The Renewable Energy Association (REA) says the Government should stick to its guns on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate in order to reduce air pollution and help save lives. 

In its response to the Government’s consultation on proposals to support the UK’s transition to zero-emission vehicles, the REA points out that air pollution is estimated to cause between 28,000 and 36,000 excess deaths in the UK annually, making it the “biggest environmental threat to public health in the country.” 

The REA’s Head of Transport and Innovation Matthew Adams said:

“If the Government is serious about reaching its zero-emissions targets then it must remain steadfast in its commitments and keep the ZEV mandate as is.  This isn’t the time to bow down to the demands of certain vehicle manufacturers and any ‘zero emission’ ambition must align with the technology that will help us get there. That’s battery electric vehicles and not full hybrid vehicles, which are.” insists Adams, “essentially petrol vehicles in all but name. 

“An impactful ZEV mandate should always ensure that policy is implemented that maximises carbon emission savings. Increasing flexibilities will result in slower uptake of EVs, reducing the immediate impact on air quality we need to save lives today.”