Net Zero Strategy
The Government has released its latest Net Zero Strategy, outlining its plans to reach zero net carbon by 2050. This strategy includes funding various projects that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Prime Minister, Boris Johnson said:
“This strategy sets out how we will make historic transitions to remove carbon from our power, retire the internal combustion engine from our vehicles and start to phase out gas boilers from our homes.”
The plans include a £620 million fund for zero-emission vehicle grants and EV infrastructure. This grant will focus on improving on-street residential charging around the country. The plans also include the development of new zero emission technologies. Three zero emission HGV technologies will go into road freight trials. This will assess technologies the infrastructural needs and benefits to the industry.
The ZEV Mandate
One of the biggest plans in the Net Zero Strategy is the Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. The ZEV mandate requires manufacturers to produce a certain percentage of EVs among their new vehicles. This percentage of new car and van sales must be zero-emission vehicles. This new mandate will come into place in 2024. This is the first commitment of its kind in Europe.
Comment
Transport secretary, Grant Shapps said:
“The Net Zero Strategy’s ambitious zero-emission vehicle mandate shows that we’re leading the world on the switch to EVs.”
The Government say this will support the goal to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. Serval campaign groups and environmentalists have backed the mandate. But many manufacturers met this news hesitantly.
Gerry Keaney, chief executive of the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) said:
“This is uncharted territory for the automotive industry. The mandate will need to be backed up by some equally ambitious policy measures aimed at delivering EV demand.”
A consultation on the mandate is to launch in 2022. This consultation will allow manufacturers to express their concerns. It will also provide more clarity on CO2 emissions regulation and enforcement of targets.
How can we help?
If your fleet is looking to get ahead of the 2030 deadline, our Shell EV fuel card could be the perfect partner to help you along the way. With access to over 3000 charging hubs, including 950 renewable energy rapid chargers, you are never far away from being able to charge up. The Shell EV card also gives you access to 3800 conventional refuelling stations, making it perfect for both battery powered and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
Net Zero Strategy
