The Government has formally announced the long-rumoured decision to bring forward the date from which new petrol or diesel vehicles can be sold, with the ban now coming into force from 2030.

Sales of new cars and vans with only internal combustion engines (ICE) will be banned by 2030; and all hybrid cars and vans by 2035. The goal is seen as essential to the UK achieving its net-zero climate target by 2050.

The ban has been warmly welcomed by green NGO Transport & Environment (T&E). However, T&E warns the commitment will remain just an aspiration until there is a clear plan to deliver on it.

Greg Archer, UK director at T&E, said “The shift to electric vehicles is good for our environment, our health, as well as our economy. The 2035 end date for new sales of cars and vans with an engine balances the urgent need to cut emissions and transform the automotive industry whilst providing sufficient time for all UK carmakers to make the transition. The government must now finalise a package of regulations, tax incentives and investment to ensure the goal is met.”

In particular there will need to be a significant increase in the pace of roll-out for charging points if the required infrastructure is to be in place to deter drivers from keeping older cars.

T&E also noted that the commitment to phase out ICEs for cars and vans now needs to be extended to diesel trucks. Furthermore, it has urged the EU to follow the lead of the UK.

Archer concluded: “The UK’s commitment to end sales of new cars and vans by 2035 should now be extended to trucks and replicated throughout the EU. Regulations requiring carmakers to reduce CO2 emissions are leading to a surge in both the supply and demand for electric cars across Europe making it the largest market for clean vehicles in the world. The best way to create new green jobs is to rapidly end the sale of outdated models with engines and replace these clean, zero emission electric vehicles.”

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