Tesla pushes UK to make gas cars cost more

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Tesla lobbied UK lawmakers to implement stricter carbon emission regulations for vehicles, particularly pushing for enhanced zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandates for cars and heavy goods vehicles, according to recently revealed documents.

In correspondence with Labour roads minister Lilian Greenwood, obtained through freedom of information laws by Fast Charge newsletter, Tesla expressed strong support for vehicle decarbonization initiatives.

BREAKING: Yet another major Oil and Gas company partnering with Tesla.

This time it's EG Group who has announced that they will roll out Tesla’s superchargers across Europe.

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Plan is to expand from 600 chargers currently to over 20,000 across 3600 locations.

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— Herbert Ong (@herbertong) November 13, 2023

“We applaud the Labour party’s strong position to decarbonisation of the energy system by 2030, growth and net zero,” wrote a Tesla vice-president in July.

This lobbying effort comes amid declining electric vehicle adoption in Britain’s automotive market. Recently, the UK government announced plans to relax ZEV mandate requirements following protests from major manufacturers like Ford, JLR, and Stellantis, who cited business concerns.

Tesla countered this trend, advocating for stronger ZEV requirements, suggesting accelerated new electric vehicle sales would boost the used EV market. The company emphasized urgent action on truck emissions, stating: “Government should begin consulting on a ZEV mandate for HGVs, as soon as possible.”

UPDATE: Elon Musk has pledged to seriously consider the UK for a Tesla gigafactory as the carmaker ramps up production across the world. Speaking at an event last night, Musk said he would “strongly consider England” as a future gigafactory location. #UKmfg pic.twitter.com/dLJ1o4nC5b

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“The UK is now falling behind” the EU’s emission regulations for trucks, Tesla noted, referencing Europe’s requirements for 45% emissions reduction by 2030 and 90% by 2040 compared to 2019 levels.

A ZEV mandate for trucks could potentially create a profitable market for Tesla through emissions credits sold to competitors. The company’s stance aligns with CEO Elon Musk’s belief that carbon emissions require taxation as an “unpriced externality,” leading Tesla to consistently advocate for increased taxes on conventional fuel vehicles.