Paul Willcox, Managing Director, Vauxhall, commented:

'Vauxhall recently welcomed the government's announcement to implement a zero emission vehicle mandate as it would provide clarity to the UK motor industry and we want to encourage EV adoption in the UK.

Today's changes provide a confusing message to UK consumers and will harm EV adoption at a time when we need to be doing all we possibly can if we are to stand a chance to move the UK to electrified only vehicles by 2030.

Whilst we understand the government's desire to phase out the plug-in vehicle grant at some point, we really need to see a more strategic, longer-term approach. A lack of clarity and certainty for customers can only harm EV adoption and leave the UK lagging behind other countries in the race to decarbonise personal transport.

Whilst electric vehicle adoption is growing rapidly at the moment, EVs still represent a small percentage of the overall UK vehicle parc. In our view, further work is needed on other fiscal incentives, such as considering a reduction in VAT for EV, and also aiming that support at those that financially need it to make the move to EV.'

Vauxhall has committed to only selling fully electric new cars and vans from 2028 – seven years ahead of the government's deadline of 2035.

Ahead of then, by 2024, Vauxhall will offer electrified versions (i.e. Plug-in Hybrid or Battery Electric) of every car and van model in its range.

Vauxhall already offers a range of affordable electric cars.

Vauxhall is the UK's leading electric van manufacturer and is one of the only manufacturers to already offer an electric version of every van model in its range.

Vauxhall recently announced its commitment to manufacture a compact electric van at its Ellesmere Port plant from 2022.

Vauxhall is the only mainstream van manufacturer to produce vehicles in the UK and has been doing so for 90 years. Vauxhall was formed in 1903 and is the UK's longest established vehicle manufacturer.