Carmakers have been found to be prioritising the production, marketing and sale of larger vehicles like SUVs and e-SUVs over more affordable, smaller EVs. Smaller EVs could help those on lower incomes gain from the benefits of using EVs as well as more efficient use of critical raw materials essential in efforts to achieve net zero.
Ralph Palmer, electric vehicle and fleets officer at T&E UK, said: “Small, affordable electric vehicles are going to be vital to ensure that all drivers can leave behind their polluting petrol and diesel cars. And yet carmakers are still prioritising the production of vehicles that are just too big and bulky for British streets and are an increased strain on precious critical materials.”
T&E UK is calling on the government to create conditions for car companies to prioritise small electric cars, which are better for the environment, low-income households and the competitiveness of the European auto industry. It is also calling for the introduction of weight-based tax on the purchase of the heaviest new cars and for local governments to introduce parking charges for these vehicles in urban areas.