Source · Select Committees · Transport Committee
Third Report - Fuelling the future: motive power and connectivity
Transport Committee
HC 159
Published 2 March 2023
Recommendations
11
Acknowledged
Para 65
We recommend that the Government publish its future of rural transport strategy as a matter...
Recommendation
We recommend that the Government publish its future of rural transport strategy as a matter of priority. The strategy should include the Government’s plan to ensure people living in rural areas have adequate access to charging infrastructure.
Government Response Summary
The government agrees with the recommendation to publish its future of rural transport strategy as a matter of priority and highlights its existing EV Infrastructure Strategy and related policies, but makes no specific commitment to a timeline or content for the rural transport strategy.
Department for Transport
View Details →
18
Acknowledged
The Government may not always be able to adhere to its technology agnostic policy as...
Recommendation
The Government may not always be able to adhere to its technology agnostic policy as it seeks to achieve the target of net zero emissions by 2050. If that aspiration is to be fulfilled, it must introduce policies that enable …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the impact of uncertainty, but believes its technology-neutral approach is the most credible path to net zero, committing to reviewing its strategy and funding research programs. They are publishing a Low Carbon Fuels Strategy.
Department for Transport
View Details →
20
Acknowledged
The Government must shift its ‘technology agnostic’ policy to a ‘targeted technology investment’ policy.
Recommendation
The Government must shift its ‘technology agnostic’ policy to a ‘targeted technology investment’ policy. Such a policy will provide the Government with the flexibility to make strategic investments in new technologies that offer evidenced solutions to lowering emissions, while allowing …
Read more
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the impact of uncertainty on its strategy given its reliance on long-term projections and uncertainty about future technological advances in some sectors. It is funding research programmes, and will publish a Low Carbon Fuels Strategy which will support investment by setting out a vision for the deployment of low carbon fuels across transport modes up to 2050.
Department for Transport
View Details →
Conclusions (3)
1
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 25
It is our view that the case for full electrification in private cars is ‘the received wisdom’, and therefore needs further scrutiny and investigation.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the limitations of synthetic fuels and states that low carbon fuels have a role in sectors where there are limited alternatives to liquid or gaseous fuels, such as aviation and maritime, and niche applications such as classic and historic vehicles.
2
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 28
Given the existing private cars that will remain on the road for some time, drop- in replacement fuels from renewable sources could be a no-risk, very sensible and economically sound approach.
Government Response Summary
The government recognises the merit in encouraging drop-in sustainable fuels and decarbonising vehicles on the road, highlighting the RTFO scheme. They also note limitations, like the expense and energy intensity of synthetic fuels, and air quality concerns.
19
Conclusion
Acknowledged
Para 132
The technology agnostic approach has led to a lack of investment in alternative decarbonisation technologies by the private sector. A more nuanced approach to increasing the uptake of alternative fuels is required.
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the impact of uncertainty on its strategy given its reliance on long-term projections and uncertainty about future technological advances in some sectors. It is funding research programmes, and will publish a Low Carbon Fuels Strategy which will support investment by setting out a vision for the deployment of low carbon fuels across transport modes up to 2050.