House of Lords to investigate electric cars

The House of Lords is to probe government plans to end the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and effectively force the new car market into an all-electric future in 2035.

The Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee has launched the enquiry into electric vehicles to understand how the government is going to achieve its target of decarbonising cars and vans in the UK.

The Committee aims to explore the main barriers to doing so, along with both the associated costs and benefits.

Committee members are now seeking evidence into all areas of the EV transition, including the government’s 2030 and 2035 phase-out dates, the state of the EV market, experiences of using an EV, plus national and regional infrastructure and charging issues.

People have until 5pm on Friday 15 September to submit evidence via the Committee’s website – and motorists are being encouraged to read the complete list of questions (there are 34 in total) and submit evidence.

“The rubber is now hitting the road,” said committee chair Baroness Kate Parminter.

“We can’t get to net zero without individuals making changes to our lives, how we travel and what we buy.

“Using EVs for passenger transport will be a part of that, and the government has committed to ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2030.

“We want to hear from the public about their experience of acquiring and using EVs in the UK, and the barriers to doing so.”

The Committee is also keen to find out from industry, local authorities and all others involved in decarbonising transport what the government needs to do to encourage greater take-up of EVs.

The inquiry, added Baroness Parminter, will also form part of the Committee’s 2023/24 Youth Engagement Programme and “I look forward to working with the successful schools and colleges as the inquiry progresses”.   

In November 2020, the UK government revealed its plans to decarbonise cars and vans in the UK. Two deadlines were announced. The first, in 2030, will see the end of all sales of new non-hybrid petrol and diesel cars and vans in the UK.

From 2035, all cars and vans other than those fully zero emission at the tailpipe will be phased out – meaning only electric cars (and fuel cell hybrids) will be able to remain on sale.

Ask HJ

What electric car should I replace my E-Class with?

I currently drive a 2018 E 220d and would like to replace it with an EV saloon. Unfortunately everything I’ve taken for a test drive seems to have a hard fidgety filling rattling suspension set up. Can you suggest anything suitable ?

Electric cars generally are firmer than combustion-engined alternatives due to the weight of the batteries. Try a Citroen e-C4 X, it's a very comfortable electric saloon car.

Answered by Andrew Brady

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