MOVING FORWARDS: Government hosts key talks to drive UK’s electric vehicle revolution
Updated: Nov 21, 2024
Today, Transport Secretary Louise Haigh and Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds convened a roundtable with automotive and charging industry leaders to accelerate the UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs) and discuss the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate.
A government spokesperson reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the sector as it navigates global challenges and the shift towards EVs. The UK is leading Europe in EV growth, with an average of 57 public chargers installed daily. Over £2.3 billion has been allocated to aid industry and consumers in making the switch ahead of the 2030 phase-out of petrol and diesel-only cars.
The meeting included representatives from major automakers such as Tesla, Ford, Nissan, and Volkswagen, alongside charging providers and trade bodies. Discussions centred on balancing the pace of EV adoption with sustained economic growth. Flexible targets under the ZEV Mandate were highlighted, including measures allowing manufacturers to trade or bank surplus compliance and offset emissions with hybrid sales.
Infrastructure development remains a priority. Industry leaders have pledged over £6 billion towards expanding the UK’s charging network by 2030. To boost this effort, the government has committed £200 million to accelerate rollout and is working to streamline planning processes and improve grid connectivity.
Improving public trust is another key focus. New regulations coming into force this month aim to enhance the charging experience by simplifying payment and improving access to chargepoints. The Government is also exploring chargepoint targets to ensure consumer confidence and direct funding where it is most needed.
These initiatives reflect a joined-up approach, bringing together manufacturing and infrastructure sectors to address barriers to EV adoption and position the UK as a leader in sustainable transport. Further announcements on ZEV Mandate details are expected in due course.
A Government spokesperson said: “Ministers from across Government have met with automotive sector and industry representatives to discuss the transition to electric vehicles, and how the Government can support continued growth of the sector.
“Recognising the global challenges the industry has been facing, ministers underlined the Government’s commitment to working constructively and in close partnership with the sector as we support the transition to electric vehicles by 2030.
“The UK automotive sector now has the fastest growth of zero emission vehicles of any major European market, and we’re providing more than £2.3 billion to support industry and consumers in making the switch, with 57 new public electric vehicle chargers added on average each day.”
