The Government has asked car manufacturers to come forward to help them rethink current plans to help drivers make the shift towards electric cars.
Whilst the number of electric cars being sold is rapidly increasing, some car companies have recently admitted to financial issues that are set to result in job cuts.
Speaking to manufacturers in November 2024, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds stated that the Government understands the pressures currently being felt by many in the switch from petrol or diesel to electric.
He explained: “We get the seriousness of the situation and we get the urgency.
“We know that you need certainty and that’s why we will fast-track that consultation, giving you clarity on the direction of travel, and assuring you have the answers you need in the coming weeks before you make decisions in January.”
Under the current plans, which were introduced by the previous Conservative Government at the start of 2024, vehicle manufacturers need to sell a certain number of electric vehicles, which will increase each year until 2030, when the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned.
Car companies who fail to sell enough electric vehicles will be subject to a fine of £15,000 for each model left outstanding, leading to many heavily discounting models to increase interest.
According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), even with discounts in place, car companies are still set to receive a combined fine of £1.8 billion, with both Ford and Vauxhall announcing job cuts that will affect workers in the UK in recent months.
According to the SMMT, battery electric vehicles accounted for 25.1 percent of all new car sales in November 2024 with 38,581 examples sold over the 30-day period.
However, during the first 11 months of the year, electric cars accounted for 18.7 percent of sales, meaning the industry is set to fall short of the target, which is due to increase in 2025.
To assure the industry is not forced to make further job cuts, some motoring experts have urged the Government to introduce more support for manufacturers and incentives for consumers.
Speaking in November 2024, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the SMMT, urged the Government to find a way that supports the switch away from petrol and diesel cars whilst also protecting the UK’s car industry.
He added: “We need an urgent review of the automotive market and the regulation intended to drive it. Not because we want to water down any commitments, but because delivery matters more than notional targets.
“The industry is hurting; profitability and viability are in jeopardy and jobs are on the line. When the world changes, so must we. Workable regulation – backed with incentives – will set us up for success and green growth over the next decade.”
