"Government subsidies are essential if we are to hit net-zero targets"

By Mike Hawes - chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders

Nine in 10 electric car drivers would never go back to fossil fuels – no surprise given EVs are responsive, quiet, comfortable and packed with the latest tech. And with almost 100 models to suit every driving need and an average battery range more than double the typical weekly commute, zero emission mobility is almost an added bonus.

Small wonder then that two thirds of petrol and diesel drivers are keen to get behind the wheel of an EV – but they’re not doing so fast enough for the UK’s Net Zero targets. Indeed, a recent survey found that only 2 per cent plan to make the change this year and 17 per cent next. That’s not fast enough to meet our net zero commitments or the newly published regulation that makes the UK’s transition timeline the most challenging in Europe or beyond.

Tax incentives make EV ownership compelling for company car buyers – and more of them are taking advantage every month. But incentives for private buyers ended last year, with the result that only 10% of private sales were EVs last month.

Incentives work – yet Britain is the only major market where private consumers are ignored and that is unfair.

Incentives such as cutting VAT on EVs, and on charging, would open up access for all new car buyers – and those in the second and third-hand markets, too. In turn, this would attract greater choice into showrooms and, importantly, grow the market now, helping bring down the cost of production, boosting tax revenues, bolstering the economy and delivering significant air quality and carbon emission benefits.

Government is already backing businesses to make the switch – backing the private motorist would send the right message at the right time.”  

Planning to make the switch? These are the best electric cars you can buy...

Recommended

Geely and NIO agreement could see battery swapping tech on Volvo, Polestar and Lotus cars
Volvo EX30 - front action
News

Geely and NIO agreement could see battery swapping tech on Volvo, Polestar and Lotus cars

The Chinese giant behind Volvo, Polestar and Lotus will join forces with NIO on battery tech
30 Nov 2023
Aston Martin DB6 gets interior made from eggshells in EV makeover
Lunaz Design Aston Martin DB6 - front
News

Aston Martin DB6 gets interior made from eggshells in EV makeover

The eco-conscious Aston Martin DB6 concept was created by electric classic-car conversion specialists Lunaz Design
24 Nov 2023
On-street charging gap: infrastructure needed outside London to keep pace with EV adoption
Vauxhall Astra Electric connected to roadside charger
News

On-street charging gap: infrastructure needed outside London to keep pace with EV adoption

Vauxhall’s boss points to a wide disparity in charger coverage between UK regions outside London
16 Nov 2023
​Polestar 0 and the quest for the carbon neutral car
Polestar 0 Project decal
News

​Polestar 0 and the quest for the carbon neutral car

Polestar wants to build a truly carbon neutral car by 2030 and although it’s a huge challenge, the Polestar 0 project means business
13 Nov 2023

Most Popular

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
New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash
BMW Neue Klasse SUV exclusive image - front
News

New BMW X3 replacement to grow in size and feature a minimalist dash

BMW’s first Neue Klasse electric SUV could carry the iX3 nameplate and our exclusive images preview how it might look
30 Nov 2023
New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed
Dacia Duster - front
News

New 2024 Dacia Duster: third generation of Europe’s best-selling SUV revealed

Dacia has taken the wraps off the latest Duster, which arrives with a new look and fresh technology
29 Nov 2023