The IMDA supports the transition to electric vehicles and recognises the essential role EVs will play in reducing transport emissions.
However, the current trajectory of ZEV emissions targets risks encouraging some motorists to keep older petrol and diesel vehicles for longer, rather than moving to lower emission alternatives today.
The SMMT recently reported that the average age of vehicles on UK roads has risen to 9.7 years, compared with eight years prior to the COVID pandemic.
The UK industry needs a realistic and sustainable transition. Regulatory mandates have encouraged investment in infrastructure, technology and training at pace.
However, targets that move significantly ahead of customer demand risk disrupting the market, impacting jobs and reducing consumer choice.
Manufacturers have outpaced customer demand in adjusting their product offerings and now face increasing cost pressures.
Strict ZEV mandate targets have made it difficult to produce affordable vehicles and potentially limit supply to the future used market that allows independent dealers to thrive.
The independent motor trade are key stakeholders in the transition to EV and independents can communicate the benefits to a different customer base than that of franchised dealers and manufacturers.
“Independent dealers and repairers need time and confidence to continue to invest in the training, equipment and facilities required to support new technologies.
Continued development of initiatives such as the IMDA’s collaboration with the BVRLA and other industry bodies on an EV Learning Portal, alongside EV battery health assessments and enhanced warranty products, will be critical to building consumer confidence.
We hope any forthcoming changes to ZEV emissions will be balanced to maintain investment in the transition and give the manufacturers breathing space so that what follows is a sustainable used car market for independent dealers”
There also remains a need for practical and affordable charging solutions for the many households that rely on on-street parking and cannot easily install or meet the cost of a home charger. Government incentives and tax breaks could really help.
The used vehicle sector has a big part to play in the long-term success of electrification. A welcome shift in policy framework will help avoid creating a two-tier market where lower-income households or rural customers without supporting independent dealers are left behind.
This is particularly true of those who rely on vehicles that are five to ten years old as EV batteries near the end of manufacturer warranty.
With affordable used EVs still limited, in the short-term consumers need access to a range of electrified vehicle options and government incentives that provide a clear and affordable pathway to the end goal of zero tailpipe emissions for all motorists.
Umesh Samani is co-founder and chairman of the IMDA
