'The government isn't doing enough to encourage electric car sales'

Steve Fowler 2019-07-10 13:40

The government needs to do more to encourage people to both build and buy electric cars, says Steve Fowler

OPINION Ralf Speth

As a title that follows the news agenda, we make no excuses for the amount of space we dedicate to electrified cars in Auto Express. It’s where we’re headed, whether we like it or not. Or at least that’s what our government keeps telling us. 

That being the case, I’m not alone in airing my frustration that our legislators aren’t doing more to encourage both British expertise in the area of electric vehicles and more people to buy them.

Best electric cars to buy

One man who is clearly frustrated is Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Ralf Speth. I know from conversations we’ve had in the past that he feels more should be done on charging infrastructure, for example. And speaking at the announcement that JLR was investing hundreds of millions of pounds on building electrified cars at its Castle Bromwich plant in the Midlands, he went further.

“The opportunities presented by an Autonomous, Connected, Electric and Shared future reach far beyond the automotive sector,” said Speth. “The UK has among the best academics and creative talent globally, and we must now leverage this to take advantage of the technology revolution happening around the world.

“Jaguar Land Rover is playing its part, putting in place a carefully considered electrified manufacturing footprint in the West Midlands to support the creation of next-generation vehicles and technologies. But our vision can only be realised if we bring together industry, government and academia to create the ecosystem in which customers, suppliers and communities can embrace the future of mobility.”

I’ve not agreed with everything Speth has said or done over the years, but I couldn’t agree more with him now. The UK has a golden opportunity to lead not only in the technologies that are changing rapidly but also on their adoption. Car makers are doing their bit and buyers are keen. But it needs government support to make it happen.

Do you agree with Steve's thoughts about the future of electric cars in the UK? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...

Thank you for reading the article about 'The government isn't doing enough to encourage electric car sales' in blog station of gear If this article was helpful please bookmark this page in your web browser by pressing Ctrl + D on your keyboard keys.

Artikel terbaru :

  • Updated 2021 Citroen C4 SpaceTourer on sale now from £28,630
  • 'It’s a golden age for used cars that are just like new'
  • New 2021 Genesis GV60 pure-electric coupe-SUV unveiled - pictures
  • Range Rover Velar updated for 2021 with more technology
  • Range Rover Velar updated for 2021 with more technology - pictures
  • New Skoda Fabia 2021 review
  • New Skoda Fabia 2021 review - pictures
  • New Lamborghini Countach arrives with 803bhp hybrid V12 - pictures
  • Hyundai Group to launch new pure-electric city car in 2023
  • New Skoda Fabia 1.0 TSI SE L review - pictures
  • Artikel terkait :