The UK government has confirmed that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be brought forward to 2030, as announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. This prohibition specifically targets the sale of new vehicles powered by petrol and diesel engines, while allowing used petrol and diesel cars to still be bought and sold post-2030. Originally scheduled for 2035, the deadline was expedited to speed up the transition to electric vehicles and reduce carbon emissions in line with environmental targets.
Luxury car manufacturers such as Aston Martin and McLaren will have an exemption from this ban, allowing them to continue producing petrol-powered cars beyond 2030 due to their limited annual production numbers. Additionally, new hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars will still be available for purchase until 2035, along with petrol, diesel, and hybrid vans. The new regulations aim to encourage the growth of electric vehicle adoption across the country and support the ongoing effort to reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
The restrictions only impact the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, meaning drivers will still be able to operate their existing petrol and diesel cars after 2030. This legislation serves to prevent manufacturers from producing any new vehicles that run on petrol or diesel fuel after the specified date. According to the AA, there will be minimal disruption for current petrol and diesel car owners, as they can still acquire second-hand vehicles and spare parts post-2030.
Edmund King, the President of the AA, welcomed the government’s decision, describing it as a positive step towards promoting the transition to electric vehicles. He emphasised the importance of making electric vehicles more accessible to all drivers, addressing concerns regarding the purchase cost, charging infrastructure, and the availability of chargers. The inclusion of hybrid vehicles until 2035 serves as a transitional period to facilitate a smoother shift towards electric mobility.
Labour plans to support car manufacturers during this transition by reducing penalties for failing to meet sales targets for electric vehicles. The current requirement mandates that 28% of new cars sold must be electric or face a fine of £15,000 per vehicle falling short of emission standards. The proposed reduction would lower the penalty to £12,000 per vehicle, incentivising manufacturers to increase the production and sale of electric vehicles in the coming years.
The decision to accelerate the petrol and diesel car ban to 2030 was informed by a consultation process initiated before recent international trade developments, such as the US tariffs on car imports. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted the government’s commitment to advancing the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate in response to global environmental challenges. The consultation, which began last year, aims to align the UK’s automotive industry with sustainable practices and reduce its carbon footprint over time.