The Conservatives will scrap millions of pounds of net-zero car subsidies if they win the next election. [emphasis, links added]
[Tory leader] Kemi Badenoch said Labour’s rush to carbon neutrality was having a “disastrous effect” on the British car industry and insisted the pledge could save the public finances £3.8bn over the next decade.
Over the weekend, the Conservative Party leader said that she would scrap the mandate on manufacturers forcing them to produce a growing number of electric vehicles and end the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
In addition, she said the Tories would end the large taxpayer subsidies used to back up the mandate, saving the Treasury £440m a year over the next decade.
They would scrap subsidy programs associated with the Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, except those concerned with research and development.
Ms Badenoch said:
“Labour’s rush to net zero is having a disastrous effect on the UK car industry.
“The Conservatives will ensure that we protect the environment, but we will do so without forcing families to bear the brunt of the costs, and forcing car makers to meet deadlines that don’t reflect consumer demand.
“By scrapping the ZEV mandate and the ban on petrol cars, we are putting fairness and common sense back into the system and saving money for taxpayers. Britain succeeds when we back business and support innovation – that’s our plan for a stronger economy.”
The Tories would retain infrastructure funding to support the continued development of the electric vehicle market.
Earlier this year, the Tory leader said a future Conservative government would repeal the Climate Change Act and withdraw the UK’s statutory commitment to achieve net zero by 2050.
Among the subsidies that could be removed or reduced are an electric car grant, which provides direct discounts of up to £3,750 on new, eligible electric vehicles priced under £37,000.
Other subsidies pay for charging infrastructure, and a tax break for luxury electric vehicles.
Top: Torie Leader Kemi Badenoch (left) yucks it up with President Trump at a State Banquet at Windsor Castle. Official White House Photo by Daniel Torok.
Read rest at The Telegraph
Considering what they did in the 14 years they were in power, I think pigs will fly first.
At last some voices of wisdom!! The country needs reliable and independent transportation units and not EVs which are linked to the electric grid which supplies limited energy resources to the plants, factories and residential users..