News analysis Peer pressure
More incentives are needed to encourage EV adoption, a House of Lords committee has argued. Sean Keywood reports.
charging infrastructure are among the recommendations of a new House of Lords committee report.
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‘EV strategy: rapid recharge needed’ warns that a combination of higher purchase costs, insufficient charging infrastructure and mixed messaging risks people not adopting EVs, hindering the UK’s ability to meet its net zero targets. The report, published following an inquiry by the House of Lords Climate Change Committee, argues that there is currently an insufficient number of affordable EVs on the market. It states: “The upfront cost of EVs, including second-hand cars, remains a significant barrier to consumer adoption and targeted grants should be reconsidered for EV purchases. “Unlike markets across Europe the government has removed incentives to support private buyers with upfront costs for EVs. This is premature as we seek
4 | February 2024 |
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easures to narrow the purchase price disparity between EV and ICE cars and improve
to move from early adopters and fleets purchasing EVs to a wider proportion of the population.
“Any incentives should be tapered as the prices of EVs fall and approach parity with petrol and diesel equivalents.” Moving on to the subject of charging infrastructure, the report argues that the number and range of public chargers available must anticipate demand. The report states: “The government must urgently review outdated and disproportionate planning regulations which are a major block to the rollout.
“While there has been significant private investment, a considerable number of chargepoints necessary for 2035 will not be commercially viable for industry to install by this point. The government must tackle delays in the rollout of funding schemes for public chargepoint infrastructure and build on the support available to local authorities.
“The government must also bring forward legislation to introduce new
“Unlike
markets across Europe the government has removed incentives to support private buyers with upfront costs for EVs.”
Above: A House of Lords committee has published a report looking to help promote wider EV adoption.
powers to direct local authorities in areas where there is insufficient infrastructure.” On other charging-related matters, the report echoes previous industry calls that have been made for the rate of VAT applied to public and home charging to be equalised, and recommends a consultation on mandating workplaces with designated car parking spaces to install chargers.
Other measures that have been recommended by the report include exploring options, such as a ‘battery health standard’, for incentivising second-hand used EV sales, and reforming road tax to give a clear steer on future motoring costs.
The report states: “As the UK moves away from petrol and diesel cars, people need an understanding of the total cost of motoring with EVs. We support the conclusions of the Transport Committee’s 2022 report that comprehensive reform of road taxation is needed, to start an honest conversation with the public and work towards a
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