Government advisors have called for an end to the fossil fuel age, urging a shift to a new era of electric vehicles which are estimated to offer better value for money than petrol and diesel cars.
The urgency follows a recent report by the Climate Change Committee (CCC) that presented a new pathway to achieve a decarbonised UK by 2050.
The plan requires reducing emissions by 87 per cent compared to 1990 levels by 2040 with electric vehicles forming a crucial part of this transition, with the transport sector expected to deliver over a quarter of all emissions reductions.
The CCC’s report highlighted how this shift away from fossil fuels would create a “secure and prosperous future” for Britain.
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The Climate Change Committee called for the end of fossil fuel usage across the UK
PA
The report found that electrification will make up 60 per cent of emissions reductions by 2040. This includes decarbonising the power grid and replacing fossil-fuelled cars with electric vehicles.
The committee also noted that on a global scale, investment in clean energy now outpaces fossil fuels by nearly two to one.
Interim Chair of the CCC, Professor Piers Forster, said: “The Committee is delighted to be able to present a good news story about how the country can decarbonise while also creating savings across the economy.
“For a long time, decarbonisation in this country has really meant work in the power sector, but now we need to see action on transport, buildings, industry, and farming. This will create opportunities in the economy, tackle climate change, and bring down household bills.”
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He added: “Our analysis shows that there is no need to pitch action on climate change against the economy.
“We will need Government and business to deliver the investment, but we are confident that this Seventh Carbon Budget offers a secure, prosperous future for the UK.”
Surface transport is estimated to deliver 27 per cent of the emissions reduction by 2040, making it the largest contributor to the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.
The CCC report detailed how EV sales are already beginning to have a measurable effect in reducing emissions, with this trend expected to accelerate as prices fall and sales grow in coming years.
By 2030, fully electric options should account for nearly all new car and van sales and by 2040, electric vehicles are projected to make up over three-quarters of the fleet on UK roads.
The transition to EVs forms part of a broader strategy set out in the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate which currently requires at least 28 per cent of new vehicle sales to be electric this year before moving to 100 per cent in 2035.
The shift to electric vehicles is also expected to bring significant financial benefits to households, the report detailed.
The ZEV mandate aims to have at least 28 per cent of new car sales electric by this year
PA
By 2050, household driving bills are also predicted to be approximately £700 cheaper than today while energy bills are also expected to fall by a similar amount, with annual savings of around £716.
The CCC has outlined several key recommendations to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles, with barriers to EV adoption needing to be addressed, including ensuring people can install charge points at their homes.
The Government has been urged to provide certainty to markets by setting clear timelines for phasing out fossil fuel technologies.