Fuelling Britain’s future

We have undertaken research to assess the economic impact of decarbonising cars and vans in the UK. The project was commissioned by the European Climate Foundation and was informed by a core working group of experts in the motor vehicles industry as well as other interested stakeholders. The report “Fuelling Britain’s Future” considers the economic impact of a series of forward looking scenarios that encompass alternative visions of Europe’s future vehicle fleet.

A ten-page summary of the report is available to download as a PDF here.

The full technical report can also be downloaded as a PDF here.

Commenting on the report Edmund King, President of the Automobile Association (AA), said: The cost of motoring is still the number one concern for motorists so the fact that low carbon vehicles are driving down costs is great news both for drivers and for Britain’s economy.

Jerry Hardcastle OBE, Global Chief Marketability Engineer at Nissan, said: The report clearly demonstrates how battery electric vehicles will continue to positively contribute to the UK economy. Beyond the jobs that we have created in Sunderland around the production of the Nissan LEAF electric car there will further developments in the products and services that support zero emissions mobility. Over time it is becoming clear that each battery EV is an investment in public health as it will also enable the necessary air quality improvements in urban environments

Darren Lindsey, Head of Government and Public Affairs UK and Ireland at Michelin, said: It can no longer come as a surprise to anyone that reducing emissions delivers commercial benefits to industry as well as benefits to the environment and consumers. To maximise those benefits, however, international policymakers have to create a consistent and robust regulatory framework.

Andy Eastlake, Managing Director at the LowCVP (Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership), said: This forward-looking report from Cambridge Econometrics builds on the findings of the LowCVP’s retrospective report, published last year. This shows how, with consistently applied policy focused on cutting emissions, we can continue to provide benefits for motorists, for the industry and, ultimately, for the UK economy and our environment – a truly winning combination.

Alfons Westgeest Executive Director at EUROBAT (the Association of European Automotive and Industrial Battery Manufacturers), said: We are pleased to see the positive effects for the British economy resulting from a gradual transition to low-carbon vehicles. All battery technologies are at the core of the fleet improvement and will contribute to improving performance and lowering fuel consumption and emissions of conventional, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and full electric vehicles.

Hartwig Meier, Head of Global Product and Application Development at specialty chemicals company, LANXESS, said: No matter the powertrain, lighter is always better. Innovative fibre-reinforced plastics have become a key technology for low carbon and electric vehicles – we expect the market to grow by 8% annually.

To discuss this, or related research, please contact Jon Stenning.