The group representing car manufacturers in the UK has called for a review of the “over-optimistic” route to electric vehicles mapped out by the government, claiming the transition pathway was built on assumptions that have since changed. 

 

A new report from Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders’ entitled Same Destination, Smarter Route, set out a gap between 2021 expectations and the 2025 reality.  The study found that battery prices are 31% higher than expected, EV prices are 17% higher than expected and industrial energy prices are 80% higher than was predicted in 2021. In addition, consumer demand for electric cars is lower than expected despite regulation and incentives. It also identified that public charging costs are more than double what was predicted in 2021 and EV charging point availability in motorway service stations is behind target.