Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Recommendation 4
4
Not Addressed
Paragraph: 49
We reiterate the message of our July 2021 report on zero emission vehicles that Government...
Recommendation
We reiterate the message of our July 2021 report on zero emission vehicles that Government needs to take account of legacy petrol and diesel-powered motoring and continue to explore the potential of alternative fuels where possible. This includes the huge potential for sustainable fuels to provide a low-carbon option for conventional engines. A reality check is needed. High-end premium and supercar manufacturers and smaller bespoke and specialised manufacturers—which have a much smaller construction carbon and other energy and pollutant footprint compared to EV manufacturers—need direction, clear guidance, and regulation from the Department for Transport, sooner rather than later.
Government Response Summary
The government discusses investing in EV technology and infrastructure while arguing that plug-in hybrids carry significant risks and would not deliver the necessary reductions in resources or support the achievement of climate change targets, but does not address the need for direction and guidance for high-end and bespoke manufacturers.
Paragraph Reference:
49
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
Fuelling the future: motive power and connectivity 7 large-scale production of EVs and further R&D. It will accelerate mass production of key technologies in the UK through major investments, including in the manufacturing of batteries, along with their component and materials supply chains. In addition to investing in advancing the battery technology, the Government is also supporting the roll-out of on-route charging infrastructure via the Rapid Charging Fund (RCF). This will help give EV drivers confidence that they will be able to rely on rapid charging for longer journeys and therefore to purchase vehicles with smaller batteries. The Committee’s proposal to focus on plug-in hybrids would carry significant risks. It is not clear that it would deliver the necessary overall reductions in use of resources and given the relatively high emissions of plug-in hybrids when used in internal combustion engine mode, it will also not support achievement of the UK’s climate change targets.