The Labour Party is attempting to put clear blue water (should that be green water) between itself and the EV-grant cutting Government by calling for an ‘electric revolution’ to push the economy and society towards a zero emissions world.
Ed Miliband (remember him?) is the Shadow Business Secretary. He has announced ambitious proposals to make owning a zero emission vehicle an option for all, based on three key points:
- Interest-free loans for new and used EVs for people on low to middle incomes;
- Accelerate the roll-out of charging points across the country;
- Part-fund three new ‘gigafactories’ for the EV manufacturing sector.
Miliband argues that the UK has to be a leading EV manufacturer to properly benefit from the much-anticipated zero emission economy: “We need a strong domestic battery supply chain to remain competitive and to build on our position as a leading electric vehicle producer and to sell to the world.”
At no point did Miliband say he thought cutting grants for EVs is a good idea. Because it’s not.