SMMT welcomes ‘Get that electric feeling’ campaign
The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders has welcomed the government’s ‘Get that electric feeling’ campaign to promote the benefits of electric vehicles.
The campaign was unveiled earlier this week by the Department for Transport to highlight the cost benefits of owning an electric car.
However, the SMMT has urged the government to support the electrification of the industry in real terms by reconsidering the electric car tax and reviewing the ZEV Mandate.
Mike Hawes, SMMT CEO, said: “Helping more drivers understand the benefits of going electric is essential if the UK is to meet its EV ambitions, so government’s new public campaign is timely and welcome.
“It will highlight the massive vehicle choice on offer too, with more than 160 different EV models across all segments. But while clear information is vital, so are meaningful signals that give motorists little doubt now is the time to switch.”
Hawes continued: “The government’s Electric Car Grant is helping but manufacturers are still having to provide billions in EV discounts, with an unparalleled £5bn spent last year alone. This is patently unsustainable.
“Furthermore, the impact of government and industry investment will be diminished by a new disincentive, the proposed eVED tax. With EV demand below the levels targeted by the ZEV mandate last year, and this year’s target even steeper, a review of the transition – looking at demand as well as cost and the broader ecosystem – must be brought forward to ensure ambition aligns with natural market demand.”
