REACTION: WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

MIKE HAWES Chief executive, SMMT

THE automotive industry is putting zero-emission vehicles on Britain’s roads at a pace beyond all forecasts.

A well designed, flexible regulatory framework could help maintain – or even increase – this pace to ensure we deliver our decarbonisation ambitions.

Combining regulatory commitments with financial ones is the key to a successful transition to zero-emission road transport. “Having regulatory commitments combined with financial ones is the key to a successful transition”

PAUL WILLCOX Managing director, Vauxhall

WE welcome the announcement, which will provide clarity to the UK motor industry and the rest of the electricvehicle ecosystem on the basis of a 360-degree approach.

Vauxhall believes a mandate can work if there are complementary targets on the other key parts of the electric vehicle ecosystem, which are key to driving Britain to a more sustainable transport infrastructure. “A mandate can work if there are complementary targets on other parts of the EV ecosystem”

JACK COUSENS Head of roads policy, AA

MANUFACTURERS know the 2030 and 2035 targets, and most are working to achieve those goals. A consultation will help set the percentage of new EV sales, but the initial targets must be realistic. They must match public demand and manufacturing capability.

The worst case could be makers rushing through EV production to meet the ZEV mandate, and the car parc is filled with cars not fit for purpose. “A consultation will help set the percentage of new EV sales, but initial targets must be realistic”

GREG ARCHER UK director, Transport & Environment

THE success of the ZEV mandate will depend on the details. First, only zeroemission vehicles should count towards targets. Second, intermediate targets are essential, beginning in 2024 with a fifth of new cars sold being ZEVs, and around three quarters by 2030.

Thirdly, fines for missing targets must be more than those set by the EU; this will ensure makers prioritise the UK BEV market ahead of the EU’s. “Intermediate targets are essential, beginning in 2024 with a fifth of new cars sold being ZEVs”