Petrol And Diesel Ban Changed Again?

The UK government is consulting the motor industry on plans to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, reinstating the original deadline outlined in Labour’s election manifesto. This follows a previous extension to 2035 under the Conservative government. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced the consultation aims to “restore clarity” on how the transition will be delivered, seeking input from automotive and charging experts.

Car industry leaders have raised concerns about the slow adoption of electric vehicles (EVs), saying that high costs and insufficient charging infrastructure are major challenges that still need to be overcome. Ford has argued that the government’s electric vehicle mandates are unachievable without stronger demand. Lisa Brankin, Ford UK’s Chair, called for “government-backed incentives to urgently boost the uptake of electric vehicles.”

The Department for Transport says the consultation will ensure manufacturers and the charging industry can confidently invest in the UK’s long-term automotive future. This forms part of a broader effort to make charging EVs cheaper and more accessible. Currently, there are over 72,000 public charging points in the UK, with 100,000 more planned. However, issues such as rural coverage and the lack of private parking spaces remain challenges.

Cost is another key factor. While EVs now account for one in four cars sold, affordability remains a hurdle, with even the cheapest models costing more than petrol or diesel equivalents. Still, the government highlights that one-third of used EVs are priced under £20,000.

Edmund King, president of the AA, welcomed the consultation, noting that drivers are “hesitant but not hostile” toward the transition. Meanwhile, Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), emphasised the need for “bold incentives” to encourage EV adoption.

The consultation also includes updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which sets annual targets for manufacturers. In 2024, 22% of a carmaker’s sales must be zero-emission vehicles, rising each year. Firms falling short face fines of £15,000 per vehicle but can purchase credits from others exceeding their targets or borrow allowances from future years.

According to the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit, some manufacturers, including BMW, Mercedes, and Hyundai, are already exceeding their EV sales targets, demonstrating that ambitious goals are achievable.

The eight-week consultation will explore which vehicles—such as full hybrids and plug-in hybrids—can still be sold alongside zero-emission models post-2030. It also covers strategies for van production and policies for small-volume manufacturers.

More than two-thirds of UK car manufacturers, including Stellantis, are committed to fully transitioning to electric by 2030. However, this shift has come with challenges, including thousands of job cuts and a significant decline in UK car production. In October 2024, overall production fell by 15%, with electric and hybrid vehicle output dropping by a third due to weak European demand and factory retooling for new models.

Heidi Alexander stated that the measures aim to position the UK as a leader in clean energy, supporting jobs and rebuilding Britain’s automotive industry. Dan Caesar, Chief Executive of Electric Vehicles UK, called it an opportunity to establish the UK as a key market for EVs and battery development, providing much-needed clarity for manufacturers and consumers alike.

The drama of a greener automotive industry continues…