The UK government needs to put additional support measures in place to ensure its phase out of new ICE vehicle sales can be met by 2030, according to the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA).
The association, which also described the banning of new ICE van sales as “unachievable” at present, made the comments following the Labour government’s plans to bring forward again the ban of new ICE car sales to 2030.
The BVRLA said it expects the government’s consultation on the issue to focus on defining what specifications a car or van must have to be officially categorised as a ‘hybrid’, which can continue to be sold from the 2030 to 2035 period.
At present, it is unclear what models, alongside ZEV, can be sold during the 2030 to 2035 period, when a total phase-out will take place. The consultation is also expected to cover cars and vans. Through its involvement with the Zero Emission Van Plan, the BVRLA has been communicating the challenges facing electric van adoption with industry and government, it said.
The BVRLA will be undertaking its busiest month of campaigning in September 2024, including a Parliamentary Reception, the launch of an exclusive report into the used BEV market and support required, and an active presence at the Labour and Conservative party conferences, it said.
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.”
“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.
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