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Petrol and diesel cars could be banned from sale a lot sooner than expected

MPs have urged the Government to bring its 2040 ban forward to 2032, as part of a scathing attack on its 'unambitious and vague' plans to promote electric cars

A SCATHING attack was launched on "unambitious and vague" plans to ban the sale of petrol and diesel cars from 2040, with MPs urging the date to be brought forward to 2032.

The recent scrapping of the hybrid cars grant - as well as the reduced subsidy for Brits buying purely electric motors - was also slammed for putting efforts into reverse.

MPs strictly want only new electric cars to be sold from 2032
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MPs strictly want only new electric cars to be sold from 2032Credit: AP2012

A statement was released by the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Committee (BEISC) this morning telling the Government to "get a grip" of its electric car promotion.

Rachel Reeves, BEISC Chairperson, claimed there's little incentive given to drivers to buy an electric car, especially since the grant axe - with MPs calling for a u-turn on the recent decision.

The number of charge points was also said to be "not fit for purpose" despite there being 18,439 plug-in car connectors across the UK today, according to Zap-Map.

There was also a demand for electric car tax, including company car tax, to be further reduced.

 The government was warned its long-term carbon reduction targets at risk
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The government was warned its long-term carbon reduction targets at riskCredit: AP:Associated Press

Reeves said: "Electric vehicles are increasingly popular, and present exciting opportunities for the UK to develop an internationally competitive EV industry and reduce our carbon emissions.

"But, for all the rhetoric of the UK becoming a world leader in EVs, the reality is that the Government’s deeds do not match the ambitions of their words.

"The IPCC (The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) report was clear on the need to encourage changes in consumer behaviour, including increasing the switch to electric vehicles, to help de-carbonise our economy.

"But the UK Government’s targets on zero-emissions vehicles are unambitious and vague, giving little clarity or incentive to industry or the consumer to invest in electric cars.

Plug-in car grants - all you need to know

  • You do not need to apply for a government grant when buying a new electric car - the dealer includes the value in its price.
  • There were three categories cars fell into depending on their CO2 emissions, as well as separate lists for vans, motorbikes, taxis and mopeds.
  • Cat 1 - have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 112km (70 miles) without any CO2 emissions at all. The grant paid for 35 per cent of the purchase price for these vehicles, up to a maximum of £4,500 - this will be reduced to £3,500 from November 9.
  • Cat 2 - have CO2 emissions of less than 50g/km and can travel at least 16km (10 miles) without any CO2 emissions at all. The grant paid for 35 per cent of the purchase price for these vehicles, up to a maximum of £2,500 - this will no longer be available from November 9.
  • Cat 3 - have CO2 emissions of 50 to 75g/km and can travel at least 32km (20 miles) without any CO2 emissions at all. The grant paid for 35 per cent of the purchase price for this vehicle, up to a maximum of £2,500 - this will no longer be available from November 9.
  • Cars that cost over £60,000 and fall into Category 2 or 3 were not eligible for the grant.
  • Further information can be found on the Government's .

"If we are serious about being EV world leaders, the Government must come forward with a target of new sales of cars and vans to be zero emission by 2032.

"Our EV charging infrastructure is simply not fit for purpose.

"We cannot expect consumers to overcome ‘range anxiety’ and switch to electric vehicles if they cannot be confident of finding convenient, reliable points to regularly charge their cars.

"The Government cannot simply will the ends and leave local government, or private companies, to deliver the means.

"The Government needs to get a grip and lead on coordinating the financial support and technical know-how necessary for local authorities to promote this infrastructure and help ensure that electric cars are an attractive option for consumers."

She added: "The Department for Transport’s slashing of the Plug-in Grant scheme drives the incentives of buying an electric vehicle into reverse.

"Cutting support is a perverse way to encourage drivers to move to non-polluting cars. This is only the latest sign of the Government’s inconsistent approach to developing the market for electric vehicles.

"The Committee on Climate Change has made clear in their judgements on the Clean Growth Strategy and the ‘Road to Zero’ strategy that these plans do not go far enough to tackle transport emissions, putting the UK's long-term carbon reduction targets at risk.

"A more joined-up and consistent approach is needed from Government if the UK is to seize the business opportunities of electric vehicles and deliver carbon emissions reductions."

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