The UK’s departure from the European Union could spark a shortage of electric vehicles as manufacturers send all EVs to the continent to meet stricter emissions regulations.

A study by Transport & Environment has found that unless the UK adjusts its legislation to meet EU emissions levels then the country could see a 20 per cent drop in the availability of electric vehicles.

The government has already had a consultation period over the summer on CO2 emissions and the results are currently being analysed. However if the regulations are not passed through parliament by the end of October they won’t be in force by January 1st - the date the UK leaves the European Union.

Greg Archer, UK director of Transport & Environment, said: “Electric car sales are booming thanks to emissions standards. Next year, one in every seven cars sold in Europe will be a plug-in. European manufacturers have EVs to sell, but from January they’ll have no incentive to sell them in the UK unless the government requires them to do so.

“The electric car is becoming mainstream but we risk turning off the tap in Britain. Car makers will prioritise EV sales in markets where laws and tax breaks encourage them most, but the UK’s proposed standards are too weak and maybe too late. Government needs to quickly introduce regulations equivalent to the EU’s in 2021, or demand for electric cars will outstrip available supply and drivers will be left with long waits to secure their new electric car which will be more expensive.”

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