In a significant policy shift, the UK Government has announced a deferment of its ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars to 2035, five years later than initially planned. The initial proposition, introduced in 2020, was aimed at hastening the shift towards electric vehicles as part of the country’s Net Zero initiative to balance greenhouse gas emissions with removal from the atmosphere.
The announcement came during the Conservative Party conference in Manchester, where Prime Minister Rishi Sunak outlined the complexities of the transition, emphasising the high costs and practicality issues faced by small businesses. He also pointed to the inadequate charging infrastructure across the nation, which poses a significant hurdle for electric vehicle (EV) owners.
The extended timeline acknowledges the challenges in achieving a wholesale move to electric vehicles, which, despite rapid growth, still represent only 16% of new car sales in 2023. The Prime Minister remains optimistic, predicting that “the vast majority” of cars will be electric by 2030, thanks to advancing technology.
Under the updated plan, not only will the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles be prohibited from 2035, but all hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars will also face the ban, tightening the noose on combustion engines.
The Government’s decision has been met with mixed reactions. While it may alleviate immediate pressures on small businesses and allow for more robust development of the charging network, some environmental groups view it as a setback in the fight against climate change.
Efforts to expand the UK’s charging infrastructure are gaining momentum, with significant investments flowing into the development of chargers at key locations such as motorway services, car parks, and residential areas. Oil companies are also pivoting, with plans to establish networks of charging stations, mirroring the familiar layout and facilities of traditional fuel stations.
The sale of used cars and vans running solely on petrol or diesel will not be affected by the ban, providing consumers with options post-2035.
As the UK continues on its path towards renewable energy, the delay is seen as a pragmatic step, ensuring that when the transition to electric cars accelerates, it will be on a road well-prepared for the journey. The Government and the public alike hope this deferment is merely a minor detour rather than a roadblock in the UK’s climate strategy.
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