Revving Up for Change: UK's Plan to Phase Out Petrol and Diesel Cars by 2030
The UK motor industry is currently engaged in consultations regarding the plan to phase out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, a deadline emphasized in Labour’s election manifesto. The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, is gathering insight from automotive and charging experts to ensure a clear pathway for implementing the ban, with a focus on clarity for vehicle manufacturers and the electric vehicle (EV) charging industry.
Challenges in Transitioning to Electric Vehicles
Despite the push for more electric vehicles, industry leaders warn that consumer adoption is lagging due to high costs and insufficient charging infrastructure. For instance, Ford’s UK managing director, Lisa Brankin, stressed the need for government incentives to enhance EV uptake, citing that without consumer demand, the mandate for EV production is ineffective.
Concerns about the practicality of switching to EVs are echoed by consumers. Kaylan Evans pointed out the prohibitive costs of electric cars and the current inadequacies in charging station availability. Similarly, other London residents expressed hesitation, with some noting that living in flats makes it difficult to charge vehicles, while others are deterred by concerns about electricity costs associated with home charging installations.
Government Strategies and Industry Response
In response to these challenges, the government is prioritizing efforts to make EV charging more accessible and affordable. Currently, there are 72,000 public charging points in the UK, with plans for an additional 100,000 setups. Both rural areas and households without private parking continue to present significant barriers to EV adoption, which industry analysts believe will take time to resolve.
EVs currently make up a substantial portion (one in four) of cars sold in the UK, with affordability improving for used electric vehicles as a significant number are priced below £20,000. Edmund King, president of the AA, notes that while consumers are hesitant, the consultation could foster greater clarity and certainty about the transition to EVs.
The consultation is also addressing updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which dictates the sales percentage of zero-emission cars that must be sold by manufacturers each year through 2030. Starting in 2024, 22% of car sales by manufacturers must be electric vehicles, with this figure set to climb in subsequent years. Fines are in place for failures to meet these targets, although manufacturers can simplify compliance by buying credits from those exceeding their quotas.
Looking Ahead
The eight-week consultation seeks feedback on which vehicles should be allowed for sale alongside zero-emission vehicles from 2030, including hybrids. While a majority of UK car manufacturers have committed to an all-electric future by 2030, several companies are simultaneously announcing job cuts, attributed in part to the pressures of EV mandates.
Production figures reflect industry struggles, with UK car production dropping by over 15% in October 2024, primarily due to lack of demand and export declines. Electric and hybrid vehicle production has suffered even more significantly, decreasing by one-third, as manufacturers shift to prepare for new models.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted the potential for the UK to lead in clean energy efforts through these measures, positioning the UK as an attractive market for battery EVs amidst growing global demand. As the country navigates the transition to electric vehicles, it appears that both consultations and incentives will be critical to meeting the ambitious 2030 deadline.