Experts have raised concerns about Rishi Sunak’s reported plans to roll back a number of net zero aims including the ban on internal combustion engine vehicle sales.
The Government announced in 2020 that the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles would be banned from 2030, followed by a similar ban on hybrids five years later.
This was a pledge from the Government which put the UK ahead of almost all other nations in terms of net zero proposals and was praised by many at the time.
However, it has been widely reported that the Prime Minister is planning to amend many environmental goals later this week.
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One of the key changes would be moving the 2030 sales ban deadline back to 2035 – the same deadline as the European Union.
Experts are now warning that this could have an enormous impact on drivers who may be confused and manufacturers who have already set out ambitious production timetables.
Ian Plummer, commercial director at Auto Trader, commented on the net zero plans, saying it would have a huge impact on drivers and manufacturers.
He said: “Pushing back the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel sales by five years is a hugely retrograde step which puts politics ahead of net zero goals.
“This U-turn will cause a huge headache for manufacturers, who are crying out for clarity and consistency, and it is hardly going to encourage the vast majority of drivers who are yet to buy an electric car to make the switch.
“Rather than grasp the challenge and use the tax system to ease concerns over affordability, the Prime Minister has taken the easy option with one eye on polling day.”
At the time of the initial 2030 announcement, then-Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said the phase-out date could create 40,000 extra jobs by the end of the decade.
He added that the Government would be increasing its commitment to helping drivers switch to zero emission vehicles with a “world-leading” £2.5billion package.
Speaking this morning, Home Secretary Suella Braverman said the Government was “absolutely committed” to net zero pledges, adding that the UK would not “save the planet by bankrupting the British people”.
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said high demand for electric vehicles was needed if the UK wanted to attract investment.
He said: "You want to build close to where you sell, so you need a strong market here in the UK to help secure future investment.
“The concern now is, does this cause consumers to delay their purchase?
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Experts are concerned about the impact on electric cars if the ban is paused
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"We’re trying to understand what is going to happen next between this sort of statement (on the 2030 ban) and that policy, and the message it sends consumers which must be incredibly confusing,” he told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
