Relaxing Electric Car Goals Implies Five Key Shifts for YOU: Stays of Execution for Hybrids Highlighted
Trading in hybrid cars could last longer than initially planned following a leniency shift by the government. British drivers can now hold onto hybrid vehicles until 2035 as the government has put aside pressure on manufacturers to meet EV sales targets, according to this evening's announcement by the Prime Minister.
Previously committed to a 2030 ban on selling new petrol and diesel vehicles, the Prime Minister added some wiggle room, allowing hybrid cars to remain on UK roads for another five years. This change was sparked by growing support among the public for hybrid vehicles and the challenges faced by manufacturers in meeting increasing EV sales targets.
Outlining the changes, the Prime Minister said, "Now more than ever, UK businesses and working people need a Government that steps up, not stands aside. That means action, not words." But what do these changes mean for British drivers? Here's a rundown of the major updates:
- Britons will be able to buy hybrid cars for longer: Full hybrids and plug-in hybrids will be granted a five-year stay of execution until 2035, giving buyers more time to make the switch to electric vehicles. Plug-in hybrids commonly have a larger battery and can be charged via the mains, while full hybrids combine petrol and electric power but do not need to be plugged in.
- New car buyers won't have to go electric in 2030: Since hybrids will still be available beyond 2030, new car buyers won't face the pressure to go electric until 2035. However, it's worth noting that the government's stance on the 2035 deadline remains in flux, with significant fluctuations in recent years. The original introduction of the 2030 ban in 2020 has since been extended to 2035 and then, more recently, revised with a focus on leniency for manufacturers.
- Less petrol car 'rationing': Manufacturers will now face fewer restrictions in meeting the ZEV mandate, which requires them to sell an increasing volume of EVs each year. This leniency is expected to prevent them from artificially raising prices on petrol vehicles or restricting sales to meet sales targets.
- You can still buy petrol supercars beyond 2030: Small and micro-volume manufacturers, including famous luxury carmakers like Aston Martin and McLaren, will receive exemptions from ZEV mandate targets and the 2030 ban on new petrol car sales. This move will undoubtedly be welcomed by petrolhead enthusiasts.
- White van man can keep buying diesel: The government confirmed that new petrol and diesel vans will continue to be available until 2035, giving tradesmen and small business owners greater flexibility in their vehicle choices.
Stay tuned for more updates on the UK's EV transition and government policies supporting the automotive industry. Amidst ongoing global competition, domestic EV manufacturing and adoption appear to be priorities for the government as it continues to seek a balance between meeting climate targets and supporting manufacturers.
Enrichment data, such as EU EV market share and BYD's recent sales figures, can help provide context for these changes and offer a wider perspective on the EV industry's growth.
- The ban on selling new diesel vehicles in the UK has been extended to 2035, allowing businesses and individuals more time to transition to electric vehicles.
- The government has made exemptions for luxury car manufacturers like Aston Martin and McLaren, allowing them to continue selling petrol supercars beyond 2030.
- The government's decision to grant leniency to manufacturers in meeting the ZEV mandate could lead to reduced rationing of petrol cars and potentially lower prices for consumers.
- The prospect of hybrid car exemptions until 2035 could signal an adjustment in finance and politics, influencing the general news landscape and the overall EV transition strategy in the UK.
