Login
My Garage
Electric hub hero image

Government set to ease 2030 petrol car ban

By Mathilda Bartholomew | September 16, 2024

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

Labour is reportedly reconsidering its pledge to ban diesel and petrol car sales by 2030, allowing hybrid models to be sold until 2035.

Government set to ease 2030 petrol car ban

Labour is reportedly backing off its plan to ban diesel cars by 2030, now allowing hybrid models to be sold until 2035. In their manifesto, Keir Starmer’s party had promised to stop the sale of petrol-powered cars within the next six years, but it seems they're reconsidering.

The original pledge aimed to ban “new cars with internal combustion engines” by 2030 to help meet net-zero goals. However, the language had suggested that hybrids—using a petrol or diesel engine alongside a battery—might also be included. 

Recently, it was reported that Stellantis paused production of the electric Fiat 500 in Europe due to low demand. Volvo and Toyota have also decided to keep making hybrids, partly because of mixed green policies globally. Industry lobbying might have influenced the Labour government’s potential shift in policy.

A government spokesperson clarified “This government’s policy has always been to revert to the original 2030 phase out date for the sale of new vehicles with pure internal combustion engines.

“The original phase out date included the provision for some hybrid vehicle sales between 2030 and 2035. We will set out further details on this in due course.”

They also mentioned the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which fines manufacturers if they don’t meet EV sales targets: 28% of new car sales must be electric by 2025, 52% by 2028, and 80% by 2030.

However, it’s still unclear which hybrids will be allowed after 2030. The Telegraph reports that while petrol cars will face strict rules, hybrids will likely remain on the market until 2035.

Do you think this is the right move? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below...

Related Articles

Two Ford EVs now eligible for full £3,750 Government Electric Car Grant
The Ford Puma Gen-E and E-Tourneo Courier are the first cars to secure the full £3,750 Electric Car Grant. See the full list of eligible...
Can you get a fine for one headlight? Highway Code rules explained
Driving with one headlight? Learn the Highway Code headlight rules, the fines you could face, and how to stay safe on UK roads.
Car insurance costs just had their biggest drop since records began
UK car insurance prices have fallen for the first time in years. Learn why premiums are down and whether you can expect more savings.
Learners will have to pass CPR questions in the theory test from 2026
From 2026, CPR and defibrillator questions will be added to the UK driving theory test. Here’s what learners need to know.