The Rise of Self-Built Vehicles

The UK’s motor industry is on the cusp of a revolution, driven by the government’s ambitious plan to ban new petrol and diesel cars from the road by 2030. As the industry adapts to this new reality, a growing trend is emerging: self-built vehicles.

A kit car is not a car that has been modified from a standard vehicle, but rather a vehicle that is designed to be built from scratch, with the owner taking on the responsibility of assembling the various components.

What is a Kit Car? A kit car is a vehicle that is designed to be built by the owner, using components supplied by a specialist manufacturer.

These vehicles were often built by amateur enthusiasts, with the help of kits and plans, and were frequently sold through classified ads and local car shows.

The Rise of Kit-Cars in the 1970s

The 1970s saw a surge in the popularity of kit-cars, with many manufacturers and enthusiasts creating their own versions of these vehicles.

The UK’s Plastic Bag Ban: A Complex Issue

The UK’s plastic bag ban, which was first introduced in 2015, has been a topic of debate among policymakers and the public. The ban, which was initially set to expire in 2019, was extended by the Conservative government until 2035. However, Labour’s election manifesto has promised to restore the original deadline of 2030.

The Origins of the Ban

The plastic bag ban was first introduced in 2015 as part of the UK’s efforts to reduce plastic waste and promote sustainability. The ban was implemented by the Conservative government, which had pledged to reduce the UK’s plastic bag usage by 80% by 2019. The ban was seen as a key step in reducing the UK’s plastic waste, which had become a major environmental concern.

The Impact of the Ban

The plastic bag ban has had a significant impact on the UK’s plastic waste. According to a study by the UK’s Environment Agency, the ban has reduced plastic bag usage by 90% since its introduction. The ban has also led to a reduction in litter and pollution, as well as a decrease in the amount of plastic waste sent to landfills.

Labour’s Pledge

Labour’s election manifesto has promised to restore the original deadline of 2030 for the plastic bag ban. However, the party’s pledge has been met with skepticism by some, who argue that it is unrealistic to expect the ban to be fully implemented by 2030.

UK Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate: A Relief for Smaller Manufacturers?

This exemption applies to manufacturers that sell fewer than 2,500 cars in the UK in a given year.

The Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate: A Breakdown

The UK government has introduced a zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell a certain percentage of their vehicles as zero-emission cars. The mandate aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK market.

Key Aspects of the Mandate

Exemptions and Consequences

Manufacturers that sell fewer than 2,500 cars in the UK are exempt from the ZEV mandate. The exemption is intended to provide relief to smaller manufacturers that may struggle to meet the mandate’s requirements. The exemption is only applicable to the first year of the mandate. Manufacturers that sell fewer than 2,500 cars in the UK in subsequent years will still be required to meet the mandate’s requirements.*

Impact on the Automotive Industry

The ZEV mandate is expected to have a significant impact on the automotive industry in the UK.

The phase out date is set to be in 2030, with the goal of reducing emissions from new vehicles to zero by 2030.

The Road to Zero Emissions: A New Era for the Automotive Industry

The automotive industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the impact of climate change. In response to this pressing issue, governments and regulatory bodies around the world have set ambitious targets to phase out internal combustion engines and transition to electric vehicles. The European Union, for example, has set a goal of reducing emissions from new vehicles to zero by 2030.

The Challenges of Phasing Out Internal Combustion Engines

Phasing out internal combustion engines poses significant challenges for the automotive industry. One of the main concerns is the availability of charging infrastructure, particularly in rural areas where access to electricity is limited. Additionally, the high upfront cost of electric vehicles (EVs) can make them inaccessible to many consumers.

Most people are happy with a partial kit, which is a more cost-effective option,” says John, a kit car builder. “You can get a partial kit for around £500-£700, which includes the electric motor, controller, and other essential components. This can be a great way to get started with electric kit cars, especially for those who are new to the hobby.”

The Benefits of Electric Kit Cars

Electric kit cars offer several benefits over traditional gasoline-powered kit cars.

The Benefits of Upcycling

Upcycling is the process of taking old or discarded materials and transforming them into something new, useful, and often more valuable than its original form. In the context of the Cobra-style Dax 427 DeDion kit, upcycling is not just about giving an old car a new life; it’s also about reducing waste and promoting sustainability. The environmental benefits of upcycling are significant. By reusing and repurposing existing materials, we can reduce the demand for new, raw materials and lower greenhouse gas emissions associated with production and transportation. Upcycling also helps to conserve natural resources. By extending the life of existing materials, we can reduce the need for mining, drilling, and other extractive activities that can harm the environment. Furthermore, upcycling can help to reduce waste and promote a more circular economy.