Paul Hollick, Chair, Association of Fleet Professionals, said:
The announcements made at COP26 about zero emissions cars and vans should be greeted both with enthusiasm and a degree of caution. The aspirations on a global, national and localised fleet basis are to be applauded and mark the almost certain end of the combustion engine in new vehicles on a global basis within a couple of decades.
However, aspirations are simply that, and the proof of their sincerity lies in the support that will be provided by governments to manufacturers, fleets and motorists to help them make this transition. Certainly, we would like to see a roadmap produced as soon as possible to find out how the government plans to assist those UK fleets who have this week committed to become net zero by 2030. This is a target that is certainly achievable but only with the right investment in everything from vehicle production to charging infrastructure.
The Conference declared that it would work towards all sales of new cars and vans being zero emission globally by 2040, and by no later than 2035 in leading markets.
The UK is already committed to phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030; and to introduce zero emission vehicles only from 2035.