ICE Battle Ground and Net Zero

United Kingdom – the UK’s Department for Transport (DfT) i.e.the UK Government, defies motorcycle riding citizens on when to end/ban the sale of internal combustion engined (ICE) Powered Two Wheelers (PTW) and only have motorcycles powered by electricity.

The DfT has issued a consultation which clearly states in its title, content and foreword by Trudy Harrison MP and current Minister of State for Transport, explaining when to end the sale of new non-zero emission L-category vehicles, “It is therefore important that L-category vehicles do not remain fossil fuelled as the rest of the transport fleet cleans up.” and “A key commitment was to consult on a phase out date of 2035, or earlier if a faster transition appears feasible, for the sale of new non-zero emission powered two and three wheelers (and other L-category vehicles).”

Adding, “Apart from seeking views on some derogations, such as for specialist use vehicles, including military service and emergency vehicles, and/or parts of the market which may need further time to transition, e.g. niche manufacturers.”

The obvious question is whether the motorcyclist organisations support the move to net zero or not and within that, do they agree with getting rid of ICE motorcycles to replace them with zero emission bikes? Based on the rhetoric flying around, it would appear that in ten years time, we (motorcyclists) will all be riding around on electric bikes. Recent articles and campaigning from the UK motorcycle organisation MAG UK suggest that the members are getting seriously riled up and prepared for battle with their fearless chairman out in front leading the charge to Westminster to demand that the government withdraw the ban.

At present the government is going through the process of electing a new leader to serve as Prime Minister, it is not clear if the new PM will continue the green agenda on net zero target goals or slows it down, or adjusts if it is seen to have a negative effect on people’s lives or simply introduces a policy change so that the UK just goes it alone defying global or European commitments.

Apart from the concerns of the UK motorcycle organisations – the wider motorcycling community does not appear to be particularly worried, nor see the urgency. So the obvious question is should we worry? What about the industry? What is the manufacturers’ position and more importantly, how are we being represented as members by the motorcycle lobby of rider organisations?

State of Electric – Net Zero

National Motorcycle Council (NMC) – whose members are: The Auto Cycle Union, the British Motorcyclists Federation, IAM RoadSmart, the National Motorcycle Dealers Association, Plantec Assist, the Trail Riders Fellowship and the Vintage Motor Cycle Club.

The NMC says, “That the Government is making a mistake by trying to force the pace of motorcycle decarbonisation and must not ignore the voice of motorcyclists as proposals are developed. Motorcycle manufacture is a global, not local, matter. As a result, the UK should only move on globally agreed net-zero timetables and not seek to force this via a UK-only set of arbitrary targets – which will make little difference to the global CO2 picture in any case. It is vital that market and economic shocks are avoided which puts the UK at a disadvantage globally. Particularly at a time of rising prices and against a backdrop of fragile global economies, coupled with supply chain issues post-pandemic and as a result of the war in Ukraine.”

NMC Executive Director Craig Carey-Clinch said: “The Government’s ambitions in this area are clearly running ahead of what may be reasonable to deliver. Successful transition in any field requires those affected to be content with changes proposed. In the case of zero emission motorcycles, particularly in the premium market segments, current product availability, price point, the current state of electric bike technology and rider acceptability, suggests that much more will need to happen before a reasonable target date for full zero emission new production can be established. It is not yet known whether manufacturing can meet these proposed targets with a range of motorcycle types which will have broad market appeal among riders, given the wide diversity of rider requirements and activities across the sector.”

“One of the knock-on effects of these concerns is scepticism among sections of the motorcycling public about the electrification of motorcycles. This is should not be brushed aside by the Government. Rider opinions must not be ignored in the rush to decarbonise.”

“The NMC is also disappointed that the Government sees alternative fuels as only a stepping stone to full electrification. This is not the technology neutrality the Government claims to have. The move towards net zero is a matter which is too technologically detailed to restrict it to battery electrification only. Imposing specific technologies means limiting choice and therefore creating a constraint on innovation. Automotive manufacturers (and the aviation industry) are making significant investments in developing synthetic fuels which have the potential to allow ICE technology to continue while being part of the move towards decarbonisation. Other technologies such as hydrogen powered vehicles are also part of the development of new technologies.”

