Matthew Adams, Head of Transport at RECHARGE UK, the EV arm of the Renewable Energy Association (REA), has issued a response to the Climate Change Committee’s 7th carbon budget.
“It is now clear that the success of HGV decarbonisation in many cases after 2040 lies with electric batteries,” insisted Adams. “It is therefore critical that the Government include HGV charging infrastructure in its rapid charging fund and address rising concerns around grid connections to support the backbone of the UK’s economy, the logistics sector. Without significant investment in public and depot-based charging, the 7th Carbon Budget’s targets will fail to be hit.
“It is also important to recognise the single largest purchase a household can do to reduce their emissions is buy an electric car (42% reduction) and achieve £2.7 billion a year in health savings by 2040 as a result of improved air quality from EVs and low carbon heat. So, the single best purchase we can make for ourselves, and the economy is to drive an EV.
“It is clear though that what underpins the transition to electric vehicles is the need for investment, which can only be achieved through clear and consistent long term policy signals. We must move away from the chop and change of the last Government and move towards consistent messaging around the positive role EVs play in the transition to a net zero economy, improving our health, our wallets and our economy. Government must therefore kick start a mass information campaign to raise awareness of the number of ways consumers can access an EV at low cost such as salary sacrifice and the growing second hand market.”
