Britain’s road to zero policy aims to achieve a carbon-free economy in the next 30 years. Vehicles and power stations are obvious targets. However as Fiona Harvey of The Guardian points out. “Some of the less obvious effects could involve smart houses and smart roads, widespread changes to the countryside, and new farming practices designed to conserve soils.”
How Road to Zero Rumors Rocked the UK Hybrid Car Industry
It goes without saying that the media are as curious as ever to peer into the future of what the government is thinking. A rumor surfaced last week that many initially accepted as a genuine leak. Although the UK Government denied it strongly.
The rumor suggested, ‘New cars unable to do at least 50 miles on electric power may be banned by 2040”. This would hit the UK’s best-selling hybrid, Toyota’s Prius hard, with only 30 miles electric driving range per the BBC’s Russel Hotten. Some media claimed the leak came directly from the government’s new road to zero car emissions strategy. This is due for release shortly.
How Seriously Can We Take Government Denials
Government spokespersons in the UK can lose their jobs if they are economical with the truth. Thus, interpretation is often a matter of what they do not say.
The BBC’s Russel Hotten quotes a Department of Transport spokesperson saying. “It is categorically untrue that government is planning to ban the sale of hybrid cars in the UK by 2040.”
The spokesperson added, “The Road to Zero Strategy is yet to be finalized and has not been agreed by ministers.” This government statement does not however categorically deny the rumor that hybrid cars will become illegal at some time in future. The UK has a declared policy banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2040. The document does not exempt hybrids as it stands. A carbon free economy in 30 years remains the target.
Related
Energy Efficiency: Hybrid Cars
Why We Need Hybrid Energy for Now
Preview Image: Hyundai Avante Hybrid
