Tesla has notified the UK government that loosening electric vehicle regulations could negatively impact battery car sales and hinder the achievement of carbon targets, as highlighted in recently disclosed documents.
Elon Musk’s electric vehicle manufacturer also requested “support for the used car market,” as per a government consultation submission acquired earlier this year. fast charging, a newsletter focused on electric vehicles.
In April, the Labor government raised concerns among some electric car manufacturers by relaxing rules known as the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate. Previously, this mandate aimed to increase EV sales annually, but the new loophole allowed manufacturers to sell more gasoline and diesel vehicles.
Critics argue that a new tax on electric vehicles introduced in last week’s budget may further dampen demand.
Automakers such as BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, Nissan, and Toyota, all operating factories in the UK, expressed in their submissions during the spring consultation that the mandate was discouraging investment, as they were selling electric vehicles at a loss. In contrast, environmentalists and brands focusing primarily on electric vehicles assert that the rules are serving their intended purpose, with no manufacturers expected to be penalized for 2024 sales.
Tesla emphasized that avoiding new loopholes referred to as “flexibilities” was “essential” for the success of electric vehicle sales.
According to Tesla, these changes could “diminish the availability of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), significantly impact emissions, and jeopardize the UK’s carbon budget.”
Prime Minister Rachel Reeves has committed to imposing a “pay-per-mile” charge on electric vehicles from 2028, warning manufacturers of even stricter budgets to come. This could make electric vehicles less appealing compared to more polluting petrol and diesel options. Simultaneously, she announced an extension of subsidies for new electric vehicles, which was positively received by the industry.
Tom Reilly, author of Fast Charge, remarked: “Just as the shift to EVs seemed stable, the Budget has pulled it in two different directions, effectively taking from Peter to pay Paul. If car manufacturers seek mitigation obligations again, Labor will only be held accountable when climate targets are not met.”
Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, and Ford expressed concern about their responses being made public and were only permitted to reply through appeals under the Freedom of Information Act. Several documents were extensively redacted, yet the headline still indicated Tesla’s call for “support for the used car market.” Tesla opted not to comment on whether this assistance would involve subsidies.
Conversely, U.S. manufacturer Ford and Germany’s Mercedes-Benz are advocating against stricter regulations after 2030, which would require them to further lower average carbon dioxide emissions, allowing them to continue selling polluting vehicles longer.
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Ford has strongly criticized European governments for retracting support for electric vehicle sales, stating, “Policymakers in various European regions are not adhering to the agreement.” Ford had previously backed stronger goals but has since changed its position.
U.S. automakers also highlighted the risk of being overshadowed by Chinese manufacturers, which “lack a foothold in the UK and benefit from lower costs.”
Mercedes-Benz contends that the UK should lower the value-added tax on public charging, which is equivalent to household electricity, from 20% to 5%, and suggests that a price cap on public charging fees should be considered.
Additionally, Tesla advocated for banning the sale of plug-in hybrid electric vehicles with a battery-only range of less than 160 miles starting in 2030, a rule that would exclude many of the best-selling models in this category.
Ford, Mercedes-Benz, and Tesla chose not to provide further comments.
Source: www.theguardian.com
