In a significant policy shift, the UK government has extended the deadline for banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035.
This move, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, reflects a pragmatic approach towards a greener future amidst economic challenges.
This article explores this pivotal decision’s implications, reasons, and consequences.
A Brief History of the Ban
The UK government first proposed a ban on petrol and diesel cars for 2040. This target was brought forward to 2030 by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson as part of the UK’s ambitious “green industrial revolution”.
Closely mirroring the UK’s stance, the European Union also announced a 2035 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, underscoring a widespread commitment to environmental sustainability.
Why the Delay?
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak justified the delay as necessary to ease the burden on motorists during the current cost of living crisis, describing it as “pragmatic, proportionate, and realistic”.
Hybrid vehicles, which combine an electric motor with a combustion engine, have been given a reprieve until 2035. This decision offers manufacturers more time to adapt and innovate.
Financial agreements for new cars bought on finance will remain valid, with possible incentives for transitioning to electric models at the end of existing leases.
As the ban approaches, the industry is preparing for how these vehicles will be recycled. Programmes like RECOVAS are leading the way by developing nationwide systems to safely recycle and reuse batteries and hybrid components, supporting a more sustainable shift away from combustion engines.
Read our RECOVAS guide to learn more about how hybrid and EV recycling is changing in the UK.
As we approach the 2035 deadline, the UK stands at a crucial juncture in its environmental and economic policy.
This decision represents a balance between environmental urgency and pragmatic economic considerations.
The journey to a greener future continues, albeit with a revised roadmap.
Scrap Local are on hand to support motorists in the green transition, removing older, polluting cars in areas with clean air zones and the ULEZ.
Discover how we can help remove your polluting diesel and petrol car with our approved buyers.
Here are some popular questions on the petrol and diesel ban delay.
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