An expert has told GB News that the Government’s new £3,750 electric car incentive could lead to a host of road safety issues with more EVs on the road.
Earlier this week, Labour announced the introduction of the new Electric Car Grant (ECG) as part of a £650million boost to help motorists transition away from petrol and diesel vehicles.
Drivers will be able to receive up to £3,750 off the total price of a new electric vehicle under £37,000, just a few years after the previous Conservative Government axed the Plug-in Car Grant.
Manufacturers will be able to apply for the grants over the coming weeks with optimism that the incentives will boost EV sales.
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An expert has warned that road safety issues could become more common with an influx of electric cars
The latest data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows that one in four cars sold in June was electric, while petrol and diesel registrations continue to decline.
However, this remains under the required target set out in the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, with manufacturers required to have 28 per cent of sales come from EVs by the end of the year.
The ZEV mandate targets will continue to increase over the coming years, reaching 80 per cent in 2030 and 100 per cent in 2035, when only zero emission vehicles will be on sale.
The Electric Car Grant has been backed by the motoring industry as helping to support the uptake of EVs, although some experts have raised concerns.
READ MORE: Electric car grant hailed as a ‘significant step forward’ as drivers could save £3,750 on new EVs
Taylor Walding, Solicitor in the Personal Injury Claims Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp, said the Electric Car Grant was “vital” in helping more drivers switch to electric vehicles over the coming years.
Speaking to GB News, he added: “However, it is essential that public understanding of the unique risks posed by EVs evolves with their growing popularity to ensure lives aren’t put at risk.
“The features of electric vehicles differ significantly compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars which can introduce new safety and liability challenges.”
The expert also noted that electric vehicles are some of the quietest vehicles on the road, which poses an additional risk to pedestrians and other road users.
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While the Government introduced new rules in 2019 to ensure all manufacturers install an acoustic system in new EVs and hybrids to produce a minimum noise, some still believe they are too quiet.
Vehicles have systems fitted to produce a sound when they are reversing or driving below 20km/h (or around 12mph) to make other road users more aware of their presence.
Walding also highlighted how electric cars have “instant torque”, meaning first-time EV owners may not be prepared to properly drive the vehicle.
Experts have previously suggested that drivers could test drive or take a short refresher course to give them a feel for how an electric car handles.
Walding, who has been at BBK since 2025, concluded: “This could lead to confusion or delayed reactions in critical situations.”
Alongside the new Electric Car Grant, Labour also unveiled a large £63million EV charging boost for drivers, homes, businesses, and the NHS.
Around £25million will be provided for local authorities to expand access to cheaper home charging costs and the rollout of innovative cross-pavement charging technology.
A Government spokesperson told GB News: “We’re investing over £2.3billion to support industry and consumers make the switch, tapping into a multibillion-pound industry that will create high-paid jobs for decades to come, make the UK a clean energy superpower and help deliver our Plan for Change.”