The Transport Minister launched the Government’s strategy to drive forward the ultra low emission vehicles industry during a visit to the annual Low Carbon Vehicle exhibition in Bedfordshire.
It is called ‘Driving the Future Today - A strategy for ultra low emission vehicles in the UK’.
Baker said: “These are exciting times for the motoring industry as ultra low emission vehicles are the future for road travel. Our vision is that by 2050 almost every car and van will be an ultra low emission vehicle with the UK at the forefront of their design, development and manufacture. This strategy moves us up a gear in pursuing that vision.
“As well as huge opportunities for the automotive sector, this will bring life-changing benefits to our towns and cities improving air quality and reducing carbon emissions.
The Office for Low Emission Vehicles (OLEV) is inviting industry to have a say through a call for evidence on how best to invest £500m of funding to drive the revolution and establish the UK as a premier market for ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs). The call for evidence will be launched shortly.
Business Minister Michael Fallon added:
"The automotive industry provides thousands of high-quality jobs across the country and we are determined to keep it that way. By setting out the level of our financial support up to 2020 we are demonstrating our long-term commitment and giving business the confidence to invest.
"We will keep working in partnership with industry on where our investment can best drive growth as we support the transition to ultra low emission vehicles."
The Government’s long term strategic approach will deliver the following:
- A growing fleet of, and private markets for, Ultra Low Emission Vehicles (ULEVs)
- A network of charging points and other infrastructure making ULEVs an attractive proposition
- The development of world class skills and facilities for the development of ULEV technologies leading to global export
- A smarter electricity grid to benefit vehicle owners and the electricity system.
