Institution responds to new measures to support plug-in vehicles

The Institution's Philippa Oldham says the announcement is an important step but to meet our targets we must not just focus on tailpipe emissions but look at the entire vehicles lifecycle.

Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport at the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, said in response to today’s announcement by the UK Government of new measures to support the uptake of plug-in vehicles:

“Today’s news is an important step to upgrading the UK’s plug-in infrastructure.

“Electric cars have a crucial role to play in cutting the country’s greenhouse gas emissions and reducing our dependence on foreign oil.

“However, to meet our targets we must not just focus on tailpipe emissions but look at the entire vehicles lifecycle.

“Both vehicle manufacturers and consumers must receive recognition for developing and purchasing other ultra low carbon vehicles which reduce emissions through being more lightweight and engine downsizing.

“Government must make sure that they support alternative technologies that will help deliver the uptake of ultra low carbon vehicles.”