A new Parliamentary cross-party group is to help raise awareness about the benefits of autonomous and electric vehicles (EVs) among MPs.

The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Electric and Autonomous Vehicles aims to raise the profile of EVs and automated vehicles and discuss the charging infrastructure rollout, opportunities for new manufacturing, emissions reduction, international trade and road safety improvement.

It has been established following record EV sales and commitments from major carmakers including Ford, Jaguar Land Rover and BMW that plan to invest billions of pounds into research and manufacturing.

Cheryl Gillian MP, former Secretary of State for Wales and Chair of the new group said: “It is imperative that parliamentarians are aware of the rapid pace of change in the electric and automated vehicle sectors and that post-Brexit, the UK is well positioned to benefit from these new technologies. Clearly at hand are new opportunities to expand our manufacturing base, create new exportable expertise, decarbonise our economy, improve safety and increase productivity.

“We can’t let this major industrial shift pass us by while everybody is focused on EU negotiations. We will aim to keep MPs and Lords informed and help drive the agenda forwards.”