In the first year of implementation, it is clear that new government electric vehicle targets are being missed. A low threshold of 22% of cars and 10% of vans sold by each manufacturer were meant to have been pure electric. This percentage is due to rise year on year until a 100% figure comes into force in 2035. Unfortunately, this early target will not be met, with the current figures falling under 20%.
In this blog post we will look at some of the issues and see when these problems are likely to be resolved.
What Are These Government Targets?
As the UK pushes towards a ban on new petrol and diesel car sales in 2035 (originally 2030) the government has laid down targets for manufacturers to hit in each year in order to be on target to meet the zero emission vehicle goals. This is the first year that the targets have been in force, with 22% of cars to be electric, the target for 2024. The figure increases to 28% of cars in 2025, 52% of cars in 2028, 80% by 2030, and finally 100% by 2035.
Unfortunately, the trajectory for 2024 is showing that only 19.8% of current cars being sold are in fact electric. Penalties for failing to meet the targets include fines for the manufacturers who have fallen below. However, it is unlikely that any fines will be given this year, with manufacturers able to borrow credit from other manufacturers who have exceeded targets.
What Can Be Done By Manufacturers?
When looking at what can be done to help meet the government electric vehicle targets, there are two specific areas we can look at to help improvements. Firstly is the manufacturers. Secondly is the government themselves. Let’s consider the manufacturers and then consider if there is anything the Party in charge can do.
There has been a lot of speculation that manufacturers have kept electric car prices artificially high. The biggest cost on an electric car is the battery, and this was always the justification for the bigger price compared to petrol or diesel versions of the same vehicle. However, over the last 5 years, the cost of battery production has fallen through the floor. Mass production has helped in this regard. Unfortunately and peculiarly, the prices still haven’t come down. This is something that needs to be looked at.
Certain manufacturers have stated that they are artificially making petrol car prices higher. While this is a good thing for the environment, it doesn’t solve the issue of EV pricing. Electric cars can and should be cheaper to encourage sales.
Government Electric Vehicle Targets Need Government Help
Something we have said for a long time is that government incentives dropped or ended entirely far too soon. The electric vehicle revolution is still relatively in its infancy and needs support to convince the masses. Quentin Wilson, automotive journalist, EV enthusiast and founder of the group ‘FairCharge’ says that people need more incentives to make the change. It isn;t even just money off the price of an EV that he is referring to either. He also thinks free car parking and the ability to use bus lanes are an inexpensive incentive that could help sway people.
Another incentive would be more visible EV charging. There has been a major push for more EV charging across the country, with vast amounts of money being made available. However, there still seems to be a laid back approach by some local authorities to actually get the job done.
In Conclusion
It is disappointing that the targets have already been missed at the first stage. However, the government who set the targets, and the manufacturers who are meant to hit the targets are both at fault. Much more can and should be done. Hopefully this is just an early blip along the way. Whatever happens, we shall be watching very closely.
*All information correct as at 02/06/2024
