SMMT calls for EV strategy

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) is urging the government to commit to a long-term plan to promote and support the uptake of electric vehicles.

It is calling on the government to introduce a range of incentives such as plug-in grants and VAT exemptions for all zero-emission capable cars to encourage buyers, while also setting infrastructure targets to allay persistent fears around charging.

The SMMT has made the call after a new survey found widespread interest in EVs, but fears among consumers that they’d not be ready to make the switch before 2035. The survey by Savanta ComRes found that drivers were most attracted to the lower running costs (41%) and chance to improve the environment (29%), but the factors holding them back included higher purchase prices (52%), lack of local charging points (44%) and fear of being caught short on longer journeys (38%).

Meanwhile, analysis by SMMT and Frost and Sullivan also shows that a full, zero emission-capable UK new car market will require 1.7 million public charge points by the end of the decade and 2.8 million by 2035. Given there are only some 19,314 on-street charge points today, the task is massive, needing 507 on-street chargers to be installed per day until 2035 at a cost of £16.7bn.

Demand for EVs has doubled over the last year thanks to massive industry investment worth some £54bn in 2019 alone, with the number of plug-in hybrid and full electric models rising from 62 to 83, with more scheduled for launch in the coming months.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “Car makers are leading the charge to zero emission motoring, with massive investment in new models fuelling huge consumer interest but they can’t transform the market alone. To give consumers confidence to take the leap into these technologies, we need government and other sectors to step up and match manufacturers’ commitment by investing in the incentives and infrastructure needed to power our electric future.

“Manufacturers are working hard to make zero and ultra-low emissions the norm and are committed to working with government to accelerate the shift to net zero – but obstacles remain. Until these vehicles are as affordable to buy and as easy to own and operate as conventional cars, we risk the UK being in the slow lane, undermining industry investment and holding back progress.”