Campaign against 'EV culture wars and misinformation'

author: FutureCar Staff    

EV campaign group FairCharge has partnered with Fully Charged Show to address the spread of misinformation and misconceptions surrounding electric vehicles (EVs) and renewable energy adoption. Their new crowd-funded #StopBurningStuff campaign aims to counter the misinformation being spread by certain MPs and mainstream media outlets. The campaign, supported by scientists, climate ambassadors, and industry leaders, will establish a team to combat misinformation with accurate and fair information, countering oddities and inaccuracies with truth, facts, and honesty.

The launch of the #StopBurningStuff project comes after weeks of hate campaigns against EVs, including The Sun's 'five point plan to protect drivers from a rush to net zero,' which called for a delay in the 2030 phase-out of new diesel and petrol cars and vans. In addition, over 40 Tory MPs and peers wrote to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in August, urging him to push back the deadline until 2035, citing potential harm to the economy. However, the Prime Minister has stated that there will be no significant changes to the 2030 phase-out target or the zero emissions vehicles mandate.

FairCharge and Fully Charged Show are now working together to correct misinformation and put an end to the culture wars that are hindering educated, fact-based conversations and damaging public perception of EV adoption. Quentin Willson, founder of FairCharge, expressed concern that the negative and inaccurate narrative surrounding EVs could harm the future of the UK car industry and deter global capital investment in the country.

Robert Llewellyn, founder of the Fully Charged Show, emphasized the importance of the UK keeping up with other developed countries in terms of electric vehicle sales and investment. He pointed out that falling behind could result in missed opportunities for investment and job creation. While recent manufacturing announcements in the UK are positive, the country still lags behind other countries and future electric vehicle leaders like the USA and China.

The campaign has garnered support from eco experts, including Julia Poliscanova, senior director of vehicles and supply chains at Transport & Energy, who highlighted the need for the media to fact-check and counter misinformation. Dr. David Bott, principal fellow at WMG, University of Warwick, stressed the urgency of addressing climate change and the role of electric vehicles in reducing carbon dioxide emissions. He expressed concern about the persistence of misinformation and the importance of dealing in facts rather than fantasy.

The campaign launch coincides with new research from EY, which shows that the UK is the fifth best-prepared market in the world for the transition to EVs. However, the country faces challenges related to EV demand, supply, and regulation that must be addressed to achieve its decarbonization goals in the transport sector.

FutureCar Staff