Government Urged to Boost Electric Vehicle Use in the UK with Incentives and Policy Changes
Are you ready to make the switch to an electric vehicle (EV)? The UK is gearing up for a green revolution in transportation, with more and more people considering ditching their petrol and diesel cars for cleaner, more sustainable options. But what’s holding them back? Cost and accessibility are key concerns, according to a new report shared with iNews.
The report, authored by the centre-right think tank Onward, highlights the growing interest in EVs among UK motorists. Polling data shows that a significant portion of people looking to buy a new car are considering making the switch to electric or hybrid vehicles. However, worries about affordability and charging infrastructure are preventing many from taking the plunge.
To encourage more people to embrace EVs, the report suggests a number of incentives and policy changes. One key recommendation is to cut VAT on electricity for cars, making it more affordable for consumers to charge their vehicles. Additionally, tenants should have the right to install charging points at their residences, and battery health checks should be made a standard part of MoT tests to ensure the reliability of second-hand EVs.
The report’s author, Ned Hammond, emphasizes the importance of government action in supporting the transition to electric vehicles. By implementing measures like reducing VAT on charging points and providing interest-free loans for charging infrastructure, the UK can make it easier for drivers to go green.
“If the UK is going to meet its net zero goals and improve energy security, we need more policies to help drivers go green,” says Hammond. “Simple things like slashing unfair VAT costs on public charging, a right to charge for tenants and leaseholders, reducing planning barriers to charger installations, and adding battery health tests to MoTs could cut running costs, boost charging availability, and raise confidence in EVs for second-hand car buyers.”
So, are you ready to join the electric vehicle revolution? With the right incentives and support from the government, making the switch to an EV could be easier and more affordable than you think. Let’s work together to build a cleaner, greener future for transportation in the UK.