EZ-Charge urges government to hold fast on low-carbon policies

Published by

Tom Kilkelly

Credit: EZ-Charge

Bicester-based EZ-Charge, the manufacturer behind one of Oxfordshire’s largest public EV charging networks, has urged the government to not budge on its commitment to low-carbon policies.

The Bicester firm described Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's intention to delay the ban on new petrol and diesel car sales by five years as “a disaster for climate change”.

It was today announced by the Prime Minister that the ban would move from 2030 to 2035 with his reasoning being that the ban would ''impose more costs on working people''.

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EZ-Charge designed manufactured, installed and manages one of the UK’s largest regional public charging networks, Park & Charge Oxfordshire, with 250 chargers across 20 sites in the county.

Phil Shadbolt OBE, Founder and CEO of EZ-Charge said: “The announcement is hugely disappointing, irresponsible and creates uncertainty at a time when the country needs clarity.

“Policies set in sand is not what the industry needs, we need a strong, committed government that supports the sector to deliver vital solutions.

“The UK was leading on tackling climate change with robust, achievable policies and we were on track to make the transition. Motorists were on-board with the change, but this backward step will make it harder to meet our legally binding emissions targets.

“Billions of pounds have been invested in the sector to provide the market with exceptional EVs and charging infrastructure. EV prices are increasingly affordable and the technology is ready to roll out in greater volume.

“We cannot afford to play politics with the climate crisis, this summer we have witnessed catastrophic global climate disasters. Delaying the date will not help the climate emergency, nor will it benefit motorists and the industry financially.''

Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022. During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan). His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.