The UK government has launched a consultation with the motor industry to determine how best to implement the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel vehicle sales. The move comes as part of Labour’s commitment to reinstate the earlier deadline, which had been extended to 2035 under the previous Conservative administration.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced the consultation, emphasizing the need to “restore clarity” on achieving the ban. The initiative will gather input from automotive leaders and charging infrastructure experts to address hurdles in the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
Challenges in the Transition
Car industry leaders have raised concerns over the pace of EV adoption, citing high costs and insufficient charging infrastructure as significant barriers. Last month, Ford UK warned that the government’s Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate to increase EV production and sales “just doesn’t work” without stronger consumer demand.
Lisa Brankin, Ford UK’s chair and managing director, called for “government-backed incentives” to accelerate EV uptake, adding that affordability remains a key issue for private buyers. While EVs now account for one in four new car sales in the UK, the cheapest models remain more expensive than their petrol or diesel counterparts.
The government has acknowledged these challenges, noting that hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles will be included in the consultation to determine their role post-2030.
Infrastructure Expansion Plans
The Department for Transport has highlighted efforts to expand charging infrastructure, with over 72,000 public charging points already available and an additional 100,000 planned across England. However, rural areas and homes without private parking remain underserved, a problem analysts believe could take years to resolve.
Edmund King, president of the AA, described drivers as “hesitant but not hostile” to the transition, stressing that the consultation could provide much-needed clarity.
Industry Concerns and Job Impacts
The consultation also proposes updates to the ZEV mandate, which requires EVs to make up 22% of a carmaker’s sales in 2024, rising annually. Non-compliance could result in fines of £15,000 per sale, though manufacturers can trade “credits” to offset shortfalls.
The automotive industry, which saw a 15% decline in UK car production in October 2024, has been hit by weak demand and factory retooling. Electric and hybrid vehicle production has suffered a sharper 33% drop, attributed to lower European demand and ongoing adjustments for new models.
Despite these challenges, more than two-thirds of UK manufacturers, including Stellantis, have committed to transitioning fully to EVs by 2030. However, industry groups such as the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) have urged for “bold incentives” to encourage consumer adoption and avoid further job losses.
“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,” Alexander said, underlining the government’s long-term vision for the automotive sector.
The eight-week consultation seeks feedback on strategies for achieving the 2030 target, the inclusion of hybrid vehicles, and tailored policies for small-volume manufacturers and vans.
