Government row back on 2030 deadline ‘hugely retrograde step’

Government plans to push back the ban on sale of ICE cars five years to 2035 have received a mixed reception with some saying it is a retrograde step and others saying the decision was inevitable.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said “The automotive industry has and continues to invest billions in new electric vehicles as the decarbonisation of road transport is essential if net zero is to be delivered.

“Government has played a key part in bringing some of that investment to the UK, and Britain can – and should – be a leader in zero emission mobility both as a manufacturer and market.

To make this a reality, however, consumers must want to make the switch, which requires from Government a clear, consistent message, attractive incentives and charging infrastructure that gives confidence rather than anxiety. Confusion and uncertainty will only hold them back.”

Ian Plummer, commercial director of Auto Trader, said pushing back the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel sales by five years is a “hugely retrograde step” which puts politics ahead of net zero goals.

“This U-turn will cause a huge headache for manufacturers, who are crying out for clarity and consistency, and it is hardly going to encourage the vast majority of drivers who are yet to buy an electric car to make the switch.

“Rather than grasp the challenge and use the tax system to ease concerns over affordability, the Prime Minister has taken the easy option with one eye on polling day.”

Dylan Setterfield, head of forecast Strategy at cap hpi, said: “I’m not sure it makes any difference to anything.

“We always said that 2030 was a very ambitious target and required significant action and forward planning to make it happen.

“Although there has been significant progress in infrastructure development, we think we are behind the BEV penetration required to naturally reach 100% BEV being a reality by 2030 without huge intervention.

“Our assumption had been that the ICE ban would be extended to 2035 by the next UK government, regardless of which party or parties would be in power, with the new incumbents blaming the current administration for not making sufficient progress to meet the 2030 target. Even if the 2030 deadline remains unchanged for passenger cars, we could see changes to the timetable for LCV, or the majority of hybrid vehicles allowed until 2035.”