Transport Committee launches inquiry into the UK’s EV transition
MPs on the House of Commons Transport Committee have launched a new inquiry into how the UK’s transition to electric vehicles is progressing — and whether current policy is delivering the outcomes it promises.
The inquiry comes at a moment when EV adoption is accelerating, but debate around infrastructure, affordability and long-term planning has become increasingly vocal.
What is the inquiry looking at?
The Committee has set out a broad scope. It will examine whether government policy is effectively supporting the shift away from petrol and diesel, and whether key barriers are being addressed quickly enough.
Areas under scrutiny include:
- The availability and reliability of public charging infrastructure
- How EV costs compare with petrol and diesel vehicles in real-world use
- Whether incentives and regulation are aligned with long-term targets
- The impact of the transition on different regions and communities
Why this inquiry is happening now
The timing reflects a shift in the EV conversation. Early policy focused on encouraging adoption through grants, exemptions and targets. As EVs move into the mainstream, attention is turning to whether the system around them is robust enough to scale.
Recent concerns raised by local authorities, consumer groups and industry bodies suggest that progress is uneven — with some areas adapting quickly, and others lagging behind.
Infrastructure, affordability and trust
Public charging has become a focal point, not just in terms of numbers but reliability. For many drivers, the question is no longer “are chargers being installed?” but “can I rely on them when I need to?”
At the same time, rising vehicle prices and changes to taxation have sharpened debate around affordability — particularly for households without access to home charging.
What an inquiry can — and can’t — do
Parliamentary inquiries do not set policy directly. Instead, they gather evidence, question ministers and publish recommendations.
Those recommendations can influence future decisions, but they are not binding. Previous inquiries into transport policy have led to changes in funding priorities and regulatory detail, but often over long timescales.
What happens next?
The Committee will take written evidence from stakeholders before holding oral evidence sessions in Parliament. A final report is expected in 2026.
The outcome is likely to shape how the next phase of the EV transition is discussed — particularly as the UK moves closer to key milestones later in the decade.