On Thursday 4th July the nation voted and in the early hours of Friday 5th July, the exit poll’s prediction of a ‘Labour Landslide’ was confirmed as Keir Starmer’s party won a majority in the general election and returned to power after 14 years of Conservative party leadership.
Now, the new government will look to hit the ground running on a number of policies stated in their party manifesto. This is likely to include tackling fuel prices and the pothole crisis on UK roads. However, one big topic that all eyes will be on, particularly in the transport and motoring industries, is the transition to a net-zero future.
The previous Conservative government began with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate which includes and outlines the percentage of new cars and vans sold in the UK to be zero emission by 2030 and then 2035, after the delay on the new petrol and diesel ban was pushed back five years in 2023.
As it stands, 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans sold in Great Britain are required to be zero emission by 2030 and then 100% by 2035. The Labour party have expressed their intent to reverse this decision and bring back the ban to 2030, so time will tell not only as to whether this becomes the case, but also if the vans will be given the same treatment as cars.
Despite TMC’s focus, it’s not just fleets that deserve to be supported in this transition. The used market will play a big part and the new government have outlined their ambition to back second-hand buyers by ‘standardising the information supplied with regards to the condition of EV batteries’.
There has also been pledges to support the acceleration of public charge points in the UK in order to provide a sufficient infrastructure that more than adequately supports all in the transition. As Gerry Keaney of the BVRLA rightly said, “For the transition to be embraced by all sectors, targeted action is needed.”
Whilst optimistic about the changes that could be on the way, Barry Monks, UK Sales Director at The Miles Consultancy, says it’s a case of ‘wait and see’ at this stage.
“It’s good that for net zero, the intention regarding the ICE ban is for it being brought back to 2030 but ultimately, manufacturers need certainty and a clear end goal. They need to know what they’re working towards in terms of production and strategy of sales. Then, are there going to be assurances with regards to future BIK tax rates to incentivise uptake and will they target the motorist in general around increased fuel duty?
“Are retail buyers going to receive the support required to instil confidence in the market when it comes to having access to affordable charging? This isn’t just about fleets for their company car population; private buyers matter too.”
“TMC will continue to support businesses with fair reimbursement, home charging and payment solutions. Any support from the new government on the matters associated with EV transition will be welcomed with open arms.”
