The ban is currently scheduled to take effect in 2030, with exceptions for some types of hybrid powertrains until 2035. However, that date is once again in doubt, with Prime Minister Rishi Sunak planning to delay a number of key green measures that are part of his target to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, according to the BBC.
It is believed that the government may push back the ban on the sale of new zero-emission cars from 2030 to 2035, although final decisions on which measures will be changed have yet to be made. The announcement is due to be made by the Prime Minister on Friday (September 22).
The 2030 target was originally introduced in 2020 and was a key aspect of then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Green Revolution vision. The deadline was initially seen as more aggressive than the European Union’s plan to mandate emissions reductions for new cars sold after 2035, phasing out sales of new petrol and diesel models.
Sunak’s office declined to comment on the rumors, but a government spokesman reiterated the government’s continued commitment to net-zero emissions targets. He stressed that the Government’s approach would prioritize pragmatism to ensure costs were not passed on to British families, while remaining determined to achieve net-zero emissions.
Sources: Autocar, Autonews Europe
