Petrol and diesel drivers urged to decide the future of fuels despite electric vehicle switch
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Drivers are being urged to make their feelings clear on the future of fuel changes as the Government looks to slash emissions from vehicles and transport.
The Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation (RTFO) is the main policy from the Government to encourage the use of low-carbon fuels in road vehicles, non-road mobile machinery and other surface transport modes.
In 2022, the use of low-carbon fuels supported under the RTFO achieved greenhouse gas savings of more than seven million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent by replacing fossil fuels.
However, a new call for evidence launched by the Government earlier today will look at future RTFO targets, how low carbon fuels are rewarded under the RTFO, the development of fuel sub-targets and the administration of the RTFO.
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Drivers are being urged to give their feedback before the call for evidence closes at the end of January
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The call for evidence notes how the Government's Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate is helping motorists across the UK switch to electric vehicles with more vehicles on the market.
Under current plans, manufacturers will be required to have 22 per cent of total sales come from zero emission vehicles by the end of the year.
If they fail to meet these targets, they could be slapped with fines worth £15,000 per polluting vehicle over the target. However, very few fines will be handed out since manufacturers are able to trade credits with other brands.
Further targets include 28 per cent by the end of 2025, 80 per cent by the end of the decade and the ultimate target of 100 per cent by 2035.
While this is leading the charge to get more zero emission vehicles on the road, the RTFO call for evidence notes that there will continue to be millions of fossil fuel-powered cars on the road for years to come.
Liquid fuels will still be needed for conventional vehicles over the coming years. Carbon emissions from these vehicles can be reduced through the use of alternative fuels.
These include biofuels like biodiesel and bioethanol, as well as novel low-carbon fuels like hydrogen and synthetic alternatives to petrol and diesel and e-fuels.
As part of the Climate Change Act 2008, the UK must reach targets to achieve the goal of having net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with transport playing a large part in lowering emissions.
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The call for evidence questions whether the current RTFO obligation targets are set at the right level, with specific regard to the current trajectory between now and 2032.
From 2032, the scheme will "technically operate in perpetuity" with targets remaining flat. The targets were set three years ago to give the industry a decade of certainty for investment.
Other questions include whether the RTFO obligation should be amended to cover all transport modes and fuel types.
Any and all changes to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation made following the call for evidence will be subject to further consultation.
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The call for evidence noted how the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate was helping to curb emissions
PAThe call for evidence will run until 11.59pm on January 27, 2025, with drivers urged to get their responses in before this date.
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