UK to Bring Forward Ban on New Petrol and Diesel Cars

New reports suggest the British government could fast track the adoption of electric vehicles by bringing forward the ban on internal combustion engines. According to analysts, advancing the ban on the sale of combustion engine vehicles from 2040 to 2030 could significantly accelerate EV ownership and reduce emissions. While an earlier date has not yet been confirmed it’s expected Prime Minister Boris Johnson will make the announcement later this year.

The decision to end sales of petrol and diesel powered cars was first announced in 2018, with the government setting 2040 as the deadline. The ban was set to play a central role in the national goal to hit net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. When transport secretary Grant Shapps maintained the ban could be bought forward to as early as 2032, pressure to advance the deadline started to build.

Calls to boost EV infrastructure

The movement was spearheaded by the Committee on Climate Change (CCC), which stressed the original 2040 deadline will prevent the UK from hitting its 2050 net-zero target. To accelerate the ban, the CCC called on the Johnson administration to “continue to support strengthening of the charging infrastructure, including for drivers without access to off-street parking.”

Lack of infrastructure is one of the biggest concerns held by British motorists, with many drivers concerned the nation’s public EV charging network won’t be able to cope with a sudden increase in electric vehicles. The government has already started to act, increasing its EV charging station fund to £10 million and pledging to install 3600 new urban charging stations in 2020.

An exciting opportunity to support low-carbon industries

“2030 is an ambitious but achievable date by which to phase out the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, one that would give a new lease of life to the UK car industry whilst combatting climate breakdown and cleaning up the air that dangerously pollutes so many of our towns and cities,” says Labour shadow minister Matthew Pennycook.

For Pennycook, it’s an exciting opportunity for the government to support low-carbon industries and create environmentally conscious jobs. “It’s time for ministers to seize this opportunity as part of a world-leading green recovery from the coronavirus pandemic, creating good jobs across the country and generating real momentum for next year’s COP26 climate summit,” adds Pennycook.

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