The UK Government and devolved administrations have today launched a consultation on plans for a zero emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
This will shape the supply of electric vehicles across the UK as part of an updated net zero strategy.
Department for Transport proposals include an additional credit for car clubs to improve access to electric vehicles.
The move follows representations from Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), the national shared transport charity.
Road transport remains the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, with the use of privately-owned cars the main driving force.
Recent research by CoMoUK found that around 12 per cent of UK car club vehicles are electric.
This compares to only 1.5 per cent of privately owned cars across the UK.
There are currently just under 6,000 car club vehicles in the UK and 800,000 members.
It is estimated that around 20 private cars have been removed from the road by each car club vehicle.
Commenting, Richard Dilks, chief executive of the national shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), said:
“CoMoUK is delighted that the UK, Scottish, Welsh and Northern Ireland governments have taken on board our case as to why car clubs need a strong supply of EVs.
“This consultation recognises that car clubs cut congestion, reduce the number of cars, and provide much wider access to EVs than solely relying on people owning them.
“It also makes welcome use of CoMoUK’s unique research and correctly states that while the UK has taken huge strides on car clubs in recent years we still lag behind comparable countries such as Germany and the Netherlands.
“We also welcome the intention for the eligibility criteria for this scheme to match CoMoUK’s car club accreditation standard as closely as possible.
“We look forward to engaging with all interested parties as this consultation progresses.”
