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The UK Government's commitment to EVs should not come at the expense of exploring other potential low-carbon fuel sources, such as biofuels and synthetic fuels, according to a new report.
The House of Commons Transport Committee has published the Fuelling the Future report, which includes recommendations for many different modes of transport.
Regarding cars, it argues that enabling greater access to alternative fuels could provide a more socially equitable option for drivers, rather than necessitating purchases of electric vehicles and charging infrastructure.
The report also states that greater investment in sustainable fuels could mitigate risks of EV battery production or grid capacity being insufficient, and would cater for ICE vehicles that will remain on the road past the point at which sales of new ICE cars are banned.
The report states: "The key benefit of [biofuels and synthetic fuels] is their 'drop-in' capabilities, meaning they are usable in existing vehicles. They can be engineered over time to improve efficiency and reduce particulates and other emissions, while taking advantage of ever-more efficient engine technology.
"They can also be blended with fossil fuels until production ramps up sufficiently to replace them."
According to the report, the current legislative framework fails to capture the benefits of these fuels by focusing only on tailpipe emissions and not accounting for carbon savings elsewhere in the lifecycle.
It states: "In contradiction to its stated policy of technology neutrality, the government is currently succumbing to groupthink and putting all its eggs in one basket: battery EVs.
"Not everyone will be able to afford to replace their current car with an EV, nor will everyone easily be able to charge one at home.
"There are questions over the adequacy of infrastructure and the use of raw materials to produce the necessary batteries. An exclusive focus on battery electric vehicles risks failing to meet the UK's climate goals."
The report states that direction, guidance and regulation from the Department for Transport in respect of sustainable fuels is urgently required, and that a mechanism is needed to recognise the carbon savings associated with sustainable fuels which would incentivise investment and drive down costs, allowing automotive companies to provide the solution by applying the right mix of technologies.
The report states that, particularly in rural and isolated locations, drivers should not be expected to give up using diesel, petrol, or hybrid cars, as over time they will account for a negligible proportion of the population's transport emissions.
Instead, it states that the government should use some of its Rapid Charging Fund to bolster grid capacity, in order to facilitate wider use of EV charge points in isolated areas.
The report states: "The cost of introducing EV charging infrastructure is completely unrealistic and will require massive amounts of taxpayers' money through government subsidy for electricity generation, infrastructure provision and storage, and basic raw materials for battery production in order to be anywhere near acceptable as an alternative to ICE or hybrid personal vehicles."
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