Low emission cars

Public Accounts Committee Closed Inquiry
Opened: 1 Feb 2021 Closed: 5 Aug 2021 Parliament page
Transport is the UK’s largest source of carbon emissions and of that, most comes from cars. Government wants people to switch to cars that do not emit carbon dioxide to eliminate emissions by 2050. By 2030, government wants between 50% and 70% of new cars to be ultra-low emission (plug … Read more
9 Recommendations
15 Conclusions
1 Report
1 Oral session
1 Letter
1 Event
Activity timeline 4 events
2 Sep
2021
Report published
19 May
2021
Report published
16 Apr
2021
Correspondence
11 Mar
2021
Oral evidence
Oral evidence sessions 1 session
11 Mar 2021
View on parliament.uk
Low emission cars
Bernadette Kelly CB · Department for Transport Richard Bruce · Department for Transport Sarah Munby · Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Title HC No. Published Items Response
First Report - Low emission cars HC 186 19 May 2021 24 Responded
Recommendations & Conclusions
24 results
2 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
There are a wide range of consumer-facing issues that still need to be addressed to...
There are a wide range of consumer-facing issues that still need to be addressed to increase the uptake of zero-emission cars. Consumers are not all yet convinced that zero-emission cars are a suitable alternative to petrol and diesel models, with … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees, stating the 2035 Delivery Plan and forthcoming EV infrastructure strategy (Autumn 2021) address consumer issues and regional impacts. It highlights £1.3 billion investment in charging infrastructure, planned regulations to improve consumer charging experience, and ongoing monitoring of consumer needs.
HM Treasury
View details
3 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
We are not convinced that government has sufficiently thought through how the charging infrastructure will...
We are not convinced that government has sufficiently thought through how the charging infrastructure will expand at the pace required to meet the ambitious timetable to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles. The Department for Transport makes a series of … Read more
Government Response
The government accepts the recommendation, committing to release an EV infrastructure strategy (Autumn 2021) focusing on addressing charging barriers, particularly for drivers without off-street parking. It details £1.3 billion in funding, specific schemes for on-street and local charging, and support for local authorities.
HM Treasury
View details
4 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
The Departments have not yet demonstrated how they are going to encourage industry to maintain...
The Departments have not yet demonstrated how they are going to encourage industry to maintain proper environmental and social standards throughout their supply and recycling chains as the zero-emission car market grows. There are a range of environmental impacts and … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation and is working to encourage proper environmental and social standards by funding R&D, supporting UK battery supply chain localisation, participating in the Global Battery Alliance, encouraging OECD guidance, and through FCDO/DIT programmes for responsible sourcing, though it will not unilaterally set standards.
HM Treasury
View details
5 Recommendation Accepted in Part
First Report - Low emission cars
There are other issues to be addressed in the transition to zero-emission cars, such as...
There are other issues to be addressed in the transition to zero-emission cars, such as the need to train and retrain the workforce required to service the new car fleet, the impact on the demand for power, and the tax … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation and outlines ongoing actions for skills training (IMI, Green Jobs Taskforce) and electricity grid preparation (Energy White Paper, DNO business plans). It acknowledges tax implications but clarifies the DfT's 2035 Delivery Plan will not cover this.
HM Treasury
View details
1 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Low emission cars
On the basis of a Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence...
On the basis of a Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Department for Transport and from the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy on low-emission cars.1
Government Response
The government's response directly quotes and addresses a separate PAC recommendation (recommendation #1) concerning the publication of a plan for zero-emission cars, and does not specifically engage with the content of conclusion #1.
HM Treasury
View details
6 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
As part of the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, Government has committed...
As part of the Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, Government has committed to publishing a delivery plan in 2021 for achieving the phase out of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, but this has not yet … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation, stating the Department for Transport published its 2035 Delivery Plan on 14 July 2021, and committed to monitoring progress and reviewing by 2025.
HM Treasury
View details
7 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
We were interested in hearing the Departments view on what barriers needed to be overcome...
We were interested in hearing the Departments view on what barriers needed to be overcome to achieve the targets for zero-emission cars. The Department for Transport told us it had undertaken a lot of research into this area, and the … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation to address consumer barriers, outlining current and planned actions on affordability, charging provision, and public charging experience, including an EV infrastructure strategy for autumn 2021.
HM Treasury
View details
8 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
The Department told us it has used the plug-in car grant, which reduces the purchase...
