Speaking at a press conference at Downing Street, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said he expects the “vast majority” of cars will be electric by 2030 but it should be the consumer that makes that choice and not the Government. After 2035, the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans will be banned, although these vehicles will continue to be available on the second-hand market.
The announcement has been criticised by Ford, which has already invested $50 billion globally to launch a new range of electric cars and vans.
Lisa Brankin, Ford UK Chair said: “Three years ago the government announced the UK’s transition to electric new car and van sales from 2030. The auto industry is investing to meet that challenge.
“Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three.”
RAC head of policy Simon Williams described the news as "disappointing" and said pushing back the ban from 2030 to 2035 risks slowing down both the momentum the motor industry has built up in switching to electric powertrains and ultimately the uptake of electric vehicles.
Williams also called for the Government to reintroduce the plug-in car grant, which was axed in June 2022.
“As cost remains one the biggest barriers to going electric, there’s surely no reason why the Government can’t help many more drivers into EVs by reintroducing a form of the plug-in car grant that incentivises the cheaper end of the car market,” said Williams.
“It’s also not at all clear how rolling back from 2030 is compatible with the Government’s zero-emission vehicle mandate which was due to set targets for manufacturers’ EV sales from next year. It’s perhaps telling that ministers have yet to respond to the consultation on this that closed in May.”
The 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars and vans was a central pillar to the Government’s Net Zero strategy to become neutral when it comes to harmful greenhouse gasses by 2050.
A 2035 ban on new gas boilers was also relaxed with new exemptions for poorer households and a new £7,500 grant for those who want to replace their existing gas boiler. However, while car buyers are still being encouraged to choose a new or used electric vehicle, there appears to be no sign of a new plug-in car grant.
According to the latest industry data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), one in five new cars registered in August were electric. And almost 200,000 new electric cars have been sold in 2023 with the Tesla Model Y being the UK’s favourite new EV with 24,148 registered between January and August.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Manufacturers will continue to put innovative new models on the market but consumers need encouragement to buy more than ever.
“Today’s announcement must be backed up with a package of attractive incentives and measures to accelerate charging infrastructure to give consumers the confidence to switch. Carrots move markets faster than sticks.”
What do you think of the 2030 delay on the ban of new combustion engine cars? Let us know in the comments section below
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