Will the UK be able to attain its Electric Car ambitions

Is the UK capable of attaining its Electric Car ambitions

The transition to electric cars, and electric vans, is not just a social or ethical requirement. In the UK it is now a legal requirement that vehicle manufacturers ensure a specific percentage of their vehicles are “zero-emission” - the ZEV Mandate.

What this means is that a vehicle must not produce any tailpipe emissions, which doesn’t restrict it to just electric technology and will also include facets like hydrogen. However, at present it appears that lithium-ion batteries are the chosen route forwards in the short-medium term.

As highlighted in this publication on the UK Government website there is a big push towards 80% of new cars being zero emission by 2030. But this also includes vans too, with at least 70% of new vans needed to be zero-emission by 2030.

But the move towards this will be a gradual one, with each year increasing the obligation on the various brands. For example 22% of vehicles must be zero-emission in 2024 with this increasing to 33% in 2026 and 66% in 2029.

So the big question, amidst the conjecture and anti-EV propaganda, is how realistic is this? And how are we tracking? To help the UK understand this, the New Automotive group have put together an incredibly useful tracker to set out just how each brand is performing and where they are up to within this process.

As noted below, there are some clear indications on where each brand is up to. But do bear in mind that the 22% is based on a number of elements and that this target will adjust according to certain obligations and metrics i.e. fuel efficient ICEs.

But across the aboard, there are some heartening figures which are demonstrating just how close many are to achieving the requirements. As the New AutoMotive have noted, don’t believe everything you hear and see in the press and media about this transition. Many manufacturers are clearly well on track to meeting this.

How are Car manufacturers performing?

In an effort to maintain their obligations, and sustain customer enthusiasm, the Jeep brand is also pushing the EV agenda in the UK and worldwide. Having launched their  Jeep Avenger Electric , a small SUV, last year, the Stellantis-owned group have been somewhat cautious in their entry into the world of electric.

A brand known for large SUVs and 4x4s, with big combustion engines, the manufacturer has a reputation for practical rugged vehicles and more rural specifications.

But as we have seen with the Mercedes G Class electric, it is possible to have both the zero-emissions and the rustic feel too, especially when a group already has the technology and economies of scale to deliver on that. So when Stellantis confirmed their “first global battery-electric SUV” last week, this was not an altogether surprising development.

Launching in the USA and Canada in late 2024, this bigger BEV is set to hit the UK and Europe in 2025. A large SUV which is similar to the existing Grand Cherokee, the option will have a 100kWh battery setup for 450kW of power (or 600hp), 0-62 times of just over 3.5 seconds and 800 Nm of immediate torque.

Early indications from the brand are ranges of circa 300 miles, which for the UK in the real world may end up being closer to the 250-mile mark. And with a 0.29 coefficient of drag, the Jeep engineers are quoting “sleek aerodynamic designs” and “state of the art technology”; it will be 15% better than any combustion SUV on the market in this regard.

Based on a 400V arrangement, the charging capabilities are going to see 10% - 80% in around 26 minutes on DC. And in terms of specification, there are suggestions of some great features like the 45” worth of front screen for driver and passenger, premium heated and ventilated seats, 19-speaker sound system with a 1160 watt McIntosh audio system.

20” alloys, dual panoramic sunroof, LED lights, ambient colour lights inside and a host of safety features like - Active Driving Assist, Intersection Collision Assist, Drowsy Driver Detection, Traffic Sign Recognition and Surround View camera. Also key is the Selec-Terrain traction management system which has five distinct drive modes: Auto, Sport, Eco, Snow, Sand, for all weather and road conditions. The car will allow OTA (over-the-air) updates.

Want more information on the New Jeep Wagoneer S lease? Head to the Jeep manufacturer website and sign-up to their updates. Or just get in touch with our team on 01942 910 001 or by emailing us at [email protected]

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