Petrol and diesel cars to be ‘phased out’ by 2030 as UK favours electric car movement
Deadline for new car sales was moved up from 2035
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Petrol and diesel cars will be “phased out” and banned by 2030 as the Labour Government reaffirms its commitment to removing fossil fuels.
The new timeline for banning new sales of petrol and diesel cars is five years earlier than what was previously promised by the Conservative administration.
Although there has been much speculation around whether Labour would bring back the original 2030 goal set out in 2022, the Future Roads Minister Lilian Greenwood has confirmed the plans.
Speaking at the Cenex Expo, Greenwood, who is also the MP for Nottingham South said the Government is committed to the 2030 ban.
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Electric cars will become favoured mode for travel
PAIn her speech detailed by Transport and Energy, she said: “First, we will phase out new cars that rely solely on internal combustion engines by 2030.
“Second, we will expedite every effort to accelerate the rollout of charge points across the country.
“Together, they mean less carbon and more clean energy; fewer polluting cars and more electric vehicles – reducing the burden on our planet and increasing the opportunities for everyone to join in the electric vehicle revolution.”
The ban on petrol and diesel cars forms part of the UK’s goal to reach net zero by 2050, in order to do this, the UK will need to have at least 22 per cent of new car sales be electric this year.
Greenwood also flagged the benefits electric vehicles pose in the UK’s journey to net zero stating they offer “huge savings for drivers”.
She said: “We are aiming high. We are putting transport at the heart of a mission driven approach.
“Here’s how we’re going to do it, starting with providing certainty and delivering a zero-emission vehicle mandate.”
She explained that by 2030 there will be “no new cars relying solely on internal combustion engines”.
But the minister also warned that progress “still, needs to go faster”.“We must manage a system of charging innovations in such a way that best inspires confidence amongst consumers”.
She stated: “Getting up to speed will require partnership between Government and industry. With industry having announced over £6 billion in charging infrastructure investment before 2030 I know that we’re closer to getting on track.
“But let me be clear, this Government promises to accelerate the rollout of charge points and we will accelerate the roll out of charge points.
“We will take into account the needs of people without off-street parking wherever they live. I know that we will work together to make charging more accessible for all.”
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New sale of petrol and diesel cars to be banned by 2030
PAIn her closing remarks Greenwood noted how electric and self-driving vehicles would offer the UK more opportunity and different energy.