The UK government has confirmed the reinstatement of the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel car sales, marking a significant shift in the country's automotive policy. This reverses the previous extension to 2035 and aligns with Labour's election manifesto pledges.

The Department for Transport is now consulting with the automotive industry on implementation strategies, particularly focusing on the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This mandate requires manufacturers to achieve specific targets for zero-emission vehicle sales, currently set at 22% for 2024.

Key points of the consultation include:

• Determining which hybrid vehicles can remain on sale after 2030
• Reviewing manufacturer compliance with ZEV targets
• Addressing industry concerns about market readiness

Industry leaders have expressed concerns about meeting these targets without additional government support. Ford UK's chair Lisa Brankin emphasized the need for government-backed incentives to boost electric vehicle adoption. The SMMT's Mike Hawes noted that manufacturers have already invested billions in discounting EVs to meet current targets.

Progress in EV infrastructure includes:

• Over 72,000 public charging points now available
• Decreasing EV costs with 1 in 3 used models under £20,000
• One in four new cars sold in November were electric

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted the automotive industry's significance, noting its £19 billion contribution to the economy and 152,000 jobs. The government views the transition to EVs as an opportunity for investment and innovation in British manufacturing.

The policy's timeline:

• November 2020: Original 2030 ban announced by Boris Johnson
• September 2023: Rishi Sunak extended deadline to 2035
• 2024: Labour government reinstates 2030 deadline

The success of this transition will ultimately depend on consumer confidence and demand, infrastructure development, and industry adaptation to meet these ambitious targets.

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