Petrol and diesel cars banned in 2030 despite concerns about electric cars. Subscribe to Electric Vehicle News Bitesize Podcast for FREE!
The ban on the sale of petrol and diesel cars should be applauded, one expert said, calling for greater investment to make the transition to electric vehicles possible.
In October, former transport minister Anne-Marie Trevelyan confirmed that a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans would apply from 2030. Accordingly, from 2035 onwards, all new cars and vans should be completely emission-free.
Between 2030 and 2035, new cars and vans can be sold if they can drive long distances with zero emissions.
Petrol, diesel and hybrid trucks over 26 tonnes could be banned from 2040, subject to government consultation.
Aidan McClean, chief executive and co-founder of UFODRIVE, has urged the UK government to “severely limit” the use of petrol and diesel cars using a net-zero emissions scheme.
However, he acknowledged that charging infrastructure across the country needs to be massively expanded.
He said: “I am thrilled to see Rishi Sunak commit to 2019’s environmental pledges – although far more must be done, and we must realise that the climate crisis is here, and we are minutes from disaster.
“Although opponents are often right in their criticisms of electric infrastructure, this is not inevitable nor permanent.
“A lot of work must be done to ensure that it’s functional and practical, but this is possible if we have a Government that’s committed to a cleaner transport system and a future-proofed planet.
“We need more chargers, particularly fast chargers, and we certainly need more user-friendly, accessible infrastructure.
“To achieve this, investment isn’t enough; holistic, confident and joined-up policy is needed. From here, private and public funds can make the electric revolution both possible and practical.”
The noble environmental plan was first announced in November 2020, when then-UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson called it a “historic step towards net-zero emissions”.
The move comes with a £1.8bn commitment to support greater adoption of zero-emission vehicles for greener travel.
According to Zap Map, as of October 2022, there are 35,778 Electric Vehicle charging stations across the UK up from 21,378 charging stations.
The number of chargers has increased by 35% since October 2021.
Mr McClean added: “The current system just isn’t practical. There are too many providers, each with their own method of payment – with some using an app and some using a card.
“Not all chargers fit into all vehicles, and not all chargers are working. We need a universal system – underpinned by real-time data.
“From here, users can be confident that they will get to their destination – as they should be.
“After all, many EVs have a range of over 200 miles, and most don’t regularly drive anywhere near that far. Frankly, this is why ‘range anxiety’ should be called ‘user-experience anxiety’”.
It was confirmed that Prime Minister Rishi Sunak will attend the COP27 climate summit in Egypt.
It was previously said he was busy dealing with the opening weeks of his Premiership and the upcoming economic report.
He said he wanted to carry on the Glasgow legacy after the Scottish city hosted the COP26 summit last November.
Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson is also expected to attend, as well as climate adviser Alok Sharma.
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