The future of electric cars in UK

In the UK,  1.7m electric vehicles are targeted to be on the roads by the end of the decade to meet their carbon targets. To discuss these issues and the future of the electric car, the Guardian hosted a debate in central London with members of the public and a panel from industry, politics and campaigning.

David Kennedy, chief executive of the Committee on Climate Change, said: “We need to plan to almost fully decarbonise surface transport, including cars, and in that respect electric cars and vans are the most promising [method].” According to government figures, electric cars offer carbon emissions 40% lower than conventional ones.

Some members of the audience were doubtful about the pick-up rate of electric cars. One vocal member even said, “wishful thinking”. The panellists did agree that the awareness of electric cars still have some way to go.

Norman Baker, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes and parliamentary under-secretary at the Department for Transport, said: “There is not public opposition [to electric cars], but public lethargy. It’s the same with the digital switchover for many people. But when people see the switchover, they like it. I think it will be the same with electric cars.”

On the panel

• Damian Carrington (chair), head of environment, the GuardianDavid Kennedy chief executive, Committee on Climate Change
• Byrony Worthington owner and founder, Sandbag
• Andy Heiron head of electric vehicle programme, Renault UK
• Richard Hebditch Campaigns director, Campaign for Better Transport
• Norman Baker MP and parliamentary under-secretary at the Department for Transport

More interesting insights from Guardian

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