The government's Renewable Energy Strategy consultation signals a greater role for electric vehicles in helping the UK meet current targets of 10% of transport energy consumption from renewables by 2020. While current estimates suggest that vehicles powered by a standard mix of electricity from the grid create large emissions savings when compared to conventional petrol or diesel models, EVs have in the past been somewhat overlooked as a means by which the government can meet short-term targets.
However, following recent private sector commitments to invest £100bn in renewable energy production and in the context of increasing concern over the sustainability of biofuels, the potential for EVs to contribute to energy consumption targets is now a more feasible option for the government.
The consultation statement draws on recommendations outlined in the King Review of Low-Carbon Cars, which highlighted the potential for the electrification of road vehicles in the form of plug-in hybrids and battery electric models, and the need for the de-carbonisation of the UK electricity network to support market growth. There are also some perceived benefits in relation to the electricity network, which take the form of a smoothing of power demand leading to greater efficiency, and the mitigation of problems arising from the intermittency of renewable energy production.
The government says it is interested in examining how the growth of EVs in the UK and the development of a suitable charging infrastructure could be accelerated. The statement notes the importance of achieving `quality, performance and utility` in the electric vehicle market in order to increase consumer demand, and acknowledges the commitment of manufacturers to develop new models over the coming years.
The government consultation precedes the publication of the Gallagher Review of the Indirect Impact of Biofuels Production, and states: `Gallagher's findings will be important to the development of the government's biofuel policies and targets`. Government policy in relation to EVs will also be heavily influenced by the review. At present biofuels are the central part of Labour's green agenda, yet it is likely that Gordon Brown will be forced to rethink scheduled incremental rises to the UK's Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation. Such a shift will mean that the government will be forced to consider more seriously than ever before the potential for EV technology to contribute to meeting carbon reduction targets.
This said, the feasibility of EVs in this respect still hangs in the balance. If they are to play a part, agreement will first need to be reached with the EU allowing renewable energy used to drive the vehicles to count towards UK transport targets, as opposed to the 15% renewable energy production target which would currently benefit.
Guardian Low CVP WhatGreenCar?
