UK delays petrol car ban

A number of carmakers have hit out at the UK government after it announced it is pushing back a ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 until 2035.

They warn that after automotive companies have invested billions of dollars into accelerating the production of electric vehicles (EVs), the government’s move will disrupt supply chains and slow the transition to greener cars

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, pictured, has watered down policies that tackle climate change to ease what he describes as “unacceptable costs” on UK households and to maintain public support in slashing emissions.

He says he is committed to the legally-binding target of reaching net zero emissions by 2050 but believes the UK can slow its progress in getting there because it is “so far ahead of every other country in the world”, reports Reuters.

Carmakers have already made key business decisions in line with the 2030 target, which was only brought forward three years ago from an earlier 2035 goal, and are now calling for more policy certainty and less confusion.

Lisa Brankin, chair of Ford UK, told Reuters: “Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three.”

Kia says Sunak’s announcement “alters complex supply chain negotiations and product planning, whilst potentially contributing to consumer and industry confusion”.

Meanwhile, Volkswagen Group UK says the industry urgently needs a “clear and reliable regulatory framework” to create market certainty and consumer confidence, reports Reuters.

“Binding targets for infrastructure rollout and incentives are required to ensure the direction of travel,” it adds.

Sunak’s new plans will also ease the transition to heat pumps from gas boilers in UK homes and drop rules enforcing households to improve their insulation.

The opposition Labour Party says it will stick with the original 2030 target to stop the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, if it regains power at the next general election that is expected to be held in 2024.