Committee on Climate Change predicts a big future for Electric Vehicles
On Wednesday the 30th of July the Committee on Climate Change published its 2nd annual progress report to the parliament of the United Kingdom.
Entitled ‘Meeting Carbon Budgets- ensuring a low-carbon recovery’ the Committee sets out to present the latest data on carbon emission as well as asses the government’s progress towards achieving carbon reduction in the four key areas of Power, Buildings and Industry, Transport and Agriculture.
The report contains much data relevant to manufacturers of Zero Emission Vehicles as well as predicting a bright future for the industry. The decline of carbon emissions is already being noticed within the transport industry, with the Committee reporting that emissions from cars fell down by 3.1% in 2008 and 2.7% in 2009 “due to the purchase of more efficient vehicles, increased penetration of biofuels and reduced miles/fuel consumption”. This decrease in the amount of miles travelled by the average individual highlights the increased feasibility and relevance of electric vehicles in modern society.
The report highlights how integral electric vehicles are to reducing carbon emissions, proclaiming them to be the “most promising technology to deliver deep cuts in car emissions that will be required through the 2020’s”. To this end, the Committee deems it reasonable to conclude that there will be around 240,000 electric cars on the road in the UK by 2015, rising up to 1.7 million by 2020.
To supplement this massive expansion in electric vehicles, the government has pledged a support package of £260 million. This means that any consumer wishing to purchase an electric car will receive a £5,000 rebate on their vehicles, making them more accessible and cheaper to buy.
As part of the government’s support package, £30 million will also be invested in producing and maintaining a battery charging network around the country, meaning it is easier and more convenient to charge electric vehicles when away from home. The government has pledged 7,400 plug points in and around London, as well as 1050 in the North East and 430 in Milton Keynes.
These findings make for good news for the eco-friendly driver and help allay any doubts one may have when deciding on purchasing an electric vehicle. We at Xero Technology are proud to be a part of the solution and look forward to a much reduced carbon emission future.
You will find the full report, chapter breakdown and executive summary of the report on the Committee for Climate Change website.
Xero Technology, 2010
Promoting a Greener Tomorrow