"Government report warns: Electric cars may exacerbate traffic congestion"
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Telegraph
A government report warns that the rise of electric cars in the UK will lead to an increase in traffic congestion due to the reduced running costs of EVs, prompting drivers to cover more miles. The report estimates that congestion costs will reach £78 billion over the next 50 years, higher than previous predictions. Despite concerns, building more roads is not seen as a solution, as they would quickly fill up. Cutbacks in public transport projects could also contribute to increased congestion. The government's ZEV mandate, requiring a certain percentage of cars sold to be electric, aims for 80% electric vehicle sales by 2030. However, some car manufacturers have expressed concerns about meeting the targets and fear a dampened consumer interest in electric cars due to the delay in the petrol car ban.