WIREDGOV

The Committee on Climate Change yesterday welcomed news that the Government will provide £106 million to support the UK’s transition to electric vehicles.

In response to the Prime Minister’s announcement on electric vehicle funding at the Zero Emission Vehicle Summit in Birmingham, CCC Chief Executive Chris Stark yesterday said:

“Transport is the largest emitting sector, accounting for 28% of the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions, so it’s great to see the Government increasing its investment in electric vehicles. We welcome today’s funding announcement, which will channel £106 million into research and development of low-carbon vehicles, new batteries and supporting technologies.

“The UK’s ambition to be at the forefront of designing and manufacturing zero-emission vehicles also presents a unique opportunity for UK industry; the £500 million of investment in low-emission technologies pledged by businesses up and down the country demonstrates a strong industry consensus and should also help to get more EVs on to our roads.

The transition to EVs needs to happen relatively quickly if the UK is to meet its climate change targets. By 2035 all new cars and vans sold in the UK should be zero-emission, and plug-in hybrid vehicles should be able to complete almost all trips in electric mode.”