British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) – Jim Freeman, Chairman of the BMF has said: “The BMF will oppose any proposals to ban the use of motorcycles powered by internal combustion engines while such vehicles are still capable of being run. We also oppose a ban on the sale of new internal combustion engine-powered motorcycles while there is the possibility of providing alternatives to fossil fuel and while the electric vehicle charging infrastructure does not adequately support electric motorcycles.”

“The BMF supports a technology-neutral approach to powering new motorcycles; we do not accept that electric battery technology is the only approach. The BMF, as a consequence, opposes the proposed ban in ICE bikes, for the forceable future, until the above criteria have been met, whatever date has been targeted, 2030, 2035, 2050. The government has agreed to follow a technology neutral approach to new motorcycle powerplants but appear to have unilaterally decided that battery electric is the only option. This is unacceptable.”

Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) – MAG Chair, Neil Liversidge, said, “MAG totally opposes the proposed ban on the sale of internal combustion-engine vehicles (ICEVs), whether it be from 2035, the originally mooted 2040, or any other date. MAG likewise opposes any policy that leads to increased fuel costs or the reduced availability of fuels for ICEVs.”

“Our own survey showed that at least 80% of motorcyclists oppose it, despite green activists having targeted our survey to skew the result (sic!). We estimate that the real proportion of motorcyclists who oppose the ban is well over 90%. We shall faithfully represent the views of our constituency. A survey in the European Union produced similar numbers and we expect FEMA to likewise represent faithfully the views of motorcyclists across Europe. We also oppose the ban on the sale of ICE cars proposed from 2030 and stand resolutely with the Alliance of British Drivers (ABD) with whom we are working through our umbrella organisation, Transport Reality.”

“We note that the consultation asks from ‘when’ the ban should come about? Our answer is “Never!” We demand a dialogue on whether it should come about at all.””

“MAG plans to respond robustly to the consultation. Additionally, MAG is seeking direct representation with Government Ministers, despite the current leadership race. If necessary, MAG will demand to speak to the new Prime Minister.”

MAG’s Director of Campaigns & Political Engagement, Colin Brown, said, “We have already made representations to the Department’s decarbonisation team over the last year. Officials are constrained by the existing Net Zero policy and its timetables. These are clearly beyond the scope of this consultation. We need to take dialogue to a much more strategic level in order to properly represent the strength of feeling on this issue. We do not expect this to be an easy discussion, but we would be failing the trust of our members by not taking this course of action.”

Federation of European Motorcyclist Associations (FEMA) – We have included FEMA because MAG’s Chairman has mentioned them and according to him, expects FEMA to likewise represent faithfully the views of motorcyclists across Europe and because the consultation mentions Europe.

First of the consultation which does not specifically mention Brexit, says in two places: “Our exit from the European Union has provided the opportunity for the UK to develop its own approach to decarbonising its entire fleet of new road vehicles.” – “Despite holding competence, the European Union did not regulate CO2 emissions from L-category vehicles. Our exit has provided the opportunity for the UK to develop its own regulatory approach to decarbonising its entire fleet of new road vehicles.”

Who would have thought that the UK could make its own laws……………………………

The MAG chairman in his manifesto to be re-elected has stated, “We know that the views of the vast majority of motorcyclists throughout Europe accord with those of UK motorcyclists, that they do not support forced electrification either. It is MAG’s role to faithfully represent the wishes of UK motorcyclists and it is FEMA’s to faithfully represent the view of motorcyclists throughout Europe. It is not MAG’s role or FEMA’s to proselytise or propagandize on behalf of the proponents of forced electrification.” do we detect some disturbance in the force here and possibly something rotten in Denmark!?

Recently MAG representatives, MAG Vice Chair, Ian Churchlow and MAG’s Director of Communications and Public Affairs Lembit Öpik attended at a FEMA meeting in Denmark. In the MAG Network Activists newsletter July 2022 political report Ian Churchlow presented MAG’s position in the words of the report, “a powerful analysis of the utterly flawed thinking behind the ban. He outlined why we believe carbon dioxide emissions from human sources cannot be driving global warming and went on to explain that the proposed ban on Internal Combustion Engines (ICEs) has no scientific, environmental or logical justification.”

