When it comes to zero emissions, the UK has ambitious climate goals that are centred around reaching net-zero by 2050. While that might sound like a long time off, those changes are already coming into effect. Milestone goals are in place well before the 2050 deadline. Whether that’s changes to make transport more environmentally friendly, or implementing zero-emission rules, there are goals, enshrined in law, that you need to be aware of.
We’re taking a closer look at the rules and how they might impact you.
The UK’s Zero Emission Rules
With the goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, the UK government has several rules in place to help achieve its target.
1. The Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate
One of the main ways to cut emissions is to change how we travel and the vehicles we use. Since January 2024, car and vehicle manufacturers have needed to start selling an increasing number of zero-emission vehicles. The amount is only going to increase over time:
- By 2030: 80% of new cars and 70% of new vans must be zero-emission
- By 2035: 100% of new cars and vans must be zero-emission
This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to buy a petrol or diesel car. You can still buy them second-hand, but by 2035, you’ll only be able to buy new zero-emission vehicles.
2. Clean Air and Ultra Low Emission Zones
Cities are introducing zones where high-polluting vehicles pay an extra charge or, in some cases, aren’t allowed to drive in certain areas.
There are Clean Air and Ultra Low Emission Zones cropping up across the country.
You can find out more about these zones and what they mean for you as a driver in our blog.
What does reaching net zero look like?
Hitting that goal is going to take a combined effort from government, industry and the public.
The rules that tackle emissions and transport play a huge part, but to help those rules take effect and have the impact they need to, there’s more work to be done.
- More infrastructure
One of the biggest barriers to EV uptake is a lack of chargers. The more chargers that get installed around the UK the easier it is for people to confidently make the switch to EV. Eliminating range anxiety by creating a wider charging infrastructure is a must.
- Supporting ZEV Mandate Goals
With more people switching to EVs, reliable charging is going to be really important. We use clever tech to protect and monitor our chargers so they’re available and active more often. This lets people drive, park, and recharge more confidently.
- Making the Switch Easy for Drivers
There are a bunch of driving habits that change when you switch to EV, which takes some adjustment. But you also need to decide when making the switch to EV is right for you.
Embracing change
The rules in the UK are changing, change takes time, but we’re seeing a shift towards greener ways of travelling.
Whether that’s the electrification of public transport, clean air zones, or people opting to think more sustainably about travel.
Adapting is important, especially as car parks are going to evolve to incorporate more of the solutions the nation needs to be greener. Getting on board with those rules now means more progress and a greener future, sooner.
