Login
My Garage
New hero

Government extends petrol and diesel van sales until 2035, easing pressure on dealers

By Mathilda Bartholomew | April 10, 2025

Share

Why not leave a comment?

See all | Add a comment

Government extends petrol and diesel van sales until 2035, easing pressure on dealers

Government extends petrol and diesel van sales until 2035, easing pressure on dealers

Dealers are breathing a sigh of relief after a major policy update confirmed that the sale of new petrol, diesel, and hybrid vans can continue until 2035. This extension gives commercial vehicle retailers much-needed flexibility as the shift to electric vans has been slower than expected.

Announced by the Department for Transport on April 7, the change aligns van regulations with the government’s revised 2035 phase-out plan for internal combustion engine (ICE) cars. Before this update, sales of small combustion-engine vans were set to be banned by 2030.

Between 2030 and 2035, manufacturers will need to ensure that the average CO2 emissions of their non-electric van fleets stay within 2021 levels, in line with the UK’s broader Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate strategy.

Sue Robinson, CEO of the National Franchised Dealers Association (NFDA), welcomed the decision, saying,  “NFDA supports the government’s decision to extend petrol and diesel van and light commercial sales allowances until 2035. This is a positive move and optimistic for the next few years for commercial vehicle dealers.”

This update comes as electric van demand remains a concern. According to the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), electric van registrations grew by just 3.3% in 2024, with 22,155 units sold, maintaining a market share of 6.3%. This is far below the 10% sales target set for electric vans in 2024.

Robinson added, “It is encouraging to see the government acknowledge the NFDA’s recommendation in the Zero Emission Vans consultation. Dealers have been struggling to shift electric van stock in a market with limited demand, so this flexibility is crucial.”

Related Articles

Is the manual licence dying? One in four driving tests are now in automatics
The future is automatic: UK driving test data shows more learners than ever are choosing autos over manuals. Here’s why.
Sep 17, 2025
The collapse of diesel cars: from half the market to almost none
Diesel sales have crashed by 87% in a decade. Learn why drivers are moving away and what the future holds for the fuel.
Sep 17, 2025
Citroen adds 10,000 more cars to dangerous airbag recall
Faulty airbags force Citroen to stop-drive on 140,000 cars. See which models are included and how repairs are being handled.
Sep 17, 2025
The Modfather’s Mercedes: Paul Weller’s 1972 Classic Heads to Auction
From school runs to songwriting sessions, Weller’s Midnight Blue Mercedes-Benz W114 250, along with celebrity-owned cars from Jude Law and...
Sep 16, 2025