Government Delays Petrol And Diesel Ban To 2035 – What It Means for Electric Vehicles

In a recent announcement from Downing Street, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak revealed that the UK government has postponed its ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from the originally scheduled date of 2030 to 2035.

This decision has ignited a debate among motor trade dealers about the industry’s future and consumers’ role in driving the transition to electric vehicles.

The Prime Minister’s Perspective

During a press conference, the Prime Minister expressed his belief that by 2030, the “vast majority” of cars on the road will be electric.

He emphasised that consumer choice rather than government mandates should drive this transition.

Nevertheless, the ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles will still take effect in 2035, with such vehicles continuing to be available through second-hand vehicle dealers.

Industry Reactions

The announcement has not been without its critics, notably Ford, which had already invested $50 billion globally in developing a new range of electric cars and vans.

RAC head of policy Simon Williams expressed disappointment, stating that the delay from 2030 to 2035 could slow down the momentum the automotive industry has gained in adopting electric powertrains and the adoption of electric vehicles.

Williams also called for reintroducing the plug-in car grant, which was discontinued in June 2022.

Government’s Green Goals

The 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicles was central to the government’s Net Zero strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. While the ban has been postponed, the government is still committed to encouraging consumers to choose electric vehicles.

Changes in the Energy Sector

In addition to the petrol and diesel car ban delay, the government has also relaxed the 2035 ban on new gas boilers. Exemptions have been introduced for poorer households, and a new £7,500 grant has been established for those looking to replace their existing gas boilers. However, the motor trade will be disappointed to learn there is no indication of a new plug-in car grant at this time.

Electric Vehicle Adoption

Recent industry data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) reveals that electric vehicles are gaining popularity in the UK.

One in five new cars registered in August was electric, and nearly 200,000 new electric cars were sold in 2023. The Tesla Model Y emerged as the UK’s favourite new electric vehicle, with 24,148 registered between January and August.

Types of Electric Vehicles

Electric vehicles can usually be cheaper when it comes to private or motor trade insurance policies. They come in various forms, each with its own set of acronyms:

Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs): These vehicles are powered solely by electric motors and batteries, with no tailpipe emissions.Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs): PHEVs have both a petrol or diesel engine and a battery that can be charged by plugging in. They can operate in electric-only mode and produce zero emissions during that mode.Range-Extended Electric Vehicles (RE-EVs): RE-EVs use engines or fuel cells to charge their batteries.Hybrid Electric Vehicles (HEVs): Similar to PHEVs but with smaller electric motors and batteries. They can’t be charged by plugging in and have limited electric-only modes.Mild Hybrid Electric Vehicles (MHEVs): MHEVs are powered by petrol and diesel engines and have a secondary electric battery. They cannot operate in zero-emission mode.

Currently, there are approximately 858,000 Battery Electric Vehicles and over 500,000 plug-in hybrids on UK roads, marking significant progress in the transition to cleaner transportation.

In conclusion, the decision to postpone the ban on new petrol and diesel cars and vans to 2035 has sparked discussions about the role of government policies versus consumer choices in driving the electric vehicle revolution.

With the continued growth in electric vehicle adoption, the motor trade industry and consumers alike are navigating a changing landscape as the UK aims to meet its ambitious environmental goals.