Electric vehicle transition has stalled but can political will deliver benefits to UK

THE transition to electric vehicles (EVs) can deliver substantial environmental and economic benefits to the UK with appropriate support from:- Westminster and Whitehall, a University of Manchester researcher has argued.

In an article published by the University's Policy Engagement Unit, Policy@Manchester, Dr James Jackson recalls that the Government's flagship industrial strategy launched in 2017 envisaged a post Brexit future in which EVs were identified as:- "an important opportunity for the UK political economy. Yet, despite the almost annual publications that reiterated the need for EVs to become a significant feature of the UK, attempts to develop a domestic EV industry have stalled, if not entirely failed."

Dr Jackson shines a spotlight on:- "a series of obstacles and roadblocks" to which, he believes, "have prevented the UK EV industry from building any real momentum."

These include:- a lack of Treasury support, and a weak commitment from manufacturers including Tesla:- "which cited the reduced ease of trade with the European Union, and the prospect of slowing the UK's Just in Time model, as reasons to set up base elsewhere."

Dr Jackson points out that, whilst consumers initially responded positively to supply side reforms such as exempting EVs from Vehicle Excise Duty and demand side subsidies including offsetting the upfront cost of the cars:- "these have since been dismantled."

Dr Jackson, a postdoctoral fellow at the University's Sustainable Consumption Institute, reminds readers that in the 2023 By Election, within former Prime Minister Boris Johnson's Uxbridge seat, was dominated by the issue of Ultra Low Emission Zones (ULEZ), an associated measure to support EV development which continues to be contentious.

Dr Jackson adds:- "Whether the desire to see the UK as a central component in the EV supply chain still exists within the halls of Government and the private sector at large, is debatable. In the absence of the industrial modernisation once envisaged having not come to fruition; whether it was the result of a dearth of capital, ambition, or indeed competence; raises an array of questions. Yet, the imperative to meet climate objectives, notably the Paris Agreement, remains."

The University of Manchester academic stresses that the current political and economic landscape:- "defined by supply side disruptions, high interest rates and contracted economic activity," continues to offer legitimate means to accelerate the EV transition.

And he advances 2 policy proposals to help inject the necessary momentum: adjusting Treasury fiscal rules to allow for consistent capital funding for low carbon technology, including EV; and the Bank of England agreeing to introduce lower interest rates for:- 'green' lending compared to carbon intensive industries and goods.

Dr Jackson has concluded:- "Whether any of the measures are implemented or indeed designed might yet rest on the outcome of the 2024 General Election. Either way, returning to the EV transition as a vehicle for economic change remains an obvious and increasingly imperative place to start for the UK moving forward toward the zero emissions mandate in 2035."

But it isn't just Political issues that are slowing things down, but also issues related to this issue, with many questioning the called:- "environmental and economic benefits" of the EV reverlution.

what is also not helping is that many experts are now warning motorists of lots of potential costly blunders associated with the EV transition, such as the simple task of insuring electric cars. For example James Granton, a motoring expert from Zego Van Insurance says:- "Insuring an electric vehicle involves more than just transferring practices from petrol cars. It requires an understanding of the unique aspects of EVs and a meticulous approach to your insurance policy. By being attentive to details, from the battery and charging equipment to the fine print of your policy and even the smallest modifications, you can navigate the complexities of EV insurance."

What are your thoughts on transition to electric vehicles. Are they really the:- "environmental and economic" jackpot many are suggesting, or is this road to electric a costly blunder. Let us know your thoughts by emailing us at:- our Newsroom at:- News24@SouthportReporter.Com or send us a message on:- Mastodon, Facebook, or Twitter.

A copy of:- 'Accelerating The Electric Vehicle Transition In The UK' by Dr James Jackson, is now available Manchester University website.

Did you know? Dr James Jackson is an ESRC postdoctoral fellow, at the Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI) at The University of Manchester, researching the politics of the electric vehicle transition and the intersection of fiscal, monetary and climate policy. Previous positions included examining how Covid19 and the inflation caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine are affecting Net Zero objectives in Australia, Canada and the UK. A joint project between the Sustainable Consumption Institute, the University of Manchester, the University of Melbourne and the University of Toronto, the research aims to quantify the impact of economic crises on decarbonising the economy and the implications for a just transition. James joined the institute after completing his PhD at the:- University of Sheffield and the Sheffield Political Economy Research Institute (SPERI) where his thesis analysed the politics of the electric vehicle transition in Germany and the UK. He has held visiting positions at the University of Bergen (2022) and the University of Toronto (2023).

