September 2021

accelerated pace, for which we still await a plan and equally ambitious targets. Crucially, we must maintain a strong and competitive market that ensures the shift to electrified vehicles is affordable for all.” Looking specifically at cars and vans, he noted: “The electric revolution must be accessible and affordable for all. The right regulatory framework can give drivers the confidence to switch, and manufacturers the clarity they need to invest. However, the ambitions are incredibly high and the timeline tight, so any regulation must be backed by a package of measures that accelerate market uptake through consumer incentives, as well as an irreversible commitment to the expansion of charging infrastructure and rapid energy decarbonisation, so we’re not putting brown energy into green cars and vans.” Good intentions Looking at the issue from a fuel and power delivery perspective, Gordon Balmer, PRA Executive Director said, "We welcome the government's good intentions for decarbonising transport, however they have to be based on what is achievable. Alternatives to diesel such as electric and hydrogen have not yet been developed to a point where they can be sold into the commercial freight sector. You cannot legislate your way to inventing cleaner technologies. Without a roadmap, this is a mere aspiration. While PRA members are supportive of the principle of decarbonisation, there needs to be a realistic and well-thought-out plan to support these proposals, including how refuelling infrastructure will support alternative fuels such as hydrogen.” The issue of road pricing was also raised by the PRA: “While the government is signposting a low carbon future, the financial implications are yet to be addressed. The principle that road users should pay for the roads that they drive on is fair. Fuel duty ensures this happens because people pay more duty as they use more of the roads. The same principle should apply to the low carbon future, which should be market-led.” Choosing the direction of investment is also an issue according to Gordon: “It is not yet clear which low carbon fuels, hydrogen technologies or battery forms will emerge as the most environmentally friendly and efficient. Many PRA members are still hesitating on installing charging points as the business case is not yet there. Road user charging could ensure the government remains neutral as far as the competition between technologies is concerned, while raising sufficient revenue to plug the gap in Exchequer funding caused by any future decline in fuel duty receipts.” He added: “Without a sensible plan where all road users pay for their upkeep, the burden will be borne by motorists who can’t afford to buy an EV which is still more expensive than an ICE vehicle. Currently EV drivers are literally getting a free ride as they pay domestic rate VAT on the electricity they use, no excise duty on fuel and no vehicle excise duty.” Accelerator Noting a delay on the HGV part of the plan, Kevin Bell, transport and infrastructure partner at law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, commented: "Originally planned for 2030, the proposed phasing out of the sale of new diesel and petrol heavy goods vehicles is now expected for 2040, and this delay may underline the challenges electric vehicles currently present in terms of range and distance, particularly when considering that freight trucks may be required to run for eight to twelve hours a day, across varied routes and environments. Perhaps this points to hydrogen as a more realistic option for the future? Nevertheless, this news, alongside the phasing out of polluting cars and vans by 2030, highlights the very rapid change now underway for the decarbonisation of road vehicles and stresses the importance of bringing battery manufacturing to the UK, a trend confirmed earlier in July when car manufacturer Nissan announced it will build its new all-electric model in Sunderland, alongside a new electric battery plant, supporting the creation of many green jobs in the North East.” Kevin added: "The Transport Decarbonisation Plan is an important part of the UK government's rapidly accelerating decarbonisation agenda. Transport is believed to be the single biggest contributor of carbon dioxide emissions in the UK and the plans need to be lauded as they seek to 10 AFTERMARKET SEPTEMBER 2021 BIG ISSUE www.aftermarketonline.net The government’s plan must be welcomed, but yet again the issue of skills to support an electric motoring population is just not evident ”