UK Warned to Accelerate Electric Vehicle Adoption or Risk Net Zero Targets
The UK’s transition to net zero emissions is under threat unless significant progress is made in adopting electric commercial vehicles, according to a new report from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). The report warns that the current pace of change is insufficient to meet the 2035 phase-out date for non-zero emission vehicles.
Commercial vehicles, including vans and trucks, play a crucial role in the UK’s economy, transporting over 80% of domestic freight and contributing £13.5 billion annually. However, they also account for more than one-third of all road transport CO2 emissions and 12% of the UK’s total carbon footprint due to their high mileage. Despite making up only 14% of vehicles on the road, their impact on emissions is significant.
The SMMT report highlights that switching to zero-emission commercial vehicles could reduce the UK’s carbon footprint by 35.7 megatonnes. However, the process of connecting depots to the grid for charging is mired in delays, with operators potentially facing waits of up to 15 years for necessary connections. This bottleneck threatens to undermine investment in electric vehicles and jeopardize the UK’s ability to meet its climate targets.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the SMMT, emphasized that decarbonizing commercial vehicles is essential for achieving net zero emissions. “But if operators have to wait up to 15 years just to be able to plug them into their depots, there is no case for investment,” he stated. The SMMT is calling for a series of measures to address these challenges, including a planning overhaul, prioritized grid connections, and action to reduce energy costs.
Current State of Electric Vehicle Adoption
While there are over 35 zero-emission van models and more than 30 zero-emission truck models available, adoption rates remain below target. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate requires 16% of new van sales to be electric by the end of the year, but current electric van registrations stand at around 8.3% of the market share. Projections suggest that reaching 25% market share by the end of 2027 is possible if 167,000 more ZEV vans are introduced over the next three years, but this would still fall short of the 34% target set by the ZEV mandate.
The situation is more dire for heavy goods vehicles (HGVs), with fewer than 600 electric HGVs currently on UK roads. Initiatives such as grants for plug-in vans and trucks, along with the Government’s Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstrator (ZEHID) programme, aim to boost uptake. However, the SMMT warns that “administrative gridlock to investment” must be addressed to accelerate progress.
Industry Response and Future Plans
The issues surrounding electric vehicle adoption are set to be a major focus at the 25th Commercial Vehicle Show at the NEC in Birmingham, where over 200 exhibitors and 15,000 visitors are expected. Industry stakeholders will be collaborating on strategies to decarbonize the sector and reduce emissions, underscoring the need for urgent action to support the transition to zero-emission commercial vehicles.