The Department told us it has used the plug-in car grant, which reduces the purchase cost of qualifying new cars, to address the price barrier.13 The grant has been incrementally scaled back since 2018, and at the time of our … Read more
Government Response
The government highlights its existing measures such as plug-in vehicle grants, tax incentives, and support for the second-hand EV market to address affordability, without committing to new actions.
HM Treasury
View details
9 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Low emission cars
Upfront costs are not the only element making electric cars costly.16 We were concerned about...
Upfront costs are not the only element making electric cars costly.16 We were concerned about the cost of replacing batteries, especially for second-hand cars, and asked the Departments to explain how this is going to be managed. The largest part … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines existing grants and tax incentives for upfront costs and support for the second-hand EV market, but does not specifically address the committee's concern about the cost of replacing batteries, especially for second-hand cars.
HM Treasury
View details
10 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Low emission cars
We asked what the Departments were planning to do about the higher cost of charging...
We asked what the Departments were planning to do about the higher cost of charging on the public network compared to home charging.18 A National Audit Office analysis of public data suggests that charging at home can cost between 59% … Read more
Government Response
The government's response details actions related to improving the consumer experience of public charging (ease of payment, reliability, data availability) and overall charging infrastructure strategy, but does not directly address the higher cost of public charging compared to home charging.
HM Treasury
View details
11 Recommendation Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
The Department for Transport acknowledged range anxiety as a barrier to take-up and is providing...
The Department for Transport acknowledged range anxiety as a barrier to take-up and is providing investment for infrastructure, specifically focusing on public and rapid charging. However, it told us that because 99% of all journeys are under 100 miles, electric … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees with the recommendation to tackle consumer issues, committing to publish an EV infrastructure strategy in autumn 2021 and detailing investments in charging infrastructure and plans to regulate public charging experience.
HM Treasury
View details
12 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
There is regional variation in the uptake of ultra-low emission cars in the UK, for...
There is regional variation in the uptake of ultra-low emission cars in the UK, for example high levels of take-up in southern England, and we have been concerned about whether some locations, including rural areas, are missing out on the … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines plans for an EV infrastructure strategy (Autumn 2021) which will address barriers to expanding the charging network, including in rural areas and through collaboration with local authorities to tackle regional variations. It details funding for various charging schemes.
HM Treasury
View details
13 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Low emission cars
The scale and reach of the charging infrastructure has grown over the past decade.26 The...
The scale and reach of the charging infrastructure has grown over the past decade.26 The Department for Transport informed us that there are now 20,800 public charge-points in the UK, with 783 new charge-points created in the 30 days before … Read more
Government Response
The government's response directly quotes and addresses a separate PAC recommendation (recommendation #3) regarding barriers to expanding the charging network, and does not specifically engage with the content of conclusion #13.
HM Treasury
View details
14 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
We challenged the Department for Transport on how it would ensure the charging infrastructure expanded...
We challenged the Department for Transport on how it would ensure the charging infrastructure expanded in step with its plans for a very rapid expansion in the number of electric cars ahead of 2030. The Department told us it has … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines plans for an EV infrastructure strategy (Autumn 2021) to address barriers to expanding the charging network. It details significant funding for various charging schemes and support for local authorities, aiming to ensure infrastructure keeps pace with EV uptake.
HM Treasury
View details
15 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
We asked the Departments about their strategy to avoid “notspots” - areas where the market...
We asked the Departments about their strategy to avoid “notspots” - areas where the market does not deliver because uptake is insufficient, especially for rural areas. The Department for Transport told us that the majority of electric car owners will … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines plans for an EV infrastructure strategy (Autumn 2021) to address charging barriers, including 'notspots' and the availability of chargers for those without off-street parking. It details funding for on-street and local charging, and support for local authorities.
HM Treasury
View details
16 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Low emission cars
For longer journeys, drivers can access public infrastructure on the strategic road network.
For longer journeys, drivers can access public infrastructure on the strategic road network. The government has funded infrastructure so that on the strategic road network, drivers are never further than 20 miles from a rapid charge-point and will spend £950 … Read more
Government Response
The government's response directly quotes and addresses a separate PAC recommendation (recommendation #3) regarding barriers to expanding the charging network, and does not specifically engage with the content of conclusion #16.
HM Treasury
View details
17 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
The Department for Transport informed us there will now be a “shift” in focus from...
