March 2025
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This conference focused on next steps for transitioning to zero emission vehicles in England, Scotland and Wales.
Delegates assessed latest developments and priorities for policy and sector stakeholders to enable the UK ZEV market to scale up.
With the target being missed for battery EVs to make up 22% of the car market by the end of 2024, delegates examined the future for 2030 targets and scope for flexibility to support manufacturing, including options for enhancing incentives for consumers and the potential reduction or delay to penalty fees. It took place as the Government reaffirmd its commitment to the 2030 ZEV mandate, with the Chancellor announcing a £65m investment in EV charging infrastructure, alongside the launch of a consultation on the ZEV transition and phase-out of petrol and diesel cars, including a pledge to provide clarity on support for manufacturers and consumers.
We expected discussion on further strategic and policy options, examining the targeting of the £2bn announced in the Budget for the automotive sector, including the ZEV manufacturing sector and supply chain, the £120m recently announced to support businesses in purchasing electric vans through the plug-in vehicle grant scheme, and the extension of green first-year allowances for a further year for qualifying costs on zero-emission cars and machinery.
Looking at implications of trends in demand for ZEVs, areas for discussion included addressing concerns around affordability, range and battery life, and the proposed standardised battery health certification for used EVs. Delegates considered next steps for scaling salary sacrifice schemes for EV company cars, alongside government-initiated incentives, in light of manufacturers’ concerns over disproportionate burden.
The Government’s commitments to fund acceleration of the rollout of EV charging points were examined, including priorities for allocations and grants, enhanced powers for local authorities, and implications for urban and rural areas, as well as the way forward for achieving equitable access to charging facilities across the UK.
Further discussion assessed how future challenges can be addressed, including increased grid demand, advancing innovation and scaling up of hydrogen fuel cell technology, and widening ZEV deployment in freight and logistics, as well as priorities for the wider policy landscape, including the role of Great British Energy, renewables, and development of decarbonisation and net zero policies.
We are pleased to have been able to include keynote sessions with: Richard Bruce, Director, Office for Zero Emission Vehicles; Matthew Eastwood, Head, EV Infrastructure, Consumer Incentives and Fleets Environment, Climate and Sustainability Directorate, Transport Scotland; Murray Paul, Public Affairs Director, Jaguar Land Rover; Prof Jillian Anable, Chair, Transport and Energy, University of Leeds; Ian Plummer, Commercial Director, Auto Trader; and Vicky Read, CEO, Charge UK.
All delegates were able to contribute to the output of the conference, which will be shared with parliamentary, ministerial, departmental and regulatory offices, and more widely. This includes the full proceedings and additional articles submitted by delegates. As well as key stakeholders, those that attended include officials from DfT; Defra; DESNZ; DBT; Transport Scotland; HMRC; HM Treasury; HoC Library; NIC; GLD; NAO; OLS; Isle of Man Government; DfI, NI; DAERA, NI; DfE, NI; the Welsh Government; and The Scottish Government.
