Ban on petrol and diesel cars pushed back to 2035
September 20, 2023 by Jamie Edkins
Car changing is a big deal
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pushed the ban on petrol and diesel cars back until 2035 as he sets out the government鈥檚 new green policies. Read on for all you need to know.
UPDATE
The Labour Government has confirmed its plans to reinstate the 2030 deadline. Read more here: Government to reinstate 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has announced a revised set of green policies, including the pushing back of the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars by five years. Motorists in the UK will still be able to buy petrol and diesel cars until 2035, and you鈥檒l still be able to buy them second hand after this date.
Sunak claimed in his speech that the original goals to reach net zero emissions, including the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars, would 鈥渋mpose unacceptable costs on hard-pressed British families鈥 and that the government can 鈥渁dopt a more pragmatic, proportionate and realistic approach to meeting net zero which eases the burden on working people鈥.
He also said that it should be the consumer that makes the choice to switch to an electric car, not the government forcing you to do it. The Prime Minister also noted the investment which the UK has secured from Jaguar Land Rover to build a new gigafactory, and that he expects that 鈥渢he vast majority of cars鈥 sold will be electric by 2030 because of falling costs and improved charging infrastructure.
Boss of the Society for Motor Manufacturers and Traders Mike Hawes claimed that delaying the petrol and diesel car ban will be confusing for consumers. In a statement he said: 鈥淭he automotive industry has and continues to invest billions in new electric vehicles as the decarbonisation of road transport is essential if net zero is to be delivered.
鈥淕overnment has played a key part in bringing some of that investment to the UK, and Britain can 鈥 and should 鈥 be a leader in zero emission mobility both as a manufacturer and market. To make this a reality, however, consumers must want to make the switch, which requires from Government a clear, consistent message, attractive incentives and charging infrastructure that gives confidence rather than anxiety. Confusion and uncertainty will only hold them back鈥
Ford鈥檚 UK Chair Lisa Brankin also released a statement in response to the news, urging the government to re-think this change. She said 鈥淭hree years ago the government announced the UK鈥檚 transition to electric new car and van sales from 2030. The auto industry is investing to meet that challenge.
鈥淭his is the biggest industry transformation in over a century and the UK 2030 target is a vital catalyst to accelerate Ford into a cleaner future. Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three.鈥
The Prime Minister says the government is still committed to reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050. In a statement, he said: 鈥淭his country is proud to be a world leader in reaching Net Zero by 2050. But we simply won鈥檛 achieve it unless we change.
鈥淲e鈥檒l now have a more pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic approach that eases the burdens on families.鈥
Looking for an easy way to change your car? Then carwow is the place to go. You can sell your car online聽for a great price, and get the best deals on a new one. All through our network of trusted dealers and all from the comfort of your home. Tap the button below to get started today.