A recent poll suggests that opinions are divided over the pace of the UK’s transition to electric vehicles (EVs), with 37% of respondents wanting the Government to slow the transition, while 34% believe the current pace is about right.
Almost one-in-five respondents, 19%, want the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars brought forward, according to the poll.
Party Affiliations and EV Transition
Among 2024 Labour voters, a fifth (21%) support slowing the transition, compared to around a quarter (27%) who believe it should be sped up.
The highest proportion of 2024 Labour voters, 41%, feel the pace of transition is about right.
In contrast, Green Party voters are more likely to support speeding up the transition, with 46% in favor, while 30% believe the current pace is sufficient.
Government Consultation and ZEV Mandate
The poll results come as the Government is set to launch a consultation on weakening the zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which currently requires 33% of new cars sold this year to be pure electric, rising to 80% by 2030.
Pure petrol and diesel car sales are due to end in 2030, with hybrid vehicles permitted until 2035.
Related: Government considers softer EV targets
However, reports suggest that one option under consideration would reduce the 2030 threshold of 80% significantly, potentially to as low as 50% – one-in-two cars.
This could harm the Labour Government’s popularity with younger voters, as age plays a significant factor in views on the pace of transition, with around a third (36%) of 18-to-24-year-olds supporting speeding up transport electrification.
Reactions from Industry Experts
Jarrod Birch, head of policy and public affairs at ChargeUK, said: “The British public is supportive of cleaner, cheaper driving, Labour voters especially.”
Perran Moon MP, chair of the Electric Vehicle APPG, believes that diluting the ZEV mandate would pose “significant political risks” for the Government.
He argued that the Government is not listening to the EV supply chain, including UK lithium mining, battery production, and charge point operators, who are investing billions in infrastructure to support the transition.
As the Government considers its next steps, it is clear that the pace of the EV transition remains a contentious issue, with different groups having varying opinions on the ideal pace of change.
It is likely that the Government will face pressure from both sides as it handles this complex issue, and it will be important to balance the needs of different stakeholders, including manufacturers, consumers, and the environment.
