UK to ban sales of all petrol and diesel cars in 2030

The only exception mentioned thus far is hybrid cars, which will be allowed to remain on sale until 2035, though not all will qualify. It’s specified the hybrids that remain will need to be able to drive a “significant distance” in electric-only modes to retain the right to be on sale. Quite what that distance is not yet known.

What we do know is that this is a confident move on part of the UK government. It brings the proposed ban forward a decade, from 2040, to just over nine years from now. Informing that confidence are promises of investment to ready the mainstream UK car market for EV-only life. A minimum of £2.8billion has been earmarked for the development of UK EV infrastructure over the course of the next decade, promising to “lace the land with charging points” and the creation of “long-lasting batteries” made in “UK gigafactories”. A portion of that money will of course also be going toward grant incentives for buyers of zero-emission vehicles.

“We are pleased to see Government accept the importance of hybrid transition technologies,” SMMT chief executive Mike Hawes said in a statement. The SMMT has been vocal in the past in its encouragement of Government to actively incorporate hybrid cars into its EV plans, believing them essential to the “immense challenge” of the transition in 2030 and beyond.

“Investment in EV manufacturing capability is equally welcome as we want this transition to be ‘made in the UK’, but if we are to remain competitive – as an industry and a market – this is just the start of what’s needed,” he continued.

“Success will depend on reassuring consumers that they can afford these new technologies, that they will deliver their mobility needs and, critically, that they can recharge as easily as they refuel. For that, we look to others to step up and match our commitment. We will now work with government on the detail of this plan, which must be delivered at pace to achieve a rapid transition that benefits all of society, and safeguards UK automotive manufacturing and jobs.”

In the year to date, electric cars made up 5.5 per cent of the new car market. That’s 75,946 of the near-1.4million cars sold this year. While that sounds low, that does represent a 168.7 percent increase in electric car sales compared with 2019. The EV offering is also, of course, rapidly expanding before our eyes with car manufacturers investing massive amounts to ensure their swift transition to an electric-powered future.