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Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill: Briefing for Lords Stages

The Automated and Electric Vehicles Bill is a government bill that proposes a regulatory framework in preparation for an expected increase in the presence of automated and electric vehicles operating in the UK, following swift technological developments in the automotive sector. The regulatory changes proposed by the Bill would extend to two main areas: insurance cover for automated vehicles and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. The Bill resurrects changes first proposed in the Government’s Vehicle Technology and Aviation Bill introduced in the 2016–17 session, which fell at the end of the that session due to the calling of the 2017 general election.

In line with the Bill’s objectives, its 20 clauses are arranged in three parts with one schedule. Part 1, comprising clauses 1 to 7, focuses on extending the legal framework for compulsory motor insurance to include autonomous vehicles. Part 2, comprising clauses 8 to 16, focuses on widening the availability of charging infrastructure for electric vehicles and on making such infrastructure accessible. Part 3, comprising clauses 17 to 20, concerns miscellaneous and general matters, including commencement and extent.

The Bill was introduced in the House of Commons on 18 October 2017 and received its second reading on 23 October 2017. A public bill committee took evidence from witnesses and examined the Bill over the course of seven sittings, before the Bill completed its report stage and third reading on 29 January 2018. The Bill received cross-party support during its passage, though opposition parties expressed reservations about the approach taken to certain measures. One new clause—relating to the transmission of data—was added as a result of a government amendment during the Bill’s report stage, but otherwise the Bill was not substantially amended during its consideration by MPs.

The Bill was introduced in the House of Lords on 30 January 2018 by Baroness Sugg, Parliamentary Under Secretary at the Department for Transport, and is scheduled to receive its second reading on 20 February 2018.