Andy Hamilton, CEO at LKQ Euro Car Parts, reacted to the Government’s delay of the ICE ban to 2035. He said:

“There’s palpable anger in the automotive industry at the Government’s decision to push back the ICE ban to 2035. If not for its diluting of key climate change policy, then for how it could damage investment appetite in the UK.

“But in the last year, the elephant in the room has been the question of whether the UK will be ready by 2030. Some of the biggest critics among vehicle manufacturers to yesterday’s news had also been loud voices on the uphill battle 2030 represented.

“There continues to be a massive shortfall in charging point infrastructure, with millions of people in towns and cities without a driveway for which to charge. The same goes for businesses with large fleet or logistics operations. EVs also remain expensive for most consumers too, despite prices moving in the right direction with a growing second-hand market. 

“Some independent garages have struggled to grapple with the cost of retooling and upskilling staff to provide a full service for EV motorists. Yesterday’s announcement could provide light relief, giving garages more time to raise the necessary capital to effectively invest in the transition. 

“But investing sooner rather than later will still be important for garages to retain customers making the switch to a plug-in. Government support will be important for this journey, as will garages’ communication with new and existing customers about their EV capabilities.

“Whether the date is 2030 or 2035 may be beside the point. What we’ve lacked over the last few years is the strategic vision by Government to deliver on a challenge like the ICE ban. Without this direction, then 2035 risks representing a new arbitrary deadline.”