for motorists instead of against them’
Opinion - Greg Smith
Opinion

‘MP Greg Smith is fighting for motorists instead of against them’

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler has met many politicians throughout his career, but MP Greg Smith is a little bit different
30 Aug 2023
‘Modern car tech is creating more problems than solutions’
Opinion - car tech
Opinion

‘Modern car tech is creating more problems than solutions’

Editor-in-chief Steve Fowler isn’t convinced that every 'innovation' is an improvement over good old-fashioned simplicity
23 Aug 2023
'Henrik Fisker is the automotive industry's next leading man'
Opinion - Henrik Fisker
Opinion

'Henrik Fisker is the automotive industry's next leading man'

Mike Rutherford believes that the EV company founder is destined to follow in the footsteps of Henry Ford and John DeLorean
20 Aug 2023

Most Popular

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’
Opinion - Fiat Scudo
Opinion

‘Forget leasing a car, a cut-price van should be your next everyday vehicle’

With some huge savings to be had, Mike Rutherford thinks a van could be the perfect vehicle
3 Dec 2023
Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month
Skoda Superb Estate - front tracking
News

Deal of the Day: Spacious Skoda Superb is a peerless estate for £223 a month

The Superb is one of our favourite estates and our Deal of the Day for Monday 4 December
4 Dec 2023
New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates
Renault 5 EV concept at 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed
News

New Renault 5: price, specs, launch and on sale dates

Renault’s reborn Renault 5 will start from €25,000 in Europe, suggesting a circa-£30k price in the UK. It's due on sale in the summer of 2024. Here's …
1 Dec 2023