DfT consults on future plans for 'effectively' zero emission cars and vans by 2050

The Government has a very clear and bold ambition for cars and vans to be effectively zero emission by 2050. It says, as it launches a Consultation on ultra low emission vehicles (ULEV): 'We are on track to deliver this aim, with the UK consistently amongst the leading global markets for ultra low emission vehicles (ULEV). In the first half of 2016, we were the largest new ULEV market in the European Union, building upon 94% growth in 2015. Ultra low and zero emission vehicles present a huge opportunity for the UK’s thriving automotive sector to exploit and grow as the global transition takes hold. It is already supporting new jobs and growth as well as securing environmental benefits.'

The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) continues: Last year, the UK manufactured 1 in 5 electric vehicles (EVs) sold in the EU. The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) is working across government to position the UK at the forefront of ULEV development, manufacture and use, including targeted funding for the rapidly expanding infrastructure that supports ever increasing numbers of plugin and hydrogen fuel cell EVs.

Across the UK there are now more than 11,000 chargepoints, including the largest network of rapid chargers in Europe and a growing number of publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling stations. This consultation seeks views on measures relating to ULEVs that the Department for Transport is considering for inclusion in the Modern Transport Bill (the Bill). The Modern Transport Bill was announced in the Queen’s Speech in May 2016.

We propose to include a number of measures that will benefit the roll-out and use of recharging and refuelling infrastructure for (ULEVs). Consulting on measures now provides an opportunity for stakeholders to input into their development before they progress further through the legislative process. In all cases, we propose that measures would not take effect without further secondary legislation.

At that stage a full Impact Assessment would be undertaken to quantify the likely impact of these measures taking effect. We are keen to support provision of ULEV infrastructure across the UK, and it is proposed that these powers will be taken to apply across all 5 nations. We will continue to engage with Devolved Administrations to ensure that this is possible within current devolution settlements, and to consider any deviations or alternative approaches which may be necessary. Responses to this consultation will inform our final proposals before we introduce the legislation and help us refine our assessment of the impacts. We encourage you to reflect on the proposals set out here and respond to the consultation questions in full.

The Department for Transport is consulting separately on proposals to transpose European Directive 2014/94/EU on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Directive - ‘AFID’). AFID concerns the recharging and refuelling infrastructure necessary to support the use of alternatively fuelled transport across the UK and wider European Union (EU). The Directive’s requirements were agreed in 2013 following detailed negotiations between EU Member States and we are now required to transpose these requirements into national legislation.

Since it is at a different stage of development, a separate consultation is being carried out to provide an opportunity to input into the proposals for transposition. Further details on that consultation are available at www.gov.uk. On 23 June, the EU referendum took place and the people of the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. It will be for the current Prime Minister to begin negotiations to exit the EU, and until exit negotiations are concluded, the UK remains a full member of the European Union and all the rights and obligations of EU membership remain in force. During this period the Government will continue to negotiate, implement and apply EU legislation.

The consultation period began on 25 October 2016 and will run until 23 November 2016. Please ensure that your response reaches us before the closing date. If you would like further copies of this consultation document, it can be found at www.gov.uk or you can contact olev.enquiries@olev.gsi.gov.uk if you would like alternative formats (Braille, audio CD, etc.).

Please send your responses to the consultation questions to: Office for Low Emission Vehicles Zone 1/31, Great Minster House 33 Horseferry Road, London SW1P 4DR If you are responding via email, please send it to olev.enquiries@olev.gsi.gov.uk with the subject line “Modern Transport Bill consultation response”.

When responding, please state whether you are responding as an individual or representing the views of an organisation. If responding on behalf of a larger organisation, please make it clear who the organisation represents and, where applicable, how the views of members were assembled.