Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Electric Vehicles: Promotion — [Sir Edward Leigh in the Chair]

21 April 2021 · 1 other contributor · 4,401 words

Opened by Nicholas Fletcher

Responding minister: Rachel Maclean

TransportEnergy

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nicholas Fletcher raised concerns about electric vehicles: promotion — [sir edward leigh in the chair] in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Nicholas Fletcher is concerned about the cost of electric vehicles and the lack of rapid charging points in the UK.
  • Fletcher asks the government to redirect incentives to build a more extensive rapid charging network and implement a zero-emission vehicle mandate.
  • The Minister states the Government are providing 1.3 billion to accelerate the roll-out of charge points and aims to have all motorway service stations with at least six 150kW chargers by 2023.

Key requests to Government

Fletcher asks the government to redirect incentives currently offered for home charging grants and electric car purchases towards building a more extensive rapid charging network. He also proposes implementing a California-style zero-emission vehicle mandate, imposing fines on companies with poorly maintained charging points, and mandating contactless payment facilities at all new and existing charge points.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Nicholas Fletcher

Nicholas Fletcher is concerned about the barriers to electric vehicle usage in the UK, including the cost of vehicles and charging infrastructure. He notes that while electric cars are becoming more affordable compared to diesel or petrol vehicles, the lack of rapid charging points remains a significant issue. He mentions specific statistics such as an average journey of less than 10 miles in the UK and the need for fast-charging units with at least 60 kW capacity. He emphasizes the importance of reliable charging points that support contactless payment methods.

Other contributors (1)
  • Jacob Young Con Redcar

    Mr Jacob Young highlighted the importance of fuel-cell electric vehicles in achieving net zero targets, noting their benefits such as shorter recharging times and extended range. He emphasised the need to address cost barriers for low-income individuals and stressed the role of hydrogen fuel cells in decarbonising larger road transport, particularly buses and heavy goods vehicles. Mr Young also proposed exploring the use of hydrogen fuel cells in emergency service vehicles.

Government Response

Rachel Maclean

The Government are providing £1.3 billion to accelerate the roll-out of charge points on motorways and major A roads, in homes and businesses and on streets. There are nearly 20,800 public charging devices installed, including nearly 3,900 rapid devices in the UK. The UK aims to have all motorway service stations with at least six 150kW chargers by 2023. The Government will publish a transport decarbonisation plan later this spring.

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