Road to Zero strategy drops 50 mile range target for hybrids
The UK Government launched its Road to Zero strategy on 9th July 2018.
The 147 page document lays out detail on improving charging infrastructure, increasing EV supply and demand and driving change.
The Road to Zero document details the Government’s target for ultra low emission cars for 2030, 2040 and 2050.
A leaked document earlier this year hinted that hybrid cars would need to have a zero emission range of at least 50 miles. Hybrids not achieving this range would be banned along with all petrol and diesel engined cars.
The newly launched strategy has watered this target down and now states ‘all new cars and vans to have significant zero emission capability’. The document does not explain the meaning of ‘significant’. The document also states that the Government expects ‘the majority of new cars and vans sold to be 100% zero emission’. Again no hard target is set but we assume this means in excess of 50%.
The Road to Zero states a 2030 target of ‘at least 50%, and as many as 70%, of new car sales being ultra low emission by 2030’. By ultra low they are referring to zero emission and hybrid vehicles.
The 2050 vision is ‘almost every car and van to be zero emission’.
The 3 targets are very good soundbites but lack real teeth. There are no hard targets laid down for the motor industry to work towards. History shows that the motor industry will take the easiest, cheapest route to make the lowest possible targets. The Government had the opportunity to lay down some meaningful and ambitious targets but has once again softened it’s approach after lobbying from the motor industry.
Opinion
Here at Electric Car Experts we believe the strategy document is a positive step forward but lacks real teeth. what do you think? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this important strategy.
