The House of Lords Environment and Climate Change Committee is opening its inquiry into electric vehicles by hearing from industry experts, including the BVRLA.

The committee will explore what steps could be taken to make the transition as easy as possible for consumers and businesses involved in meeting market demand

Opened last month, the inquiry explores the importance of the decarbonisation of transport and the transition to EVs to the UK’s net zero targets.

It seeks to understand how the Government will achieve its upcoming 2030 and 2035 deadlines for the phase-out dates for non-zero emission vehicles, as well as exploring the main obstacles and barriers to meeting these targets.

The inquiry, which is open to drivers, businesses and local authorities amongst others, focuses on passenger cars. The committee will explore what steps could be taken by government to make the transition as easy and accessible as possible, both for consumers and businesses involved in meeting market demand. It will also assess the opportunity costs and benefits of encouraging and delivering a greater uptake of EVs.

The first evidence session can be followed live on Parliament TV or in person in Committee Room 3, Palace of Westminster on Wednesday 6 September from 10am.

Giving evidence at 10am will be:

• Marc Palmer, brand director, Auto Trader
• Phill Jones, chief operating officer, Motors.co.uk
• Toby Poston, director of corporate affairs, BVRLA
• James Taylor, general manager, Zipcar

Giving evidence at 11am will be:

• James Taylor, managing director, Vauxhall Motors
• Professor Tim Schwanen, director of the Transport Studies Unit, University of Oxford
• Lauren Pamma, programme director, Green Finance Institute
• Mike Hawes, chief executive, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT)

The committee is looking to explore topics including petrol and diesel vehicle phase-out dates; the ZEV mandate; factors limiting EV uptake in the UK; gaps and challenges of the current EV market; the second-hand EV market; vehicle leasing; alternative ownership and transport models.

It’s also keen to hear about people’s experience of acquiring and using EVs in the UK, and the barriers to do so.

Details how to submit evidence is on the committee’s website. The deadline is 5pm on Friday 15 September 2023.