MAG stated, “clearly that we defend our right to ride whatever power mode we prefer, without political interference or ‘virtue signalling’ agendas that only harm our civil liberties.” Also, “FEMA agreed with MAG that this matter will be pursued at a working group, where a longer analysis of the facts can be made. Science and logic would strongly indicate FEMA should support MAG’s position.”

MAG says, “It now has got the task of convincing FEMA to adopt the UK position.” FEMA being twenty other full members.

Interesting to note the “climate denial from human sources” by Ian Churchlow.

It is also interesting to note that MAG’s Lemit Opik has also made similar statements, one at a CAR 26 event, introduced as a former Liberal Democrat MP and as head of public affairs for the Motorcycle Action Group he said, “There’s no climate emergency, either natural or human-caused.” also he wrote in the January/February edition of the MAG members magazine, “that perhaps climate change isn’t driven by human activity because the climate has changed in the past, before the Industrial Revolution. Which is a bit like saying smart motorways possibly don’t cause accidents because there were accidents before smart motorways were rolled out.”

He also pointed to “research” that suggested the climate had been warmer long before the Industrial Revolution, specifically referencing the medieval and Roman warm periods.

So is MAG being driven by climate denial advocates? It would be interesting to know if it is a MAG position!

Meanwhile back at FEMA, who have reported what is happening in the UK. In their article they comment: “Maybe we should not want a transition to electric motorcycles too quickly” and outline that after a Europe Council meeting (basically the European members’ government – European Commission) that, “The Council of the European Union left some room for vehicles with internal combustion engines that run of fossil-free fuels after 2035.”

“Now what does this all mean for motorcycling? Motorcycles are still not mentioned by either the Commission, the Parliament, or the Council of the EU and are out of the scope. The reason why we look at what happens with cars and vans is that history has learned that sooner or later the same will happen with motorcycles and then it may not be possible to escape the fate that strikes cars and vans. The day will come that the Commission comes with a proposal for a new type-approval regulation that contains a clause that means that motorcycles must have zero CO2 emission too.”

FEMA concludes: “For many motorcyclists, electric motorcycles can be a good solution, but not for all. In view of the above-mentioned issues, even more than the car industry, the motorcycle industry should not be forced to completely switch to electric in 2035 already, even while some manufacturers seem to have made that choice themselves. “

“There are still too many unsolved problems to put all efforts on one technique. Given the small number of motorcycles and the potential of building very fuel-economic and clean motorcycles with an internal combustion engine, it is more effective from both economic and environmental perspective to go for a multiple approach: electric (for urban-oriented PTWs), and the combustion engine for larger motorcycles that are meant for the longer distances.”

And there is the difference with bluster, diplomacy when it matters – but maybe this is a compromise too far for MAG UK.

MCIA (Motorcycle Industry Association) – MCIA says, “It has been fully supportive of the Government’s net zero ambitions, for example through the L-Category Action Plan. However, we are disappointed with today’s announcement to phase out all new non-zero emission motorcycles by 2035.”

“Making up just 0.5% of UK domestic transport emissions, this news is a missed opportunity to allow industry more time to adapt, and for technology to catch up. Our case to Government explained why this sector needs a different approach, in particular where our products are primarily used for sport and leisure activities.”

Commenting, Tony Campbell, Chief Executive of the MCIA, said: “We recognise our environmental contribution will increase as other transport modes phase out and so support the decision to phase out L1 vehicles by 2030. However, we do not support the decision to include L3e-A1, which even with an ICE powertrain are significantly more environmentally efficient than some electric cars.”

“The Government has not considered the complexities of the L-Category sector in terms of what is and isn’t feasible when it comes to phasing out the other key segments of the market.”

“The MCIA and its members will be continuing to push the case for why large capacity motorcycles need more time to phase out and are looking forward to fully engaging with the consultation process to ensure the best outcome for industry”.

Not forgetting that MAG has with the MCIA endorsed and collaborated with the MCIA on the ‘Journey to a Brighter Destination’ document in support of leisure motorcycling.

Where MAG Chairman, Neil Liversidge, at that time said, “The document lays out a clear position on the importance of motorcycling as it stands today in the context of leisure, pastimes, and sports. It also confirms the industry’s commitment to develop a strategy to create a foundation for the continuation of motorcycling as we know it.”

