Electric vehicle warning issued with 80,000 new cars needed every month to meet 2030 eco targets
The Government remains committed to rolling out electric cars
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The UK needs to register 80,000 new electric vehicles every month in order to meet the Government’s 2030 environmental goal.
While sales of electric cars are increasing with the fuel type becoming more popular, there are concerns that UK demand is far below previous forecasts.
The Government had previously set a target of electric vehicles to have a market share of 70 per cent by the end of the decade.
However, the most recent sales data from October found that electric vehicles account for just 15.6 per cent of all new cars sold.
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Data from Wagonex suggests that 80,000 new electric vehicles are needed to hit the 2030 target as the Government continues its push towards net zero.
In September, the Prime Minister announced that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles would be delayed from 2030 to 2035.
He said this was being done to allow for the upfront cost of an electric vehicle to fall, in addition to the continued expansion of the charging network.
Many industry experts claimed that this would have an enormous impact on the uptake of electric vehicles from consumers and businesses.
A new study has found that 89 per cent of drivers are still hesitant about the switch to electric, although there are hopes that this will change in the coming years.
The most common reasons given for the switch anxiety include a lack of knowledge of EVs, brand loyalty and concerns about the battery range.
Toby Kernon, founder of Wagonex, said: “Perception of EVs is one of the biggest stumbling blocks we’re seeing in making the switch to electric, and a big reason the government needs to change it’s approach to addressing public concerns around EVs.
“Many families rely on their cars for essential commuting and travel, including for work and medical appointments, so they need to feel they can rely on their car, meaning uncertainty or misconceptions can put people off completely.
“One in five of us admit a lack of knowledge is putting them off EVs.”
He highlighted how more than half of people are making active steps to live more sustainably, with an electric vehicle acting as a significant portion of that.
The Government remains committed to its electric vehicle goals, with the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate being introduced in January.
This will require 22 per cent of cars and 10 per cent of vans sold by manufacturers to be electric from 2024.
Rates will gradually increase until 2030 with 80 per cent of cars sold and 70 per cent of vans being sold needing to be electric, before all new vehicles are impacted in 2035.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper commented on the ZEV mandate targets, saying that it was “proportionate, pragmatic, and realistic for families”.
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He added: “Our mandate provides certainty for manufacturers, benefits drivers by providing more options, and helps grow the economy by creating skilled jobs.”