The Net Zero Change by the UK Government - what has changed

What has changed with the Net Zero move by the UK Government

Last week (20 September 2023) was a big week for the world of “Net Zero”; not just for electric cars and vans but for the world of Green initiatives like transport, homes, recycling and carbon reduction. But for us EV experts, we were watching with a detailed intrigue,  as the UK’s Governmental targets for the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars was originally planned for 2030.

As you can read in the recent UK Government publication , Rishi Sunak and the Government confirmed that the rumoured amendments and changes to the original plans were indeed true. And several key points were raised:

• UK’s emission strategy will be more pragmatic and realistic according to global targets;
•  Plans to be adjusted in-line with the cost of living pressures on working class;
•  Proposal to increase recycling bins or taxes on meat industry not to happen;
•  Proposals to force landlords to increase property efficiencies to be scrapped;
•  Fossil fuel boilers not to be banned yet and more grant increases to upgrade those homes which need non-fossil fuel boilers; and
•  The Ban on petrol and diesel to be moved to 2035.  

The Government’s rationale is that a more proportionate approach needs to be adopted as part of meeting the 2050 Net Zero global plans, with the feeling that increasing costs on the standard of living in the UK would put pressure on the UK attaining the transport goal by 2030. Indeed, the Government suggest that “falling prices” on EVs will allow more budget-led customers to enjoy this tech.

But will this lead to a lessening of electric car, and van, options to lease?

The knee jerk reaction would be for us to say that this will be giving mixed-messages to customers, and therefore manufacturers, in that we essentially have an extended timeframe to move into all-electric cars. Moreover, it would suggest that even the UK Government isn’t confident that this will be achieved by the car manufacturers or charge point operators, which is why many EV campaigners have been so outspoken about this new extension.

But, as reported in the BBC on Friday, there is still a financial pressure on car manufacturers to produce zero-emission technology. Even though there is an extension on combustion, the original financial penalties will stay in place according to Rishi Sunak. As at January 2024, in accordance with the ZEV mandate , there will be a threshold of 22% placed on the car manufacturers, so that at least 22% of their new cars being sold must be zero-emission (0g/km).

By 2030, the UK expects that 80% of cars being sold in the UK will be zero-emission. If the targets are not met, there are fines in the region of £15,000 per vehicle for any non-qualifying vehicle allocation. However, credits can be purchased from other manufacturers to help offset this burden.

The extension of the ban brings the UK in line with the rest of the European Union, which also has the 2035 imposed deadline. But as our Zap Map partners have dutifully reported there is concern from a wide variety of stakeholders in the electric transport market, particularly those companies who are forward investing so that the UK economy is ready to be all-electric.

This isn’t just about cars and vans but also includes charge points at home, work or in the public domain. It can also mean servicing garages, motor insurance, used-car dealers and car rental. There is a huge ECOsystem to make this transition take place and many have done this without any return on their investment or efforts. But as Zap Map recognised, the UK is growing and improving at a healthy rate, with nearly 50,000 public charge points and an array of great vehicles to choose from (and great companies to buy or lease them from).

Despite what is potentially upsetting news, there is much progress to be celebrated and the UK’s ambitions still look a reality notwithstanding our Government’s more unsteady approach.

Will this impact amazing new EV initiatives like the BYD ATTO 3?

And thankfully the electric car manufacturers are not relenting in their enthusiasm for the UK’s EV market; buying or leasing there are an array of dealerships and leasing brokers who can assist. The BYD, Build Your Dreams, car company is one of the world’s leading battery and automotive strategists.

While a new option to the UK market, in the global sense they are a considerable player. As at September 2023, some three options are available - 1) the Seal (a luxury saloon); 2) the Dolphin (a small hatchback); and 3) ATTO 3 (SUV). The first derivative to the UK was the ATTO 3, a cost-effective SUV option which competes with the MG ZS EV, Smart #3, Renault Megane E-Tech and VW ID.3.

The ATTO 3 EV has a 60.5 kWh usable battery which allows for 175 miles of colder weather driving and 235 miles in warmer climates on a full charge. With 150 kW (or 201hp), this BYD gets to 62mph in a timely 7.3 seconds and can achieve 99mph as a top speed.

The 11 kW AC charging capability allows for 6 hour and 30 mins 0 - 100% charging times with the 89 kW DC rapid charging capability allowing for 37 minute 10 - 80% charging sessions. Based on a dedicated EV platform, the E-Platform 3.0, this SUV allows for bidirectional charging with the 3.3 kW AC available on the exterior outlet. This has a fuel equivalent of 137 mpg; charging this at home will cost around £20 for a full charge too.

In terms of the car shown, the BYD ATTO 3 HATCHBACK150kW Design 60kWh 5dr Auto, this is based on the following configuration:

•  Metallic - Climbing grey
•  Vegan leather - Dark blue and white with red piping
• 18"" alloy wheels 

When you are ready to order your new ATTO 3 SUV lease, just head over to our dedicated section on the e-car lease website and let our expert team guide you through the EV journey. Unlike other car dealers and brokers, we are a dedicated EV specialist which means you, or the business, will receive leading service and advice on your purchase. And to ensure the ATTO 3 is perfect for you, our EVC™, the Electric Vehicle Certificate, will provide you with all the key facets.