UK to ban sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2035

Fleet managers in the UK have to start planning for a zero emission future from 2035, after the UK Government advanced the date for its ban on the sale of cars and vans with internal combustion engines.

Previously the UK was working towards a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2040.

However, in a speech to mark the launch of the COP26 UN climate summit, which will take place in Glasgow in November, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said that the Government will only allow zero emission cars to be sold after 2035.

Hybrids banned

This new date also applies to hybrid and plug-in hybrid cars for the first time, restricting the options open to fleets.

If an earlier transition date to electric or hydrogen power proves feasible, the UK Government could bring forward the end of petrol and diesel cars and vans even earlier.

“2020 must be the year we turn the tide on global warming– it will be the year when we choose a cleaner, greener future for all,” said Johnson.

Europe's ICE bans

In Europe, Norway intends to outlaw the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2025, and Denmark, Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia and Sweden are working towards a ban from 2030.

Fleet reaction

Caroline Sandall, chairman, ACFO, which represents UK fleet managers, criticised the 2035 ban as 'too simplistic', and said politicians must make it much easier for fleets to switch to electric vehicles, including taking action to increase and harmonise the public charge point network, maintaining grants for plug-in vehicles, and extending the low benefit in kind tax for electric company cars until 2025.

"While new car registration figures show that demand is increasing it is being hampered in part due to the right products not being available at the right price with realistic delivery times. Simply advocating a ban on the sale of internal combustion engine and plug-in hybrid models is not the answer," said Sandall.

The UK Government is investing £1.5billion (€1.77bn) to suport the introduction of electric cars, but the BVRLA, which represents the country’s rental and leasing industry, has called for “a comprehensive EV support package,” in the Government’s upcoming Budget.

BVRLA Chief Executive, Gerry Keaney, said: “Fleets are being asked to invest billions of pounds in new electric vehicle technology and infrastructure, which comes at a hefty price premium to its petrol and diesel alternatives.

“To achieve these goals the Government must provide a clear support package through to at least 2025.”

This support includes grants to subsidise the higher acquisition costs of electric cars (the current plug-in car grant expires in 60 days), tax incentives for drivers and owners, and help to: “tackle the huge and often arbitrary costs associated with fleet charging infrastructure,” said Keaney.

OEM reaction

The SMMT, which represents vehicle manufacturers, expressed concern at the Government moving the goalposts for the phasing out of the internal combustion engine.

Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Manufacturers are fully invested in a zero emissions future, with some 60 plug-in models now on the market and 34 more coming in 2020. However, with current demand for this still expensive technology still just a fraction of sales, it’s clear that accelerating an already very challenging ambition will take more than industry investment.

“We need to hear how Government plans to fulfil its ambitions in a sustainable way, one that safeguards industry and jobs, allows people from all income groups and regions to adapt and benefit, and, crucially, does not undermine sales of today’s low emission technologies, including popular hybrids, all of which are essential to deliver air quality and climate change goals now.”