Comment & Analysis
Road transport
Transport is the sector of the UK economy that contributes most to greenhouse gas emissions, with the largest sub-sector being road transport. Over the last few decades, engineering advances in areas such as aerodynamics and engine efficiency have made conventional petrol and diesel vehicles much more efficient. But at a national level, these gains have almost been cancelled out by a consumer preference for larger vehicles and an overall increase in road miles.
A switch to electric vehicles will be the main driver of emissions reductions over time. However, range anxiety has meant that motorists initially opted for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) over those that are fully electric. The real-world emissions savings of PHEVs have been shown to be much lower than those of battery electric vehicles (BEVs).
In addition to a strong push for a modal shift to get people to travel by bicycle or public transport, what is required then is a holistic approach to government policy to incentivise and persuade the public to adopt fully electrified BEVs. Although headline figures suggest rapidly rising sales of BEVs, this is driven by commercial buyers who still enjoy generous subsidies. Incentives for private buyers have largely been removed. This, combined with a perception of inadequate charging infrastructure, has stalled private BEV sales.
In our report from last year, UK Automotive Sector: Surviving the Net Zero Transition, we recommended mandated targets for charge-point deployment from central government alongside programmes for measuring what works locally, with central government learning from best practice and adjusting policy accordingly over time.
The nation’s vehicle manufacturing industry also requires support, even though there have been some positive developments recently. For example, Tata Group’s decision to invest in a new ‘gigafactory’ in Somerset to manufacture batteries for their vehicle fleets.
The switch to an electrified transport system will require new skills for mechanics. The IMechE has called for a nationwide skills and retraining plan for the auto industry to enable this transition. A whole-sector approach is needed, with an increased focus on upskilling the entire supply chain and aftermarket to enable the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
Rail
The IMechE has long called for the government to prioritise the electrification of the rail network. A stop-start approach has led to high costs and industry uncertainty. What is required is a rolling national programme for the electrification of rail, deploying an innovative and sustained approach which can create skills and careers and develop supply chains, thereby reducing costs.
There also needs to be a greater focus on long-term climate resilience in our rail and wider transport system. Adapting to climate change is an ongoing policy area for the Institution, building on our 2023 report Adapting Industry to Withstand Rising Temperatures and Future Heatwaves.
Aerospace
Commercial aeroplanes have a long service life and strict safety regulations, so decarbonising this part of the transport sector will take many decades. There are various options to replace traditional planes powered by fossil-derived jet-fuel, including electrification, hydrogen, hybrid, and sustainable aviation fuel. The reality is that there will likely be no magic bullet and a variety of solutions will be deployed depending on the size and range of the aircraft. The IMechE’s Aerospace Division is currently assessing the various options and will publish a report on their findings later in the year.
Accessible transport
Last year, the Institution commissioned a poll of the general public into attitudes towards the use of autonomous vehicles on our roads. Results suggested that most people would be uncomfortable travelling in a car with no element of human control, but there was a recognition of how such vehicles could be freeing for those who cannot drive themselves due to disability or age.
Until autonomous vehicles become the norm, the accessibility of our public transport network is not just a priority, it's an urgent necessity. In this regard, our engineering expertise is ready to contribute to this crucial task.
The transport infrastructure in the UK is comprised of a complex system of systems. Making it truly safe, sustainable, and accessible will require joined-up thinking. This is why, at the Institution, we are in the process of creating a new policy panel on our priority area ‘The Future of Transport and Mobility’ to bring to bear the wide expertise of our members to find solutions. We look forward to welcoming the new Parliament in July and working with them.