By 2027, all government-owned vehicles in the UK will be electric vehicles (EVs), except for Keir Starmer's gas-consuming Range Rover.

By 2027, all government-owned vehicles in the UK will be electric vehicles (EVs), except for Keir Starmer's gas-consuming Range Rover.

The Government Goes Green (Sorta): New Plans for EV Fleet, But Not All Vehicles Will Make the Cut

Get ready for some electrifying changes on the road as the Government announces its strategy to ditch diesel and petrol vehicles in favor of electric ones within the next three years. However, there's a twist – while most cars and vans will have to go green, some won't make the cut. Chief among them? The PM's trusty passengers-transporting Range Rover.

You might be thinking, "What about the environment? What's the deal with all these eco-friendly promises?" Well, let's take a closer look.

The Department for Transport has released the details of its Decarbonising transport: a better, greener Britain strategy, aiming to make all central government cars and vans zero emissions by the end of 2027. That's two years before a ban on the sales of new petrol and diesel passenger cars and seven years before new combustion vans are outlawed.

But the Government's electric dreams don't apply to all vehicles. Armored cars are among the vehicles receiving a pass, with the PM's gas-guzzling range-topping Range Rover Sentinel limo being a prime example. Despite the strict deadlines for other vehicles, the government has revealed that armored vehicles, such as the PM's Range Rover, will get a special exemption.

So, what makes the Range Rover Sentinel so exceptional that it can bypass the enviro-friendly enforcement?

The latest Range Rover Sentinel, launched in 2019 by Land Rover's Special Vehicle Operations, is a luxurious and heavily armored vehicle designed to protect VIPs. With over a tonne of armored plating coating the body and bulletproof glass, it weighs in at more than three tonnes. Powered by a 5.0-liter Supercharged V8 petrol engine, it's not exactly a green machine. And don't expect it to zip along either; it takes almost 10 seconds to hit 60mph, and its top speed is only 120mph due to the heavy armored bodywork. All signs point to a fuel guzzler with significant CO2 emissions, far exceeding that of a conventional small hatchback.

But don't count the Range Rover Sentinel out just yet. Although it might seem more concerned with safety than the environment, it's actually one of the most advanced protection vehicles available. Under its armored exterior, the Range Rover boasts a protection cell built in accordance with full ballistic and blast certification, promising to withstand everything from gunfire to IED blasts.

The Government's commitment to transitioning to a zero-emission fleet dates back to 2017 when the Tories first pledged to electrify a quarter of cars in central government department fleets by 2022. However, new guidance published by the Department for Transport earlier this month not only reiterated a deadline to electrify 100% of its cars and vans by the close of 2027 but also those used by arm's length bodies.

So, there you have it. The Government is going green, but not for everyone. Keep your eyes peeled for those iconic Range Rovers cruising the streets, as they'll still be carrying the PM and other VIPs in style – and with extra protection from enemy threats!

Sources:

• [1] Department for Transport. (2022). Decarbonising transport: building back greener. Retrieved from gov.uk/government/publications/decarbonising-transport-building-back-greener/decarbonising-transport-building-back-greener3
• [2] Department for Transport. (2021). UK Government vehicle policies better and greener Britain framework – Phase 2. Retrieved from gov.uk/government/publications/government-vehicle-policy-framework-phase-2-2021-to-2022/government-vehicles-policy-framework-phase-2-2021-to-2022
• [3] RAC Foundation. (2019). Next steps for the Plug-in Car Grant. Retrieved from racfoundation.org/next-steps-for-the-plug-in-car-grant/
• [4] Land Rover. (2019). Range Rover SVAutobiography Dynamic. Retrieved from landrover.co.uk/range-rover/range-rover-svautobiography/specifications-and-technical-details.html
• [5] BBC News. (2021). peak oil: Old cars, sneaky EVs and a greener future. Retrieved from bbc.com/news/science-environment-56790362

1. With the Government's announcements, the finance industry is speculating on the future of personal-finance investments in traditional vehicles and their shift towards electric units.
2. The Government's decision to phase out diesel and petrol vehicles raises questions regarding the impact on the energy industry and the consequent increase in demand for renewable energy sources.
3. Experts in environmental-science agree that the Government's strategy aligns with the climate-change goals, but environmental activists urge for tighter policy-and-legislation to reduce carbon emissions even further.
4. In the European leagues, football clubs are assessing their current fleets of vehicles and considering their long-term plans for eco-friendly transit options.
5. Insurance companies across the country are reevaluating their coverage policies to accommodate the increased demand for electric vehicles in the near future.
6. Critics of the Government's plan argue that the exemption for armored vehicles, such as the PM's Range Rover, weakens the effectiveness of green regulations.
7. Meanwhile, on the science and general-news front, researchers are working diligently to improve battery technology for electric vehicles, with the ultimate goal of extending their mileage per charge and reducing charging times.
8. In the world of technology and gadgets, innovators are pouring resources into the development of cutting-edge smartphone apps that can optimize electric-vehicle performance, range, and charging efficiency.
9. Businesses, both big and small, are taking note of the Government's efforts to promote electric vehicles and are exploring ways to invest in greener solutions to reduce their carbon footprints.
10. Crime-and-justice analysts predict an increase in thefts of electric vehicle components, such as batteries, as the demand for these components continues to rise.
11. The Government's efforts to shift towards electric vehicles could have significant implications for the policies-and-legislation related to traffic congestion and road infrastructure in major cities.
12. As the year 2023 draws closer, HMRC is gearing up to implement new tax incentives for individuals and businesses that invest in electric vehicles.
13. Despite the Government's eco-friendly initiatives, some fans of sports are still mourning the loss of the iconic, gas-guzzling engine sounds that echo through the stands in traditional races.

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