Next government should immediately reinstate 2030 ICE ban

The REA has outlined what it believes are the key priorities and policy steps the new Government must take in its first 100 days in office

Regarding transport, the REA says that 50 per cent of UK transport energy demand must be decarbonised by 2035.

To achieve this, the REA believes that the next government should immediately reinstate the initial 2030 phase-out date for sales of new petrol and diesel cars.

It should also introduce a national scrappage scheme by the end of the year, which would financially compensate owners of the most polluting cars and support them with interest-free credit to buy an electric vehicle.

Financial incentives for investment into EV infrastructure in rural areas should also be prioritised. This should include a bespoke rural charging grant or fund which could be done as part of an ‘EV Inclusivity Bill’, ensuring a fair and even charging experience for all EV users.

The REA also believes the next Government should introduce more ambitious Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation targets to ensure existing vehicles on UK roads are the least polluting they can be. The new targets should extend the Obligation beyond 2032 with a clear trajectory out to 2050. The targets should be reinforced by lower taxes for renewable fuels at the fuel pump. Additional measures may be needed to support higher blends of liquid and renewable fuels in harder to electrify sectors, such as HGVs.

A match-funded industry deal to develop an EV infrastructure apprenticeships should also be priority for the next government. The scheme should be led by charge point operators and delivered in conjunction with district network operators, chargepoint manufacturers, energy suppliers and motor manufactures to create a pipeline of skilled workers.

Dr Nina Skorupska CBE, CEO of the REA (Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology), said: “The REA’s First 100 Days action plan is a comprehensive vision that would galvanise the entire sector across multiple technologies. It is no secret the UK’s status as global leader in Net Zero has been called into question. We strongly urge the next government to implement the policy steps outlined in our First 100 Days action plan, if it is serious about putting the energy transition front and centre of the government’s legislative programme, and hitting important milestones such as decarbonising heat, transport energy demand, and the electricity system, and ensuring all biodegradable waste is sustainably recycled.”