The UK’s ambitious shift from petrol and diesel vehicles to electric cars is vital in combating climate change and reducing carbon emissions. With an intended 2030 deadline for ending the sale of new combustion engine vehicles, the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is gaining momentum.
However, this green revolution is not without its challenges. An underdeveloped charging infrastructure hinders the move to electrify transport, leaving many consumers and transport operators with concerns about the availability and reliability of charging points.
For individuals and businesses, the ease of accessing a charge point is a critical factor in making the switch to EVs feasible. As the government and industry grapple with this growing issue, it becomes clear that a robust and widespread charging network is essential to support the shift, not just for private vehicles but also for the broader community transport sector, which relies on these infrastructure advancements to meet rising demand.
In this article, we explore the current state of electric vehicles in the UK, the hurdles we face, and how these challenges are impacting the community transport sector and the nation’s broader transport landscape.
Current Landscape of Electric Vehicles in the UK
As of October 2024, UK car production has experienced a decline for the eighth consecutive month, with a 15.3% drop to 77,484 units. This downturn underscores the automotive industry’s challenges in adapting to the EV market. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has emphasized the need for urgent action and a comprehensive industrial strategy to bolster the sector’s competitiveness.
In response to these challenges, ministers are urging the Treasury to provide more incentives for motorists to switch to electric vehicles (EVs). Proposals include halving VAT on new EV sales and adjusting vehicle excise duty to make EVs more affordable. The car industry warns it won’t meet the 2030 target of ending new combustion-engine vehicle sales without tax breaks.
Car Manufacturers Are Taking a Hit
The UK car production took a significant hit in October 2024, as manufacturers faced mounting pressure to meet electric vehicle (EV) production targets. Output dropped by over 15% compared to the previous year, with the decline largely attributed to weak export demand. The production of electric and hybrid vehicles specifically fell by a third, as manufacturers retooled their factories for new models while grappling with falling demand in Europe.
The struggles of major manufacturers reflect the intensifying pressure within the sector. Stellantis, the maker of Vauxhall, announced the closure of its Luton van-making factory, citing the accelerated shift to electric vehicles in the UK as a contributing factor. Similarly, Ford revealed plans to cut 800 jobs in the UK due to challenging market conditions, including fierce competition and reduced demand for EVs.
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) expressed deep concern over the situation, highlighting the enormous financial strain on manufacturers to invest in plants and zero-emission products. SMMT CEO Mike Hawes emphasized that while demand for EVs is slowing globally, the UK faces some of the strictest targets and tightest timelines without the necessary customer incentives to drive sales.
Despite a drop in production, sales of electric cars have risen, with EVs accounting for one in five car registrations in October. However, this increase is attributed mainly to unsustainable discounting, which raises concerns about long-term market stability.
As part of the UK’s zero-emissions vehicle (ZEV) mandate, manufacturers are required to meet specific EV sales targets ahead of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars. In 2024, 22% of car sales and 10% of van sales must be electric, with penalties of £15,000 for each sale that misses the target. To meet these goals, companies can purchase “credits” from other firms that exceed the targets.
The government is said to be working to provide more certainty and stability for the industry, with a £2 billion investment in car manufacturing and over £300 million to support the uptake of electric vehicles. However, the growing friction between the government and the industry over these EV targets suggests that manufacturers are facing significant challenges in meeting the UK’s ambitious green transport goals.
Impact on Community Transport
The shift towards electric vehicles presents both opportunities and challenges for the community transport sector. Community transport initiatives, such as the Electric Vehicle Community Car Club in Sussex, aim to reduce the need for private car ownership and promote environmental sustainability. These clubs offer affordable access to electric vehicles, fostering a sense of community ownership and reducing CO2 emissions.
However, the transition to electric vehicles in community transport is not without its hurdles. The availability of charging infrastructure remains a critical concern. The east of England, for example, has 29 electric vehicle (EV) chargers per 100,000 people, which is lower than the UK average of 42 per 100,000 people.
Efforts are underway to address this gap; the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has approved an Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Strategy to support the shift to electric vehicles and provide reliable, accessible charging options for residents.
Broader Implications for Transport
The UK’s commitment to banning new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030 is a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions. However, experts are arguing that simply shifting to electric vehicles is insufficient. Public transport, walking, and cycling need a greater role in the UK’s future to achieve net-zero targets. The Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) highlights that transport is the largest single source of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, accounting for 31% of emissions in 2018, with road transport contributing 90%.
Conclusion
The transition to electric vehicles in the UK is a complex process that requires careful consideration of infrastructure, policy incentives, and the role of community transport. While progress is evident, ongoing efforts are essential to ensure that the shift to electric vehicles benefits all sectors of society, including community transport, and contributes effectively to the UK’s environmental goals.
