The UK government has reignited discussions on its ambitious plan to phase out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030, seeking input from key players in the automotive and charging sectors. The move comes as the Labour Party, in its election manifesto, vowed to reinstate the 2030 deadline after the previous Conservative government pushed it back to 2035.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced an eight-week consultation aimed at providing clarity and direction for car manufacturers and charging infrastructure developers. The goal is to ensure the UK’s automotive industry remains competitive and prepared for the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), while addressing concerns over infrastructure and affordability.
The automotive sector, however, has raised red flags about the slow adoption of EVs, largely attributed to the high upfront costs and an insufficient charging network. Ford UK’s chair, Lisa Brankin, highlighted the urgent need for government-backed incentives to encourage consumers to switch to electric. Without such measures, Brankin warned, the current mandates just don’t work.
The consultation will also revisit the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which sets incremental sales targets for EVs. By 2024, carmakers must ensure EVs make up 22% of their total sales, with penalties of £15,000 for each sale below the target. While some manufacturers like BMW, Hyundai, and Mercedes are exceeding their quotas, others face challenges meeting these requirements.
Charging infrastructure remains a significant hurdle. With over 72,000 public charging points available and another 100,000 planned, concerns persist about the accessibility of chargers in rural areas and for households without private parking. The government emphasized that improving and expanding the charging network is central to the plan, aiming to make EV adoption easier and more appealing for the average driver.
In addition to affordability and infrastructure, the declining production of electric and hybrid vehicles is another concern. UK car production dropped by over 15% in October 2024, with electric and hybrid models seeing a steeper decline of one-third. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) attributed this to weak European demand and factory retooling delays.
Despite these challenges, more than two-thirds of UK car manufacturers, including Stellantis, have pledged to transition fully to electric by 2030. However, some companies have announced significant job cuts, citing the pressure of EV targets.
Colin Walker from the Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit noted that some manufacturers are already outperforming expectations, proving the feasibility of more ambitious EV targets.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander stressed that the consultation is an opportunity to position the UK as a global leader in clean energy and automotive innovation. “Today’s measures will help us capitalize on the clean energy transition to support thousands of jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower, and rebuild Britain,” Alexander said.
Industry experts, such as Electric Vehicles UK CEO Dan Caesar, see the roadmap as a chance to solidify the UK as a premier market for battery EVs. With rising demand for both new and used batteries, Caesar argued that the proposed strategy would give manufacturers and consumers the clarity needed to navigate the transition.
The consultation is set to address hybrid vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and small-volume manufacturers, ensuring a comprehensive strategy for all market segments. As the UK navigates this pivotal shift, collaboration between the government, industry stakeholders, and consumers will be key to meeting the 2030 deadline.
