The role of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK’s low carbon transition and as part of the government’s Industrial Strategy is to be investigated.
The Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) Committee has launched a new inquiry, which will examine barriers to the development of the EV market and the support it needs to progress.
MPs will also look into the charging infrastructure as well as costs and incentives to boost the use of greener vehicles.
The government’s road transport decarbonisation strategy and its ability to respond to potentially disruptive shifts in the market, such as driverless cars, will also be scrutinised.
Last week Chancellor Philip Hammond pledged £270 million to kick-start the development of disruptive technologies, which includes EVs and autonomous cars.
BEIS Committee Chair Iain Wright MP said: “If the UK is to meet its decarbonisation goals and move successfully to a prosperous low carbon economy, then a thriving electric vehicles market is vital.
“As a Committee, we want to investigate concerns that electric vehicle sales and rollout are not as advanced as they should be and that people may be put off buying an electric car due to a postcode lottery of charging infrastructure, with the availability of charge points varying substantially across the country.”
The Committee is inviting views until 13th April.
A recent survey found higher insurance premiums are putting off most drivers (70%) from switching to EVs or hybrid vehicles.
