The UK government has confirmed a pledge that all new road vehicles sold in the UK by 2040 will be zero-emission - including HGVs - with petrol and diesel vans to be phased out by 2030.
The news comes against the backdrop of the critical COP 26 summit in Glasgow where world leaders are negotiating the schemes, initiatives and rules that will help cut emissions and halt the rise in global temperatures.
Whilst electric cars are becoming increasingly popular, heavy goods vehicles are seen as one of the final big challenges when it comes to decarbonising road use. However, a new vehicle chargepoint concept is hoping to change that.
The pledge makes the UK the first country in the world to commit to phasing out emission-producing HGVs weighing up to 26 tonnes.
Grant Shapps, UK transport secretary, said of the announcement that: “From our roads to the skies, the transition to zero-emission transport has reached a tipping point. We know that transport plays a key role saving the planet from warming above 1.5°C, which is why this is the COP that will kick start our ambition for zero-emission aviation and why I’m proud to be uniting world leaders to tackle climate change – creating new opportunities for clean growth, green jobs and improved air quality right across the globe.
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“To support the transition to EVs, it’s integral that we have the infrastructure to support it. My vision is for the UK to have one of the best EV infrastructure networks in the world, with excellent British design at its heart.”
Pace picking up on electric vehicle sales
Research by Bloomberg New Energy Finance has shown how, especially in the last two years, sales of electric vehicles have taken off.
Their research shows how over 30% of the global passenger vehicle market is now covered by manufacturers with commitments to end petrol-powered vehicles, whilst global sales of electric vehicles have risen from 2.1 million in 2019 to 5.3 million.
As charging infrastructure improves and regulations are introduced that require housebuilders to include car charging ports for every property, it is expected that it won’t be long before it will become the social norm to own an electric vehicle - especially as prices decrease and new ranges are released.
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