The United Kingdom (UK) Government has launched a public consultation – open until 18 February 2025 – to outline the specifics of its plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030.
The initiative aims to gather input from various sectors on how to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and achieve its carbon neutrality targets.
The consultation is split into two parts.
The first part is about phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 and supporting zero emission transition.
It is conducted solely by the UK government and seeks views on:
- options to end the sale of new cars with internal combustion engines from 2030
- potential requirements for new non-zero emission vans to be sold from 2030 to 2035
- consideration of approach for small volume manufacturers
- demand measures to support the uptake of zero emission vehicles
The second part of this consultation is about the the ZEV Mandate, delivered through the vehicle emissions trading schemes (VETs).
It is conducted by the UK government, Scottish Government, Welsh Government and the Department for Infrastructure (NI) and seeks views on:
- the existing flexibilities within the ZEV mandate, and consideration of further flexibilities
- other technical updates to the ZEV mandate to ensure its efficiency
Evidence from part 2 of the consultation will inform potential future amendments to the ZEV Mandate and CO2 emissions regulation.
The analytical annex sets out the analytical approach and tailpipe CO2 analysis results for the proposed VETS amendments and options for delivering the 2030 commitment.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander says: “The UK’s automotive industry is a huge asset to our nation — and the transition to electric is an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment, harness British innovation, and deliver growth for generations to come. Yet over the last few years, our automotive industry has been stifled by a lack of certainty and direction. This Government will change that.“
She continues: “Drivers are already embracing EVs faster than ever, with one in four new cars sold in November electric. Today’s measures will help us capitalise on the clean energy transition to support thousands of jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower, and rebuild Britain.”
Edmund King, AA president, states: “The AA supported the original zero emission new cars sales deadline of 2030 as ‘challenging but ambitious’ and the results of this consultation should define the firm route to zero emissions.”
“Understandably drivers have been ‘hesitant not hostile’ about the transition but more clarity on hybrids, vans and planning support for accelerated charging infrastructure should give them more certainty,” he adds.
Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, indicates: “The automotive industry welcomes government’s review of both the end of sale date for cars powered solely by petrol or diesel, and possible changes to the flexibilities around the Zero Emission Vehicle Mandate.
“Aside from the billions invested in new technologies and products, it has cost manufacturers in excess of four billion pounds in discounting in the UK this year alone. This is unsustainable and, with the 2025 market looking under even greater pressure, it is imperative we get an urgent resolution, with a clear intent to adapt the regulation to support delivery, backed by bold incentives to stimulate demand,” he adds.
