Electric vehicles will need subsidies to regain their spark

THE reversal away from fantastical climate targets is under way – and could require the use of combustion engines.

There is no glee in noting that but rather weariness at another example of bold goals being set, and insufficient support for consumers in making the switch to greener alternatives.

The need for change is compelling, but the means by which it can be achieved is much less straightforward.

This is a knotty reality that eludes far too many still wedded to hectoring as the preferred way of getting people to make the adjustments necessary in response to the climate emergency.

A report from the European Court of Auditors has said the price of electric vehicles may have to halve if they are to become widely used. This tallies with anecdotal reports of a significant drop-off in demand; anyone who has bought a car in recent months will have had conversations about electric options, but dealers have a catalogue of stories about drastic depreciation and uncertainty in the embryonic second-hand market.

Designs on imposing a ban on combustion engines by 2035 looked improbable but in light of this recent report, they look doomed.

A particular problem highlighted was the failure to ensure battery supply, which deepens dependence on the Chinese market, and all that entails.

It’s not a question of governments writing cheques for people to buy cars, but the use of meaningful subsidies is vital – a point our administration might consider, given its move away from these supports in favour of infrastructure funding.