Columnist

Government must get in gear on vehicle transition

With current legislation seeing fossil fuel vehicles being phased out over the next decade, why isn’t the Government more charged up about bolstering incentives for electric vehicle adoption and consumer buy-in to transition to a zero-emission vehicle future? writes John Roberts.

Many developments are holding up their part of the bargain by gearing up for increased electric vehicle use for occupiers such as Durham’s mixed-use scheme Integra 61, which recently installed 19 Tesla UK Superchargers.

But the road to a zero-emission vehicle future is at a critical juncture. 

There are only 1.3 million electric cars on the road, and with many consumers expressing concerns about range, lack of infrastructure and higher upfront costs versus traditional petrol cars, there are barriers to overcome.  

The need for more robust Government incentives to speed up adoption has never been more pressing.

This stagnation, which is also hindered by Government targets, economic pressures and consumer scepticism, can also affect infrastructure preparedness, sustainability goals, urban planning and the broader economy.

Integra 61 is leading the way with the installation of its Tesla chargers, which sit alongside an Amazon warehouse and Costa Coffee, Greggs and KFC drive-thru units at junction 61 of the A1(M).

The Government’s policy on phasing out petrol and diesel vehicles must also be accompanied by practical measures to stimulate adoption and the sale of more vehicles. 

Infrastructure remains a significant barrier to widespread electric vehicle adoption, with some regions lagging behind – there are currently only 73,334 charging points in the UK.

So, expanding the charging network is vital. 

Incentives for real estate developers to integrate charging stations into new residential and commercial projects could help bridge the gap.

The transition to electric vehicles is not just about environmental targets, though.

It is about economic opportunity and creating a sustainable transportation ecosystem too. 

The Government must introduce meaningful financial incentives; expand charging infrastructure, support dealers and manufacturers, educate the public and commit to policy clarity. 

Without these measures, the UK risks staying in the slow lane in the global electric vehicle race, undermining its sustainability ambitions and economic resilience.

John Roberts is head of automotive and roadside at Colliers, the joint roadside agent for Integra 61, with Avison Young

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