MPs urged the government to incentivise road users to switch to electric vehicles (EVs) during a debate on net zero and decarbonising transport. During the 4 February debate, SNP spokesperson on Transport, Infrastructure and Energy Alan Brown highlighted that EVs made up 60% of car sales in Norway and that the UK should learn from how the Norwegian government is incentivising uptake.
In response, Conservative MP Damian Hinds said the higher uptake in Norway was due to a highly different taxation regime, and stated that it would be helpful “for the Treasury to give a clear forward view on the vehicle excise duty regime so that people can project into the future.”
Additionally, Hinds noted several barriers to accelerate EV uptake, and highlighted the gap between the cost of electric vehicles and the cost of internal combustion engine vehicles. Range anxiety is also a significant factor, alongside “the car’s residual value, particularly as a result of battery degradation.”
Nonetheless, SNP MP Alan Brown responded that, while these are all valid points, Norway’s success showcases “that it can be done, and the anxieties can be overcome.”
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