“We are looking forward to working with MCIA and, together, feel much can be gained by working collaboratively, but with a mutual appreciation of each organisation’s beliefs and objectives.”

Tony Campbell, CEO of MCIA, also said, “With the consultation on the phase out of new non-zero emission L-Category vehicles expected this year, The Journey puts forward a powerful case for why certain parts of our sector must be given more time to adapt before working towards any arbitrary phase out date.”

“The Government must, at the very least, have an open mind to alternative fuels/powertrains, move away from focusing exclusively on zero emissions at the tailpipe and, ultimately, be proportionate in its prescribing the sector a phase out date based on both our current UK emissions contribution and the whole life cycle environmental impact of these vehicle types.!

“We are looking forward to continuing our work with Government, helping to shape the phase out consultation, and remain steadfast in ensuring progress towards net zero in a way that is both commercially viable for manufacturers and appealing to our riding community.”

That apparently has not gone well as we can see!

ACEM the European Association of Motorcycle Manufacturers – are the trade association that represents manufacturers of powered-two and three-wheelers as well as quadricycles (L-category vehicles) in Europe. You know the motorcycles that are produced to be ridden in the UK!

Picking through their position on decarbonisation ACEM state:

“Policy makers are called to take a technology neutral approach.”

“Decarbonisation is too important to restrict it to electrification only. A transitional process will necessarily cross different stages: imposing specific technologies means limiting choice and therefore creating a true constraint on innovation.”

“ACEM believes a more appropriate approach is to leave it to the industry and market to develop and accept the appropriate solution(s). All decarbonisation pathways should be supported and exploited.”

For a clever debate and discussion on motorcycle decarbonisation, from the November 2021 conference – ACEM presents Vision 2030 +, its vision of the future of motorcycling in Europe, for 2030 and beyond see link to video below.

Motorcycle Minds

So there you have it! This is possibly the most important consultation on a change for motorcycling, since two wheels were joined to an engine.

While maybe it is not the “job” of anybody to dictate what or how riders should respond to the consultation but some guidance to those riders who wish to respond in a sane and rational manner would help. Most important is to advise against rudeness and ranting responses to consultations that do not help!

We are of the view that the propulsion of motorcycles as it is is our preferred option – along with cleaner new fuels and electrics.

Most important is identifying that apart from the leisure activities of motorcycles and the use in sport, the motorcycle in all the varieties of a Powered Two (or three) Wheeler, is recognised globally as a cheap form of personal transportation, which in many lower income countries is used get to work or as a workhorse. Simply it is not just about the UK and it is not just about electric powered motorcycles.

What is possibly more relevant in this whole discussion is that perhaps the UK government should have an “oven ready” infrastructure for all electric vehicles in place before a forced change is put upon us.

In other words, our preferred option is retaining our fuel powered engines until such time that electric non tail pipe emissions motorcycles are developed, that are as acceptable in price range and charging times as present motorcycles, or as the industry suggests, accepting the alternative e-fuels as a solution – especially for long distance travel as highlighted by one of the manufacturer representatives at a recent conference in Brussels – “there are no charge points in the desert” – just a thought!

DfT Consultation

Electric motorbikes race onto UK roads through transport decarbonisation measures

L-category vehicles: ending sales of new non-zero emission models

Original Sources

National Motorcycle Council (NMC) – Government Proposals to Ban New Petrol Motorcycle Sales to Forced Arbitrary Timetables is a Mistake Says the NMC

Motorcycle Action Group UK (MAG UK) – MAG Backs Strong Majority Of Riders in Opposing ICE Ban

British Motorcyclists Federation (BMF) – The UK wants to ban the sale of new fossil fuelled motorcycles from 2035

Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) – The UK wants to ban the sale of new fossil fuelled motorcycles from 2035

Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) – British bikers criticise plans to ban petrol bikes

Federation of European Motorcyclists Associations (FEMA) – ‘Maybe we should not want a transition to electric motorcycles too quickly’

Motorcycle Action Group UK (MAG) – Network

Motorcycle Action Group UK (MAG UK) – MAG unite with industry on a motorcycling ‘Journey to a Brighter Destination’