First they said 2030, then 2035 and then 2030 again. And now neither diesel nor petrol cars will be banned in England after all. At least not completely.
The UK is tightening rules on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. But long-range plug-in hybrids and small car manufacturers will be given a deadline of 2035.
Some car brands in the UK can continue to sell new cars with combustion engines after 2030.
This applies especially to smaller brands. The upcoming British ban on petrol and diesel cars will therefore be exempted. Plug-in hybrids will also be given more time.
Car manufacturers with annual registrations of 2,500 cars or fewer will be allowed to continue selling new cars with combustion engines until 2035. This gives small niche manufacturers a long – or at least longer – transition period.
If a car brand sells more than 1,000 cars per year, special requirements apply. They must comply with certain emission levels. The government has agreed on these levels with the car brands.
It writes, among other things, Auto Express and Reuters.
New plug-in hybrids with long electric range are also exempt from the 2030 ban. Sales of these cars can continue until 2035. However, this requires a certain specified range on electricity alone.
Regular hybrid cars, which cannot be charged with a cable, will also be allowed. However, mild hybrids appear to be included in the original ban.
Exceptions for hybrid cars and the 'small car brands'
The main rule itself banning new sales of petrol and diesel cars will come into force in 2030. It is part of the UK's green transition plan. The aim is to promote the transition to zero-emission vehicles.
The British government has adjusted its plans along the way. There was previously uncertainty about possible relaxations of the ban. The Labour government has considered the exceptions carefully.
However, from 2035 the rules will be tightened further. After that date, only brand new electric cars will be allowed to be sold. This applies to passenger cars.
Commercial vehicles such as vans will also be given an extended deadline. New vans with combustion engines can be sold until 2035. This gives the transport sector more time to adapt, the explanation is.
However, there are conditions attached to the sale of the commercial vehicles. The manufacturers' total fleet emissions must be reduced. They must be below the level from 2021.
Rules for vans and a future without hybrids?
The UK's goal is a full transition to electric transport. The coming years will show how the market adapts to the new rules. Car manufacturers are already working on new electric car models.
The transition has a significant impact on both consumers and the automotive industry. Massive investment is being made in charging infrastructure in the UK to support the growing number of electric cars.
While the UK sets deadlines, we at Boosted.dk are following developments closely. We also cover news about electric cars and hybrid technology. Including those that directly affect us at home.
Among other things, certain hybrid cars are facing the risk of becoming so expensive that they will be impossible to sell due to a number of tax regulations. At least if you ask FDM. Read more about it here.
You can also find articles about the small niche manufacturers on Boosted.dk. We often look at the special cars that may benefit from the British 2035 rule. Stay up to date with the automotive world with us.