The UK government has revealed its decision to postpone the scheduled ban on the sale of new gasoline and diesel cars and vans by five years, shifting the deadline from 2030 to 2035.
This decision follows pressure from the automotive sector, which argued that the original target was overly ambitious and unrealistic, considering the current state of the electric vehicle (EV) market and the insufficient charging infrastructure.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak acknowledged that the upfront cost of EVs remains high for many consumers and emphasized that the choice to switch to electric vehicles should be driven by individuals, rather than being mandated by the government.
Sunak affirmed the government’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 but noted that they would review the feasibility and impact of the ban every two years.
The Prime Minister did not provide clarity on whether hybrid vehicles would still be permitted to be sold until 2035, extending the deadline for them by five years.
The decision has received mixed reactions, with some car manufacturers and motoring groups welcoming it, while environmental advocates and opposition parties criticized it, accusing the government of backtracking on climate pledges and diminishing the UK’s leadership position in the upcoming COP26 summit in Glasgow.
Sunak highlighted that significant investments from companies like Tata’s Jaguar Land Rover gigafactory had already been attracted, and he anticipated that the majority of cars sold by 2030 would be electric.
However, this announcement drew immediate criticism from automakers, many of whom had aligned their investments with the previous 2030 goal.
Kia, which plans to launch nine electric models in the UK over the next few years, expressed concerns about the impact on supply chain negotiations and product planning.
Ford, which has committed $50 billion globally to electrification, emphasized the need for policies that support the EV market in the short term and assist consumers during this transition.
Volkswagen called for a clear and reliable regulatory framework to ensure market certainty.
Toyota welcomed the decision, recognizing the role of various low-emission and affordable technologies in a pragmatic transition.
The five-year delay brings the UK in line with the European Union’s strategy to ban the sale of internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.
