EVA England Urges UK Government to Keep Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate and Delay New Road Charges Until 2030

EVA England sent an open letter this week to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander requesting an urgent meeting on the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate. The group submitted its report titled 'Putting the Driver First' with the letter. Vicky Edmonds, Chief Executive of EVA England, wrote that recent speculation about possible amendments has created uncertainty that risks undermining confidence at a critical stage in the rollout.

The organisation argued that consumer concerns are not being properly reflected in policy discussions. EVA England estimates that around 40 per cent of UK households do not have access to a driveway. The group said half of electric vehicle drivers without off-street parking are currently paying more to run their EV than they did with petrol or diesel cars.

The report stated that the public charging network is often more expensive and, in some areas, unreliable or difficult to access. EVA England warned this situation is creating a two-tier transition between drivers who can charge at home and those who cannot. 5 per cent of cars on UK roads, according to EVA England.

Around four in 10 UK consumers still say they are sceptical about switching to an electric vehicle. " EVA England found that 95 per cent of electric vehicle owners would not return to petrol or diesel. The upfront price of electric vehicles remains the biggest obstacle for households, particularly those on lower and middle incomes, the report said.

The group recommended extending Benefit-in-Kind tax rates beyond 2030 and introducing battery health standards to improve trust in second-hand electric cars. It also called for a national strategy for the estimated 40 per cent of households without private parking, including cheaper public charging and faster rollout of workplace and on-street charging.