Government launch enquiry into future of decarbonising UK roads

A new inquiry has been launched to look into ‘the importance of decarbonising transport to reach net zero’.

The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee will analyse how electric vehicles (EVs) and the end of the sale of fossil fuelled cars will impact the nation’s environmental goals.

The inquiry will look to understand how the Government will achieve its target of decarbonising cars and vans in the UK, with a particular focus on passenger cars, as well as exploring the main barriers to doing so.

A key part of the study will look at the costs and benefits, associated with the 2030 end date of sales of new petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK, and how it should impact the targeted progress towards its 2050 net zero targets – as well as many other environmental impacts that motoring has on the nation.

Another key part of the analysis will look at the success of the Government’s approach to achieving 2030 and 2035 phase-out dates, as well as the uptake in EVs.

Recent months have shown that the sales of new EVs have increased exponentially, despite challenges within the industry.

• 2030 ban – is it worth buying an electric car now?
• Electric cars – a definitive guide and tips for buyers
• Electric car charging – how it works and how much it costs

On of the suppose challenges within the EV market, is how new drivers can be encourages to make the switch to electric and acquire an EV.

The inquiry will study the experience of using an EV, and the difficulties with the end of life disposal of EV batteries.

National and regional infrastructure will be reported on by the committee – and will include details on charging issues for drivers.

Baroness Kate Parminter, Chair of the Environment and Climate Change Committee said: “The rubber is now hitting the road - as we can’t get to net zero without individuals making changes to our lives, how we travel and what we buy. Using EVs for passenger transport will be a part of that and the Government has committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.

“We want to hear from the public about their experience of acquiring and using EVs in the UK, and the barriers to doing so. We also want to find out from industry, local authorities, and all others with an interest in decarbonising transport, what the Government needs to do to encourage greater take up of EVs ahead of their 2030 and 2035 targets.

“This inquiry will be the focus for our 2023/2024 Youth Engagement Programme. I look forward to working with the successful schools and colleges as the inquiry progresses, particularly hearing their views on the role they see for EVs in decarbonising transport and in their own futures.”

The Government are encouraging the public to share their thoughts on the Committee’s website by the 15th September.

Have you made the switch to EVs? What challenges have you faced? If you do not have an EV – what would make you ditch your petrol or diesel car in favour of an EV? Leave your comments below.