More doubt over 2030 EV pledge
12 August 2024
Liam Butterworth, boss of driveline giant Dowalis (formerly known as GKN) has dismissed EV sales targets and predicted that even by the mid-2040s, “we’ll still be probably around 50% of new passenger cars with an internal combustion engine of some form or other”.
The Sunday Times said his predictions go far further than any other major industry figure has dared predict in public – “but they elicit quiet nods of approval from many,” who complain the previous government’s confusing targets are forcing OEMs to build more EVs than the public wants to buy.
The EU is understood to be considering extending its own 2035 deadline – which is not only five years later than the Labour’s planned UK target, but also allows OEMs to include hybrids to comply.
Auto industry EV newsletter The Fast Charge reports Labour may indeed defer its manifesto pledge to restore the UK petrol ban to 2030 – or even “push it into the long grass”… which “many senior figures in the green sector would prefer to happen”.
Tom Riley reports EV leaders call Labour’s quick commitment to reverse former PM Rishi Sunak’s decision to push the ban on non-hybrid petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 “too reactive”.
Labour shadow roads minister Bill Esterson, who enthusiastically spoke of the pledge during opposition, “p***ed people off,” said several industry leaders.
Post-election, he was replaced by Lillian Greenwood, someone well versed in transport matters.
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