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Electric car company Tesla urged the UK government to increase petrol car drivers’ taxes to boost its prospects, despite criticisms of the government by company CEO Elon Musk on social media. Tesla called for the expansion of a zero-emission mandate that aims to increase EV sales, extending it to lorries. Tesla European boss, Joe Ward, wrote that the higher prices paid by those buying petrol and diesel cars could fund subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs). The letter, released under a Freedom of Information request, also congratulated the Labour Party on “decarbonisation of the energy system by 2030”.
Concern has been expressed in the UK at the low uptake of EVs, although supporters of the technology have argued that this is due in large part to insufficient political and industrial support. UK automakers have argued against diluting the ZEV mandate, claiming that customers are not buying enough EVs. In contrast, Tesla urged that the mandate be “protected and strengthened” to cope with increased sales and demand.
The government is currently reviewing the ZEV mandate. Carmakers are required to sell a certain number of EVs annually under its provisions. Companies that fall short of the subsequent targets can purchase credits from rivals that have exceeded their quotas. Tesla is likely to benefit from the introduction of such a mandate, as it can sell surplus credits imported from China.
Tesla has also been pressing the UK government for the country to adopt a leadership position in the development of autonomous vehicles. The company has offered a demonstration of its technologies in this area. Musk, meanwhile, has been characteristically vocal on social media, voicing fears of “civil war” and criticising Keir Starmer, the leader of the country’s opposition Labour Party
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