A 2030 Phase Out target for banning new ICE van sales is unachievable, while the same target for cars is a major risk unless the Government matches its ambitious targets with additional support measures. That was the message from BVRLA Chief Executive after the association received an update on the government’s Phase Out targets from the Department for Transport.
Rumours regarding the details and timings of the change have been building in recent weeks. Returning the Phase Out deadline to 2030 was a feature of the Labour party manifesto during this summer’s election campaign, although only cars were explicitly mentioned in the document.
While no public statements have been made, the BVRLA received confirmation that the government remains committed to phasing out new cars that rely solely on internal combustion engines by 2030. The timeline for vans remains unclear.
The BVRLA expects a formal consultation process to open in late September or early October. There is a desire within government to have the consultation complete and changes confirmed before the end of 2024, giving a tight window for everything to take place.
In response, Gerry Keaney, BVRLA Chief executive said: “The ZEV mandate timetable and 2030 Phase Out target for cars present a major risk unless we see much greater government support to stimulate new and used BEV demand and better charging infrastructure.”
The consultation is expected to cover cars and vans. Through its involvement with the Zero Emission Van Plan 2024 the BVRLA has been communicating the challenges facing electric van adoption with industry and government.
“When it comes to electric van adoption, the lack of suitable BEV LCV product in – or about to hit – the UK market means the fleet sector will not be able to reach a 2030 Phase Out target,” added Keaney.
September marks the BVRLA’s business month of campaigning ever. This includes a Parliamentary Reception (10 September), the launch of an exclusive report into the used BEV market and support required (17 September), plus an active presence at the Labour and Conservative party conferences (both late September).
Ahead of all of that, Gerry Keaney has joined the Zemo Partnership’s Net Zero Transport event in Westminster (Tuesday 3) and Director of Corporate Affairs Toby Poston will speak at the net zero and connected automated mobility event, Cenex Expo 2024 (Thursday 5).
In conjunction with today’s event, Zemo Partnership has published guidance for the new Government on delivering its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions commitment. The guidance sets out seven key principles to inform policy on delivering net zero transport – emphasising the importance of an economy-wide, whole-systems approach, and of maximising the many opportunities for the UK.
For more information on the UK’s decarbonisation policy, or to share views with the team, email [email protected].
