Government should accelerate EV policies, say major businesses

The government should bring forward the ban on the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles to 2030, says the UK Electric Fleets Coalition, run by international non-profit The Climate Group.

Transport is the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions and roadside air pollution in the UK, therefore the Electric Fleets Coalition is calling on the government to accelerate the transformation of the UK’s vehicle stock as part of a solution to public health and the climate emergency as we recover from COVID-19. 

The 77 members of the coalition, which include major companies such as BT, ENGIE and the Natwest Group have all committed to switching over their collective 4.5 million vehicle stock to zero emissions by 2030, and they are therefore asking the government to implement policy to encourage others to do the same. 

Members of the coalition are also asking the government to stimulate electric vehicle (EV) supply to meet business demand, to drive demand by extending grants for EVs and investing in new EV infrastructure. 

Helen Clarkson, CEO of the Climate Group said: ‘We need to build back better from the COVID-19 crisis as we look ahead to next year’s COP26 climate summit.

‘Scaling up EV manufacturing and the nationwide charge point network are both huge opportunities for jobs and growth in the UK. Businesses are making the switch themselves through our EV100 initiative and now they are coming together with a clear message to government: match our ambition and help us move to clean electric transport.’

Philip Jansen, BT Group chief executive, said ‘We have an outstanding record in reducing carbon emissions and have plans to be a net-zero emissions business by 2045. The switch to low and zero-emission vehicles is a key element in our carbon strategy and this new partnership will be critical in allowing us to make the switch.’ 

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