Ford calls for 2030 strategy

Ford is calling on policymakers, energy providers, local authorities, consumers and the auto industry to jointly develop a nationwide electrification strategy that will set the country on the right trajectory for 2030.

The company says that a coordinated effort is needed to help consumers move to an electrified future and has identified four key steps: creating an action plan led by government and agreed by all relevant stakeholders; making charging points accessible for all; the introduction of both purchase and usage incentives; and more information more widely available.

Stuart Rowley, president, Ford of Europe, said: “In the UK, the electrification transition is underway, but we will not achieve the government’s 2030 target organically. We need a plan, supporting the rollout of electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, in operation ahead of November’s critical COP26 climate summit.

“The scale of the challenge requires a partnership between all the key stakeholders – government, auto industry, energy providers, local authorities and consumers – and focusing on accelerating the development of the charging infrastructure at home, in the workplace and in public locations. It also should encourage consumers to purchase all-electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles through stronger incentives.”

Ford’s announcement comes as the first in its series of quarterly consumer sentiment reports, Go Electric, reveals lack of awareness and hesitancy towards electrified vehicles among much of the UK population.

It found that more than one in five say they have no intention of buying an electric vehicle, while a further fifth said they would not buy an electric vehicle until they have no other option.

Ford’s research also found that 61% of drivers surveyed said they did not feel they have enough information to make an informed decision on purchasing an electric vehicle. More than half said they did not know the difference between electrified vehicle types, while four out of five said they would not be comfortable explaining electric vehicles to a friend.