Parliamentary group to raise awareness about EVs and autonomous vehicles

A new parliamentary group is set to increase awareness of the benefits and opportunities of electric and automated vehicles amongst MPs.

Chaired by the Rt Hon Dame Cheryl Gillan MP (Con), the former Secretary of State for Wales, the group will raise the profile of the pace of change in the electric and automated vehicle sectors.

The group will discuss the charging infrastructure roll out, opportunities for new high-value manufacturing, international trade, emissions reduction, and road safety improvement.
 
The group has been established amid reports of record electric car sales and following a host of commitments from major vehicle manufacturers the likes of Ford, VW, Jaguar Land Rover, and BMW who plan to invest billions of pounds globally into new battery and electric vehicle research and manufacturing.

Commenting on the setup of the group, Cheryl Gillan MP said: “It is imperative that parliamentarians are aware of the rapid pace of change in the electric and automated vehicle sectors and that post-Brexit the UK is well positioned to benefit from these new technologies.

“Clearly at hand are new opportunities to expand our manufacturing base, create new exportable expertise, decarbonise our economy, improve safety, and increase productivity.”

The groups Vice-Chairs include former coalition Government Transport Minister Baroness Kramer (LibDem), Andrew Selous MP (Con), a member of the Health Select Committee, Anna McMorrin MP (Lab), a member of the Environmental Audit Committee.

Other members of the group include former energy secretary Sir Ed Davey (Lib Dem), Mark Pawsey MP (Con) a member of the Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy Committee, and Nigel Evans MP (Con), a member of the International Trade Committee.
 
The next event of the APPG, on grid infrastructure, will take place in the House of Commons of 1 March.

Interested parties can email the Renewable Energy Association (REA) to request a place.