Government's new electric vehicle deadline could impact motorhomes and caravans

The motorhome and caravan industry body, the National Caravan Council (NCC), has warned that the deadline announced by the Westminster Government that will ban the sale of new diesel and petrol-powered vehicles in 2030 could lead to a lack of affordable motorhomes, as well as a lack of tow cars for caravanners.

It has called for Government funding for manufacturers to develop lighter vehicle chassis on which to build motorhomes and campervans, and grants to be made available for recharging facilities at campsites and in rural areas.

The NCC said it is extremely concerned by the announcement, which means the ban on the sale of new diesel and petrol vehicles is less than 10 years away, and that the sale of new vehicles with hybrid powertrains will only be allowed until 2035.

“To achieve an affordable range of tow cars capable of pulling a family-sized caravan, and an efficient all-electric engine suitable for motorhomes weighing 3,500kg (or more) in these timescales remain huge technical challenges,” it said.

It warned that leisure vehicle users may be more unlikely to replace older vehicles, leaving less environmentally friendly vehicles on the road longer. It added that it fears some current leisure vehicle users may abandon the hobby and instead choose to fly long haul or to cruise – both types of holiday create more emissions than a typical touring holiday in the UK.

An adverse impact on leisure vehicle manufacturing

In addition, there could be an adverse impact on leisure vehicle manufacturing. Motorhome manufacturers and campervan converters are reliant on automotive manufacturers to produce the base vehicles on which to build their leisure vehicles.

The NCC fears the timescale left for automotive manufacturers to move away from diesel and petrol could mean they are unlikely to prioritise motorhomes over vans and other vehicles.

The NCC said it supports moves towards a zero-emissions future, but warned that there are “many barriers” in the way of achieving this and, arguably, far more obstacles for motorhomes and tow cars than for other vehicle types.

“The development of electric motorhomes and tow cars may on the surface seem a niche market. However, it is a very valuable market in terms of the UK’s tourism offering and one that we would like to see Government supporting by confirming that funding will be made available for manufacturers to develop a series of lighter vehicle chassis on which to build motorhomes and campervans,” said NCC Director General, John Lally.

“Grants will be needed to install the infrastructure necessary, for example on holiday parks in rural areas, to enable multiple fast-charging points for holidaymakers.

“We therefore need to know how government plans to fulfil its ambitions in a realisable way, while safeguarding industry and jobs in manufacturing, supply and tourism.”