OBR warns of EV sales slump following autumn statement

Rumours that the Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, would serve up EV car grants and reduce VAT at public charging stations were unfounded. That's despite the OBR forecasting that just 38 per cent of cars sold in 2027 will be EVs – a dramatic drop from the 67 per cent forecast earlier this year – and perilously close to the 37 per cent statutory EV sales quotas that year.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) has welcomed the government's pledge to invest £2 billion in zero-emission car manufacturing, which will go towards car and battery production, as well as strengthening supply chains.

But the SMMT also demanded help for consumers looking to switch to EVs.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “The UK proposition is enhanced by these measures but it is equally important that they can be accessed. The implementation of the Harrington Review on foreign direct investment must help simplify and speed up the process.

“We now look forward to the government’s advanced manufacturing plan, its battery strategy and how it will support consumers in making the switch to zero-emission motoring, as we must not only make these vehicles locally but sell them.”

The Chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, said: "The government will look to remove unnecessary planning constraints by accelerating the expansion of electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure and will consult on amending the National Planning Policy Framework to ensure the planning system prioritises the rollout of EV charge points, including EV charging hubs."

There are currently just over 50,000 public chargers in the UK, some way off the 300,000 we'll need by 2030.