- Tevva delivers important messages at COP 28, challenging global leaders to step up their game in the zero-emission vehicle revolution.
- The company makes no apologies for calling out the government – loud and clear – that it’s time for the support needed to take things to the next level.
- Tevva demands a reality check for the UK government, exposing the gap in incentives and charging infrastructure compared to Europe.
Tevva’s bold messages challenge global leaders at COP 28 to accelerate the zero-emission vehicle shift
COP 28 kicked off last week, and Tevva was front and centre during one of the premier speaker briefings, ‘Accelerating the Transition Through Road Transport.’ The Tilbury-based trailblazer didn’t hesitate to seize the spotlight alongside heads of state and high-profile CEOs, injecting a gritty dose of reality into the mix. Tevva boldly asserted its position on the crucial role of collaboration in propelling the widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles.
Tevva hasn’t been immune to the challenges of this year. Like numerous players in the EV space, they’ve faced hurdles akin to those haunting startups on the road to mass production. In a stark reality check, they referenced Volta Trucks who unfortunately found themselves filing for bankruptcy in October due to supply chain issues – though, there is now a glimmer of hope on their horizon. Across the pond, other North American startups find themselves navigating treacherous waters, burning through cash reserves as they wrestle with the daunting task of ramping up production in the face of dwindling funding options.
The road to widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles is long and winding, and Tevva has called for reinforcements to navigate it successfully.
It’s a plea for support, a call for scaling up operations, and a demand for a clear path towards realizing the ambitious goals of a net-zero future. Tevva boldly asserted that additional government action is imperative, a crucial catalyst to expedite the UK’s journey to net zero, benefiting not only the environment but also the economy and the people of Britain.
The UK offers poor financial incentives for truck adoption compared to European counterparts. Tevva, as a manufacturer, can offer a maximum discount of £16,000 for its 7.5-tonne electric trucks. In stark contrast, countries like Germany cover 80% of the price difference between diesel and electric trucks, and the Netherlands offers a 45% subsidy. The UK’s offering falls short, potentially leaving a gap of £50,000-£90,000 per truck. Tevva has called for a reevaluation, urging the UK to step up its game in incentivising the transition.
The UK also falls significantly behind mainland Europe in terms of available charging infrastructure. A stark example is Germany, where they are currently constructing Europe’s inaugural public charging corridor dedicated to electric trucks along crucial logistics routes. In contrast, navigating the UK, you’d be hard-pressed to locate a single dedicated electric truck charging facility along delivery routes.
The success of the Zero Emission HGV and Infrastructure Demonstration program, along with other related schemes, is absolutely pivotal. Electrifying trucks was never going to be easy, but it’s now an inevitable reality. The technology has matured to a point where electric trucks are a feasible option for numerous fleet operators. However, the UK’s current targets lack the necessary support through enabling actions, incentives, and risk reduction measures. We must swiftly implement the required policies to facilitate the journey to net zero. Time is of the essence, and we need concrete actions for a successful transition.
