Ford UK Head Once Again Calls On Government To Boost EV Sales

With its EV sales proving to be softer than expected at the moment in Europe and the UK, Ford has called for more robust government incentives for electric vehicles on multiple occasions. The company’s vice chair, John Lawler, actually wrote a letter to the German government late last year that effectively served as a call to action in that regard, and shortly thereafter, Ford UK managing director Lisa Brankin did the same in that country. Now, Brankin is once again urging officials to consider providing consumers and automakers with the financial support she thinks is needed to ramp up EV sales, in general.

While speaking at the recent Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) Electrified conference in London, the Ford UK boss stressed what she called the “urgent need” for the government to boost EV demand and elevate pressure on automakers to shoulder the economic burden of achieving net-zero emissions. Previously, Brankin called for the UK government to cut its added tax on EVs in half, and asked for the Vehicle Emissions Trading Scheme (VETS) to relax some of its proposals set to begin this year, including fines it plans to levy for non-compliance in terms of reaching a 22 percent EV sales mix.

Brakin has stated on numerous occasions that Ford has invested billions in EV development, and yet, the UK hasn’t really stepped up to the plate to support those efforts, at least, financially speaking. The Ford UK head also noted that more support is needed for commercial EVs in terms of charging infrastructure. Regardless, Brankin was also adamant that she believes EVs are the future, and reiterated Ford’s ongoing support for that transition.

UK officials recently stated that they would be reviewing current legislation given Ford’s input, but it also remains committed to staying the course in terms of its zero-emissions ambitions. In the meantime, Ford is infusing $5 billion in its German-based unit as it continues to struggle in the EV and passenger car space, though the Ford Pro commercial fleet business is burgeoning.