David Savage, vice president UK and Ireland at Geotab, on the findings from this week’s House of Lords committee report on the barriers to electric vehicles and where action is needed.

David Savage, vice president for UK & Ireland at Geotab

We agree with the Lords Committee’s request for the Government to do more to counter the issue of electric vehicle misinformation – media scaremongering does nothing to promote the widespread take up of electric vehicles. There is also the wider issue of the Government’s unwillingness to incentivise electric vehicle adoption through rapid charger availability.

The Government is simply not doing enough in terms of investment in EV charging infrastructure. This has been demonstrated by their inability to heed their own target of installing six or more rapid electric vehicle charging stations at every motorway service station by the end of 2023.

We need these incentives not just to stimulate the UK’s position in this emerging sector, but to make a sustainable future a reality for us all.

Sustainability in itself is more than just a buzzword now – instead, it’s a pivotal cornerstone of both environmental stewardship and economic resilience. As we find ourselves perpetually steering through current and future challenges, the imperative for sustainability cannot be understated, especially when we look at the automotive industry, whether it’s navigating supply shortages, or topped with government shortcomings.

This is a long-standing issue with the UK government, as evidenced by our report in the summer of 2022, where we found that nearly half of local English councils cited being unprepared for the switch to EVs amongst their fleets, and specifically highlighted the limited resources and concerns around charging infrastructure as key inhibitors for EV adoption.

Fleet managers are increasingly adopting a forward-thinking approach – contrary to the government – and focusing on vehicles that promise longevity and efficiency. The emphasis on utilising data to minimise carbon emissions, maximise vehicle utilisation, and reduce maintenance demands highlights the growing commitment to sustainability.

The shortfall in privately owned EV charging facilities forces drivers to rely on public charging networks, which are not only more costly, but also face severe availability issues. This scenario undermines the economic benefits and the environmental promise that electric vehicles offer, contradicting the initial premise of adopting such technologies.

The lack of government support is glaringly evident and casts a shadow over their once ambitious transition towards electric vehicles. It’s not a trivial oversight; it’s a reflection of a broader systemic challenge that threatens to hinder the progress toward a greener, more sustainable future.

We need more to be invested in this transition without the blurred lines, and the government has already made a U-turn on various incentives for zero-emission vehicles. Given that transportation is the world’s second-largest source of pollution, responsible for a quarter of global CO2 emissions – with road transport accounting for three-quarters of this figure – the shift to electric vehicles is not just desirable but imperative for reducing environmental impact.

In the battle against misinformation, data is also an indispensable ally. With over 4 million subscriptions and 75 billion data points processed daily through Geotab telematics, we provide crucial information needed for building wider confidence and awareness in EVs, as well as alleviating anxiety from potential buyers.

It’s an uphill battle with the 2030 ban on the sale of ICE vehicles being pushed back, but the reality is that EVs are an essential part of a sustainable future. There’s significant data to show how beneficial it is for drivers and fleets alike to transition to electric vehicles.

The full House of Lords committee report is available here.