Government committed to MOT modernisation as consultation concludes

ON Thursday, 25 January 2024, the UK Government published its response to the consultation on updating MOT testing for cars, motorbikes and vans, which confirms that the 1st MOT will remain at 3 years from registration. Every subsequent MOT will also continue to be taken once every year, ensuring motorists can continue to drive with peace of mind.

Launched in January 2023, the consultation sought views to ensure roadworthiness checks continue to balance the cost to:- motorists, road safety, advances in vehicle technology, and tackling vehicle emissions.

To ensure MOTs are fit for the future, the Government will further investigate how to better monitor diesel vehicle emissions through the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA). This will include whether testing should do more to ensure that diesel vehicles comply with emissions regulations.

Analysis from the AA suggests that an annual MOT can potentially save drivers between:- £200 and £400, as picking up developing faults each year means drivers aren't hit with higher repair bills further down the road.

Roads Minister Guy Opperman said:- "We have listened to drivers and industry, and keeping MOTs in their current form shows once again that we are on the side of motorists. By offering clarity on MOT tests, alongside our recent street works consultation and unprecedented £8.3 billion to resurface roads, we are helping motorists drive with peace of mind and ensuring Britain's roads continue to be some of the safest in the world."

With the constantly improving technology of modern day cars and Electric Vehicles (EVs), the Department will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders and drivers to establish a programme of longer term, reform for MOTs.

To ensure they remain fit for the future, the Government is exploring a more effective test for diesel particulate emissions, whether further improvements could be made to the MOT for electric vehicles and the transfer of some larger zero emissions vans to more standard, car style MOT testing.

Neil Barlow, Head of Vehicle Policy at DVSA, said:- "Ensuring the MOT remains fit for the future is a key part of DVSA's work, and getting ready for new technology will help keep Britain's roads safe. We hope this positive news will provide some certainty for garages to enable the investment in new technologies that could be needed to keep the MOT at the forefront of road safety and the environment."

DfT will also monitor technological developments that could require an altered MOT, such as Advanced Driver Assistance Systems.

Jakob Pfaudler, AA CEO, said:- "AA polling showed drivers overwhelmingly (83%) supported the annual MOT for keeping their cars and other cars safe. With 1 in 10 cars failing their 1st MOT, we fully support the Government's pragmatic decision to maintain the 1st MOT at 3 years and annually thereafter."

The measures follow last week's proposals to tackle overrunning street works from utility companies and the biggest ever funding boost of £8.3 billion, enough to resurface over 5,000 miles of local roads in England, as the Government continues to be on the side of drivers and improve journeys for more people, in more places, more quickly.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said:- "Government and the automotive industry have worked together to ensure the UK has some of the world's safest roads. The decision to retain the existing MOT system is the right one, helping maintain this proud record and giving drivers confidence in car and van roadworthiness. With vehicle technology continuing to evolve at pace in terms of both safety and environmental performance, we will maintain this collaboration with Government and other stakeholders so that the MOT continues to be fit for purpose, helping Britain improve what is already a strong road safety record."

IAM RoadSmart Director of Policy and Standards Nicholas Lyes said:- "An MOT gives drivers confidence their vehicle is conforming to minimum roadworthiness standards, and many see it as an essential technical health check. Well maintained vehicles make our roads safer and reduce the chances of collisions caused by worn out parts and more serious defects. We welcome the Government listening to drivers and prioritising both road safety and emissions as part of this package of announcements."

Responding to the Government's announcement that a car's 1st MOT will stay at 3 years, Rebecca Guy, Road Safety Manager at The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) said:- "RoSPA welcomes the Government's announcement that a car's 1st MOT test will remain at 3 years and, with the number of people killed or seriously injured on the UK's roads remaining high over the last decade, believes that paying for an MOT is a small price to pay for safety. During the Government's recent consultation, we raised the issue that leaving the MOT over 3 years could offer the potential for more vehicles in a non-roadworthy condition on our roads and more collisions in which a vehicle defect contributes to the crash. Although some argue that paying for an MOT after 4 years would be more cost effective, this may not be the case if vehicle defects which would have been identified and repaired during the three-year MOT are left even longer. What's more, there are likely to be inflationary price rises, which could increase the cost of repairs. It is also likely that over the period of a year, the defect will worsen. We are also pleased to hear that the Government is further exploring how the MOT test can be modernised, given that we are seeing changes to the vehicles using our roads, such as a rise in hybrid and electric vehicles."