Setting a single date for ending the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles would be a mistake, the BVRLA has told the Government in its response to the 2035 phase out consultation.
The BVRLA has said that a single date would be unambitious for certain fuel types and near impossible to achieve by 2035 for others, consequently urging the Government to focus on the different segment needs rather than implementing a blanket ban across the board on one day.
“Our response is the culmination of the biggest policy engagement process we have ever undertaken, involving dozens of stakeholders and BVRLA members from across the rental, car club, leasing and fleet management sectors,” said chief executive, Gerry Keaney.
“The net-zero transition is a huge undertaking and government must give specific consideration to the demand measures that will drive uptake, the supply measures that will ensure sufficient vehicles are available and the infrastructure measures that will meet different fleet operating requirements.”
The association has asked the Government to undertake a regular review of progress towards any phase out dates, and to only end new hybrid car and van sales if battery electric vehicle supply, affordability and infrastructure is able to meet the requirements of all fleet segments.
The BVRLA has also published new independent tax modelling from Cambridge Econometrics which shows that the Government will need to invest nearly £100bn between now and 2050, if it is to have any chance of meeting its phase out target for the new car market.
“The Government is about to set road users some very ambitious and expensive targets for decarbonising their fleets,” added Keaney.
“BVRLA members are up for the challenge, but government needs to show similar ambition and investment in providing a supportive policy environment and an effective tax and incentive regime.
“Zero emission vehicle mandates are not the answer. We need to align our electric vehicle strategy with our closest markets in the EU, where grants and incentives have proved much more successful.”
This week Keaney has also written to transport secretary Grant Shapps, expressing concern at the lack of fleet sector representation on the Department for Transport’s new Net Zero Transport Board.
“The list of people included on the Board shows a worrying lack of regard and acknowledgment for the views of those that buy vehicles, pay motoring taxes and use roads.
“BVRLA members own and operate more than five million vehicles and were responsible for around 80% of new battery electric vehicles registered in 2019. The secretary of state has missed a massive opportunity to tap into that knowledge and experience.”
