MPs are getting greener, but as they champion the environment, they are also getting some basic facts wrong.

The majority (94 per cent) of MPs support the target of net-zero by 2050, but when asked about technologies for reaching net-zero, many MPs are often misinformed.

Polling of MPs by YouGov for the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) in collaboration with Climate Barometer shows support has not wavered but increased; before the election polling from April shows a slight lower 76 per cent of Parliament’s MPs supported the target.

But when asked about technologies for reaching net-zero, many MPs are misinformed. For example, around two fifths (42 per cent) of MPs thought the total ownership costs for an EV (upfront cost, fuel, servicing, insurance and tax) are higher than that of a petrol car. Actually, analysis has shown that petrol car drivers are paying a £700 ‘petrol premium’ over driving an EV because of high fuelling costs compared to charging an EV.

Around two fifths (39 per cent) thought the UK's grid will not be able to cope with demand created by the shift to EVs. The National Grid has explicitly labelled this a ‘myth’ and is clear that the power system will be able to cope with millions more EVs in the UK.

Whilst 16 per cent of MPs thought EVs are more likely to catch fire than petrol cars, evidence from EV Fire Safe indicates that EVs are more than 80 times less likely to catch fire than petrol or diesel cars.

Likewise, there is confusion about the role of hydrogen, with a significant minority of MPs believing it has a role in domestic heating, whilst currently there are no real plans in this area, which could lead to an over emphasis of this technology. Understanding of the efficacy of carbon capture was not covered in the poll.

Clearly, MPs and public would benefit from better informed leaders, and whilst the intentions may be good, it is of some concern that policy may be driven by sketchy ideas rather than evidence.

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