The UK Government has unveiled a strategy, which sets out ambition for about 50%, and as many as 70%, of new car sales to be ultra low emission by 2030.
The Road to Zero Strategy is claimed to set the stage for the largest technology advancement to hit UK roads since the discovery of the combustion engine.
Steps will be taken to allow huge roll-out of infrastructure to support electric vehicle revolution, the government said.
The Road to Zero Strategy, which is technology neutral, will build on the government’s air quality plan, which seeks to end the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans by 2040.
The strategy does not speculate on which technologies could help to deliver the government’s 2040 mission.
Any specific technology such as hybrids will not be banned as part of the government’s strategy.
The government, which has already committed to invest £1.5bn in ultra low emission vehicles by 2020, said it will work with industry, businesses, academia, consumer groups, devolved administrations, environmental groups, local government and international partners for deploying one of the best electric vehicle infrastructure networks in the world and prepare for a greener future for the UK’s roads.
As part of its measures, the government wants chargepoints to be installed in newly built homes and seeks to launch a £400m Charging Infrastructure Investment Fund to help speed up the roll-out of charging infrastructure.
Plans also include creation of a new £40m program to develop and trial new low cost wireless and on-street charging technology.
UK Secretary of State for Transport Chris Grayling said: “The Road to Zero Strategy sets out a clear path for Britain to be a world leader in the zero emission revolution - ensuring that the UK has cleaner air, a better environment and a stronger economy.”
At present, there are over 150,000 ultra-low emission vehicles on British roads.
