Petrol And Diesel Ban: Government Consultation Launched Over Restoration Of 2030 Deadline
The government has officially launched a consultation as it aims to canvass opinion on its plans to restore the date of the ban of the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles to 2030.
However, many manufacturers are concerned that changing the date again after crucial decisions were made over the future plans of vehicle manufacturing could lead to significant issues.
The original deadline for the end of the production of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles was 2030 before it was pushed back to 2035.
But the government are now keen to bring that back to the original 2030 date as part of their manifesto pledges last year.
What Does The Petrol, Diesel and Hybrid ban mean for fleets?
The government had pledged a return to the 2030 date since they took office last year and it looks like steps are being taken to move forwards with those plans.
Major vehicle manufacturers have once again called for clarity on the situation after working towards a 2030 deadline for several years before the previous government extended the ban to 2035.
Interestingly, one of the key points of the consultation and the ongoing debate is whereabouts hybrid vehicles sit in the discussion.
When the ban of the sale of new ICE vehicles was first mooted, it always included hybrid vehicles as well as petrol and diesel but there’s now a debate around whether phasing out of hybrid vehicles would be a more pertinent move over the next few years rather than a cliff edge.
The consultation has proposed a system where manufacturers have limits on the percentage of hybrid vehicles they’re allowed to sell each year up to 2030, with discussions over how flexible this might be still to be had.
Manufacturers and industry experts are calling for clarity and a final decision to be made as soon as possible once the consultation period has ended.
There is pressure on manufacturers to deliver enough electrical vehicles and there’s also pressure on fleets to make the switch to electric, which could be eased by allowances on hybrid vehicle sales and giving fleets more time to make the switch across their entire vehicle range.
For fleets who have delayed their moves to EVs, it’s a debate that holds a lot of weight for what the future might hold. And for those still in their switchover period, clarity is crucial to know what happens next.
The Great EV Switch - Will It Be 2030 or 2035?
Any change back to the original 2030 deadline would bring its own challenges but might be welcomed by some who’ve already begun the electrification of their own fleet.
It looks as though the path is being cleared to move back to the original 2030 date and while there are still details to be ironed out, it’s worth fleets preparing for that to be announced in due course.
We’d love to know whether you think a return to the original 2030 date for the ban of the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicle makes sense?
And if your plans have changed with the delay to 2035, does this news impact you? Let us know in the comments below…
