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The government needs to urgently take action to assist drivers in transitioning to electric cars and address false information about them.
The caution is due to recent data indicating a decrease in demand for electric vehicles, which rely on charging from the power grid. The market share for these vehicles dropped from 16.5% at the end of last year to 14.7% in January.
Peers cautioned that a combination of expensive purchasing fees, inadequate charging options, and conflicting communication is dissuading individuals from transitioning to electric vehicles.
The committee’s report advised ministers to inspire trust in consumers to switch from petrol and diesel cars.
A suggested option is to encourage the buying of pre-owned EVs by establishing a universally recognized evaluation of their battery’s current state and potential deterioration.
Additional suggestions involved preventing delays in the implementation of electric vehicle charging stations due to outdated regulations, and addressing false information regarding electric vehicles.
The inquiry, led by Baroness Parminter, found that surface transportation is the biggest source of CO2 emissions in the UK, with passenger cars accounting for more than half of those emissions.
The proof we have received indicates that the government needs to take more action, and do so promptly, in order to encourage people to use electric vehicles.
If the UK ignores our suggestions, they will miss out on the great advantages of improved air quality and fall behind in efforts to address climate change.
Electric vehicles operate using renewable energy sources such as solar panels.
According to the report, purchasing an EV is pricier compared to traditional petrol and diesel vehicles. Furthermore, there is a lack of affordable EV options with adequate driving range.
The committee stated that the initial expense of electric vehicles, even for used cars, is a major obstacle for consumers to embrace them.
Fellow experts criticized the UK’s decision to eliminate purchase incentives for private buyers as “premature”.
The statement made by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announcing a postponement of the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 was criticized for focusing on the challenges of achieving net zero without highlighting the potential benefits.
According to Steve Gooding, the director of the RAC Foundation, an electric car can provide affordable transportation for individuals after they have purchased it.
The crucial aspect is the process of recharging, particularly when drivers are not at their residence.
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Using a public charging station should be just as easy and uncomplicated as stopping at a gas station to buy gasoline or diesel. However, the current variety of systems and pricing options make it anything but simple.
Simplicity and regularity should take precedence over complexity.
On Monday, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders announced that the UK had registered its one millionth new electric car in January.
The statement cautioned that the current growth of the market relies heavily on companies and vehicle fleets. It also recommended that the Treasury consider reducing VAT by 50% for new electric vehicle purchases in the upcoming Budget.
On Monday, the government stated that schools in England can request funding to purchase and set up electric vehicle chargers.
Government-funded schools and other educational institutions will be eligible for a grant that covers 75% of the installation cost for chargers. The grant can provide up to £2,500 per socket.
The Department of Transportation was contacted for a response.
Source: independent.co.uk
