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As EV sales, oil costs and wildfires spike, UK gov't considers.. fewer EVs? (update)
Electrek • • business
Key Points:
- The UK government is considering relaxing its electric vehicle (EV) targets despite rising EV sales, record high oil prices, and worsening climate impacts such as heatwaves and wildfires.
- UK EV sales have surged, with plug-in vehicles accounting for nearly 40% of new car sales year-to-date, surpassing government targets ahead of schedule, aided by lower upfront EV prices and increased renewable energy use.
- Geopolitical tensions and high fuel costs have accelerated the shift to EVs, highlighting benefits like energy security and reduced dependence on foreign oil, while climate change impacts underscore the urgency of reducing fossil fuel use.
- Despite these positive trends, Prime Minister Andy Burnham's administration is launching a consultation that could weaken the 2030 EV sales goal from 80% to between 50-70%, and is also considering expanding North Sea oil drilling.
- Environmental groups warn that weakening EV targets and increasing oil extraction contradict efforts to combat climate change and threaten public health, urging the UK to maintain strong EV policies to ensure energy security and meet climate goals.
