Labour promised in its election manifesto to end the sale of “new cars with internal combustion engines” by 2030, in a push to reach net-zero targets.
The government is expected to water down a manifesto pledge suggesting a complete ban on the sale of new petrol-powered cars by the end of the decade, according to reports.
Labour promised in its election manifesto to end the sale of “new cars with internal combustion engines” by 2030 in a push to reach net-zero targets led by Ed Miliband, Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero.
It comes amid reluctance among motorists to switch to electric vehicles (EVs), with concerns over their range, value at resale, and access to charging stations.
This week it was reported that automotive manufacturer Stellanis is to suspend production of the electric Fiat 500 model for four weeks over a lack of orders in Europe.
In recent weeks, Volvo and Toyota also revealed their intention to extend hybrid production amid a global slowdown in sales of EVs, which has been blamed in part on differing policies on green incentives around the world.
Lobbying from the manufacturing industry was also said to have been a factor in the Labour government’s rumoured move.
A spokesperson for the Government said: “This government’s policy has always been to revert to the original 2030 phase out date for the sale of new vehicles with pure internal combustion engines.
The Government is also putting pressure on carmakers with its continuation of the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which came into effect in January during the previous Tory government, and requires manufacturers to sell a certain percentage of fully electric models in order to prevent a fine of £15,000 for each vehicle that does not comply with the quota.
At least 28 percent of new car sales must be EVs in 2025, 52 percent are EVs in 2028 and 80 percent are pure electric in 2030, under the rules. By 2035 all new vehicles sold must be emission-free.
It’s not yet known which hybrids will qualify for sale from 2030 to 2035, with the definition to be decided as part of a consultation process, the newspaper understands.
( Source from Daily Express)