Electric car targets under review as backlash grows

There is a growing row between the government and the car industry over electric vehicle sales targets which companies say are too high for current consumer demand.

The government has said it will launch a consultation on the targets but said it will stick to a deadline to phase-out sales of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

The move comes after Stellantis, the owner of Vauxhall, said it would close a plant in Luton – putting 1,100 jobs at risk – due in part to the EV target rules.

The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders (SMMT) industry group called for urgent government intervention to safeguard the sector.

It warned that weak demand for electric cars and the requirement to fulfil sales quotas had ” the potential for devastating impacts on business viability and jobs”.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c98dzyy850jo