The UK Government has some of the most ambitious road transport decarbonisation targets in the world but needs to show the same ambition in supporting them.
Responding to the current Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) consultation, the BVRLA, with members’ fleets responsible for more than half a million battery electric vehicles (BEVs), has urged the Government to make bold decisions to bring long-term benefits.
Following an extensive dialogue with its members, government officials, and a host of industry representatives and bodies, the BVRLA has highlighted three key issues that are critical if the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles is to be achieved:
- Create a healthy, stabilised used BEV market
The current market is not set up to absorb the high levels of supply coming its way, driving high vehicle depreciation that pushes values of new vehicles up. - Create demand for rental vehicles
The sector has unique challenges that are exacerbated by forced supply. Customer demand is behind the business sector while infrastructure installation is a costly and time-consuming process. - Enable electric van adoption
Removing regulatory barriers presents an easy-to-implement, inexpensive solution that could bring tens of thousands of electric vans to UK roads in the next few years.
BVRLA Chief Executive, Toby Poston, said: “Electric vehicle registrations have never been higher, but the fleet and mobility services sector’s confidence in a fast, fair, and affordable net zero transition is wobbling. The long-awaited consultation on the ZEV Mandate provides a valuable opportunity for the government to realign its aims with the realities seen in the market. The targets are at major risk unless the policymakers deliver a comprehensive set of measures to drive long-term demand.”
Watch Toby’s overview of the BVRLA’s submission on LinkedIn.
If you have a question about the BVRLA’s consultation submission, contact [email protected].
See the BVRLA’s instructor led training course: Are you ZEV Mandate ready?