The Department for Transport informed us there will now be a “shift” in focus from funding for home charging to on-street and other publicly available local charging. The government has doubled investment for the current year for the on-street residential … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines plans for an EV infrastructure strategy (Autumn 2021) to address charging barriers, particularly for those without off-street parking. It details £1.3 billion investment, specific funding for on-street and local charging, and support for local authorities to develop charging strategies.
HM Treasury
View details
18 Recommendation Accepted in Part
First Report - Low emission cars
We questioned the Departments about the overall environmental and social impacts of the production and...
We questioned the Departments about the overall environmental and social impacts of the production and use of electric cars and whether they had undertaken analysis of the full lifecycle impacts of these vehicles, including production and disposal. The Department for … Read more
Government Response
The government agrees to encourage industry to maintain environmental and social standards, setting a Winter 2022 implementation date and detailing existing efforts, but will not unilaterally set new standards.
HM Treasury
View details
19 Conclusion Accepted in Part
First Report - Low emission cars
The proportion of emissions is greater in the manufacturing phase than during the on- the-road...
The proportion of emissions is greater in the manufacturing phase than during the on- the-road phase for electric cars, which means the geographical location of manufacturing is an important factor.44 The Department for Transport believed that car manufacturers are “very … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the committee's concern about environmental standards in manufacturing supply chains. It commits to encouraging responsible sourcing and supply chain standards through various international initiatives but explicitly states it will not unilaterally set standards.
HM Treasury
View details
20 Conclusion Not Addressed
First Report - Low emission cars
With regard to the materials and supply chains used in producing zero-emission cars, the Department...
With regard to the materials and supply chains used in producing zero-emission cars, the Department for Transport acknowledged the issues and told us that manufacturers are focused on developments in this area. For example, Tesla and Renault are looking at … Read more
Government Response
The government's response directly quotes and addresses a separate PAC recommendation (recommendation #4/ID 19780) concerning environmental and social standards in supply chains, and does not specifically engage with the content of conclusion #20.
HM Treasury
View details
21 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Low emission cars
There are a range of other issues that will need to be considered as part...
There are a range of other issues that will need to be considered as part of the transition to zero-emission cars. We are concerned about the impact of lost taxes from fuel duty and the potential standstill in technological change … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the need to ensure the tax system encourages EV uptake and that motoring tax revenue keeps pace with the transition, but provides no specific actions or timeline.
HM Treasury
View details
22 Conclusion Acknowledged
First Report - Low emission cars
We questioned the Departments about issues we had heard about businesses not able to charge...
We questioned the Departments about issues we had heard about businesses not able to charge vehicles indoors overnight due to their insurance policies. The Departments did not seem aware of this issue and when the Departments wrote to us, they … Read more
Government Response
The government reiterates its position that it will not intervene in commercial decisions made by insurers regarding indoor vehicle charging, stating this could damage market competition.
HM Treasury
View details
23 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
Another issue to be considered by the Departments is that, as more zero-emission cars enter...
Another issue to be considered by the Departments is that, as more zero-emission cars enter the market, there will need to be people with the right skills in place to maintain them. The Department for Transport told us that this … Read more
Government Response
The government outlines ongoing efforts to ensure the workforce has the necessary skills for EV maintenance, including DfT's work with the Institute of the Motor Industry and the automotive sector's participation in the Emerging Skills Project and Green Jobs Taskforce.
HM Treasury
View details
24 Conclusion Accepted
First Report - Low emission cars
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, having assessed a number of different scenarios...
The Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, having assessed a number of different scenarios for meeting net zero by 2050, has estimated that electric cars will increase electricity demand by around 20% by 2050 and we wanted to understand … Read more
Government Response
The government acknowledges the potential increase in electricity demand from EVs and states its Energy White Paper sets out plans to prepare the grid, with network operators incentivised by Ofgem to develop business plans for future funding.
HM Treasury
View details
Government Response AI assessment · 24 of 9 classified
Accepted 13
Accepted in Part 3
Acknowledged 2
Not Addressed 6
Total 9 recs + 15 conclusions
Correspondence 1 letter
16 Apr 2021 Correspondence from Bernadette Kelly, Permanent Secretary, Department for Transport, and Sarah Munby, Permanent Secretary, Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, re Public Accounts Committee hearing on reducing carbon emissions from cars, 11 March 2021, dated 30 March 2021
Parliament page