A new report outlining where EV action is needed to ensure the UK automotive sector’s future competitiveness is now out from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Recommendations include having mandated targets set by central government to boost the number of charging points

It’s warning that intense global electric vehicle competition poses a severe risk to the UK auto industry – and its report on ‘UK Automotive Sector: Surviving the Net Zero Transition’ recommends various measures to overcome the challenges faced by the industry.

While the zero emission vehicle mandate will require car manufacturers to sell a rising percentage of electric vehicles each year from 2024, IMechE says it needs to be coupled with more incentives to make electric vehicles an attractive option for consumers.

It’s also calling for increased government support for manufacturers to create a level playing field. Part of this support is creating the right conditions for volume battery production in the UK, including enabling funding, supply chain development, securing and processing of critical minerals. This should include incentivising local clusters around each factory to develop supply chains for other key parts of electric vehicles, not just batteries.

Other recommendations include having mandated targets set by central government to boost the number of electric vehicle charging points, with programmes to measure what works at local level.

And given the delay of the 2030 ban on diesel and petrol vehicles, the report suggests the Government should consider underwriting the investment risk of charge point providers.

Terry Spall, past president of the institution and co-author of the report, said: “Though activity levels have been increasing, the UK is behind the curve as it progresses its transition to a zero-emission fleet and net zero goals. Many significant hurdles have yet to be effectively addressed and the UK’s future competitive position as a global vehicle manufacturing nation is at stake.

“It is not too late to save the industry and this report presents a plan to do so. Targeted strategic interventions will allow one of the UK’s globally iconic industries to survive and thrive in a future where road transport must transform to be smarter and completely decarbonised.”

The report is available here.