5 Years Extra: Ban On Sale of Petrol & Diesel Cars Pushed Back

The UK government's recent decision to push back the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035 was received with shock.  

This move, announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, has sparked a range of reactions, from cautious optimism to outright concern. 

In a statement last week, the PM said:

”I’m proud that we’ve already attracted billions of new investments from companies like Tata's Jaguar Land Rover gigafactory, and I expect that by 2030, the vast majority of cars sold will be electric... because the costs are reducing, the range is improving the charging infrastructure is growing,"

“People are already choosing electric vehicles to such an extent that we're registering a new one every 60 seconds. 

“But I also think that at least for now, it should be you, the consumer that makes that choice, not Government forcing you to do it, because the upfront cost still is high, especially for families struggling with the cost of living. 

“Small businesses are worried about the practicalities, and we’ve got further to go to get the charging infrastructure truly nationwide.” 

“We need to strengthen our own auto industry so we aren’t reliant on heavily subsidised carbon-intensive imports from countries like China. 

“So, to give us more time to prepare, I'm announcing today that we’re going to ease the transition to electric vehicles, you'll still be able to buy petrol and diesel cars and vans until 2035. 

“We're aligning our approach with countries like Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Australia, Canada, Sweden, and US states such as California, New York and Massachusetts.” 

The five-year extension can be seen as a double-edged sword. On one hand, it offers a breather for those who felt the original 2030 deadline was too ambitious. The extension allows more time for the electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure to mature.  

This in turn helps those in the ground transport industry to transition smoothly without the financial strain of an abrupt switch.  

On the other hand, critics argue that this delay undermines the urgency to adopt cleaner technologies, potentially slowing down the UK's progress towards its net-zero emissions goal. They claim that this could lead to major costs for the public in the long run.  

Major automotive players haven't been shy in voicing their opinions. In a scathing comment, Lisa Brankin, the chair of Ford UK, said: "Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three." 

Many taxi operators will empathise with this, the mixed messaging can make it challenging to plan fleet upgrades or secure financing for greener vehicles. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) raised similar concerns, suggesting that the delay could deter drivers from switching to electric vehicles. 

However, some manufacturers, like Toyota and Jaguar Land Rover, believe the extension to be a pragmatic move. 

One of the key takeaways from Sunak's announcement is the emphasis on consumer choice. The government believes that, at least for the time being, the type of vehicle you choose to drive should be up to you. 

This resonates with many taxi drivers who have long-standing relationships with their petrol or diesel vehicles. And with the pandemic still in the rear-view mirror and the high price of many EV vehicles, it's no doubt a huge relief for a lot of drivers. 

It's worth noting though that this is only an extension to the inevitable transition to cleaner fuels; a grace period to do so more comfortably. The extension to 2035 offers some breathing room but it's not a free pass to hit the snooze button on sustainability. 

The need for cleaner, greener taxis is as pressing as ever, but hopefully, now the industry has a chance to get ready for that future.