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Feb 12, 2018

Decarbonising Transport, Working with Westminster

New Parliamentary group – electric and automated vehicles

New Parliamentary group will help to raise awareness amongst MPs around benefits of electric and automated vehicles

  • All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Electric and Automated Vehicles established
  • Group demonstrates cross-party support for innovative new technologies supporting new growth post-Brexit

A new parliamentary group will increase awareness of the benefits and opportunities of electric and automated vehicles. Chaired by the Rt Hon Dame Cheryl Gillan MP (Con), the former Secretary of State for Wales, the group will raise the profile of the pace of change in the electric and automated vehicle sectors and will discuss the charge infrastructure roll out, opportunities for new high-value manufacturing, international trade, emissions reduction, and road safety improvement.

The group has been established amid reports of record electric car sales and following a host of commitments from major vehicle manufacturers the likes of Ford, VW, Jaguar Land Rover, and BMW who plan to invest billions of pounds globally into new battery and electric vehicle research and manufacturing. In January, Ford alone committed to spending USD11bn and rolling out 40 electrified vehicle offerings by 2022. Nissan intends to double sales of its new longer-range Leaf in the next year, which is assembled in Sunderland, England.

Commenting on the setup of the group, Dame Cheryl Gillan MP said:

“It is imperative that parliamentarians are aware of the rapid pace of change in the electric and automated vehicle sectors and that post-Brexit the UK is well positioned to benefit from these new technologies. Clearly at hand are new opportunities to expand our manufacturing base, create new exportable expertise, decarbonise our economy, improve safety, and increase productivity.

“We can’t let this major industrial shift pass us by while everybody is focused on EU negotiations. We will aim to keep MPs and Lords informed and help drive the agenda forwards.”

Matthew Trevaskis, Head of Electric Vehicles at the Renewable Energy Association, the APPG’s secretariat, said:

“This historic industrial shift is creating major new opportunities to decarbonise our transport sector, improve air quality, and reduce consumer bills. We are pleased to work with Dame Cheryl and Members from all parties to help drive this agenda forward in the UK.”

The groups Vice-Chairs include former coalition Government Transport Minister Baroness Kramer (LibDem), Andrew Selous MP (Con), a member of the Health Select Committee, Anna McMorrin MP (Lab), a member of the Environmental Audit Committee. Other members of the group include former energy secretary Sir Ed Davey MP (Lib Dem), Mark Pawsey MP (Con) a member of the Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Committee, and Nigel Evans MP (Con), a member of the International Trade Committee.

The next event of the APPG, on grid infrastructure, will take place in the House of Commons of the 1st of March. Interested parties can email the REA to request a place.

With further comments or questions, or to request an interview, please contact:

Daniel Brown
External Affairs Officer
Renewable Energy Association
Tel: +44 (0)20 7981 0857
Email: [email protected]

Notes to editors: