UK Government Vehicles to be Electric by 2027, Exempting Keir Starmer's Gas-Consuming Range Rover
Going Green, But Not the PM's Ride:
The UK Government has unveiled the details of its plan to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles in favor of electric ones within the next three years. However, an exemption has been made for the Range Rover Sentinels, used to chauffeur the Prime Minister.
In a recently released strategy, named "Decarbonising transport: a better, greener Britain," the Department for Transport announced that all central government cars and vans must be zero-emission by the end of 2027. This deadline is two years earlier than the proposed ban on sales of new petrol and diesel passenger cars and seven years before the same restriction on vans.
This change also applies to vehicles owned and leased by "arm's length bodies," such as the DVLA, Met Office, and HMRC. In total, the Government manages a fleet of approximately 30,000 vehicles.
However, due to the armored nature of the Range Rover Sentinel, the PM's vehicle has been granted an exemption from this rule. The high-security armored car, which is based on the previous generation Range Rover, features over a tonne of armour plating and bulletproof glass, making it significantly heavier and less fuel-efficient than its electric counterparts.
While the Government is committed to adopting a zero-emission fleet, the protection of its most important figures remains a top priority. This is evidenced by the existence of armored electric vehicles like the BMW i7 Protection, which can withstand gunfire and grenade attacks, but its limited range and the time required to charge it make it unsuitable for the specific needs of the Government.
The government's policy on this transition states, "The fleet commitment forms part of the wider greening government commitments reporting framework." Reporting organizations are allowed to apply for exemptions from the electrification plan but must do so before the end of May.
Fun Fact:The Range Rover Sentinel, introduced in 2019, is a bulletproof vehicle designed to safeguard high-profile individuals. Its protection cell is built in accordance with full ballistic and blast certification, enabling it to withstand a wide range of modern and unconventional attacks. Although it appears to be just a standard luxury SUV, its advanced technology ensures the utmost security for those it carries.
- The exemption granted for the PM's vehicle, a Range Rover Sentinel, indicates that the Government's zero-emission policy might not extend to all finance-funded vehicles, such as those owned by the HMRC, in certain instances.
- In 2023, the UK Government will manage a mixed fleet of vehicles, with some high-security ones like the Range Rover Sentinel continuing to operate on fuel, while the remainder will be electric, aligning with the planned transition for central government cars and vans.
- As sports vehicles and luxury SUVs like the Range Rover Sentinel are typically heavier and less fuel-efficient, it is possible that future policies might be tailored to accommodate specific needs of certain vehicle types, such as for sports or military purposes.
- The BMW i7 Protection, an armored electric vehicle, while suitable for withstanding gunfire and explosions, faces limitations in terms of range and charging time, which could hinder the adoption of electric vehicles for specific demanding roles, such as the PM's security vehicle, like the Range Rover Sentinel.
