Road to Zero Strategy explained
What you need to know about the ‘petrol car ban
What does it mean for motorists? We’ve put together a quick guide to provide some clarity, and hopefully dispel a few myths…
What is the ban on petrol and ban on diesel cars (aka the Road to Zero Strategy)?
The ‘petrol car ban’ is part of the UK government’s long-term plans to reduce the country’s impact on climate change and achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.
In October 2021, the plan outlawed the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2030, as well as the sale of new hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles by 2035.
The UK government announced in 2023 that the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, originally scheduled for 2030, will be delayed until 2035.
At the end of August 2024 the new Labour government is expected to bring back the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, according to exclusive reports.
Hold on a minute; doesn’t the petrol car ban start in 2040?
Back in 2018, the government published their Road to Zero Strategy. This introduced their plans for the ban to the public, and gave new petrol and diesel vehicle sales a stay of execution until 2040 – a deadline which was widely criticised for being too late.
Since then, the government has moved the ban’s introduction forward by ten years to 2030 instead.
Could the ban be moved forward again?
Possibly, if the government believes an earlier transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) is actually practical.
However, many big names in the automotive industry – including the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders – have already voiced concerns about the ‘ambitious’ deadline.
The government would face even greater pushback from the industry if they moved the date closer.
Plus, the government seems to be a little more clear on their climate change policies than they were in 2018 with the comparatively vague Road to Zero Strategy document.
Since then, we’ve seen the publication of their Ten Point Plan for a Green Industrial Revolution, their Transport Decarbonisation Plan and most recently their wider Net Zero Strategy covering the nation’s industry as a whole.
So while nothing is set in stone, it seems unlikely that we’ll see the ban arrive any sooner than 2030.
Which types of vehicles are affected by the ban?
All new combustion-based vehicle sales are set to be phased out.
This includes:
- cars and vans from 2030 onwards
- hybrids and plug-in hybrids, as well as motorcycles and other ‘powered light vehicles’, from 2035 onwards
- diesel lorries from 2040
Can I still drive a petrol car or diesel car after 2030? (Or a hybrid car after 2035?)
Absolutely; there’s no need to go scrapping your current vehicle!
The ‘petrol car ban’ only affects the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles, and the government has not announced any bans for vehicles already on the road.
What about second hand car sales?
Can I still buy or sell a petrol, diesel or hybrid car on the second hand market?
Yes. The ban only affects new petrol, diesel and hybrid sales; there are no plans to prohibit second-hand sales.
However, the ban will likely have an effect on the value of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles on the second-hand market; especially as it’s speculated that other areas in the UK will see the introduction of ultra-low emission zones like the one in London in the future.
Aren’t electric vehicles more expensive?
Currently, yes; but prices are coming down and EVs are expected to become even more affordable in the near future.
There’s also government-funded grants offering discounts on electric vehicles, as well as the installation of home charging points.
Does the UK have an electrical infrastructure?
Does the UK have the electrical infrastructure to support nationwide electric vehicle adoption?
Many people in the UK are already relying on the nation’s existing charging stations to fuel their electric vehicles, but the number of public charging points will need to increase significantly to support the increased demand.
As well as the £1.9billion pledged in 2020, the government has recently allocated another £620million to fund the rollout of additional charging station infrastructure.
Meanwhile, the National Grid is confident that the nation’s electrical network can handle the increasing demand from EV charging; and it’s likely that hydrogen fuel cells and other emerging green technologies will also form a part of the new zero-emission vehicle landscape.
At JC Electrical UK, we’re doing our bit towards 2030 by installing modern EV charging points in homes, businesses and public spaces across the capital. Find out more on our EV Charger Installations page or get in touch on 0208 839 9561 or get in touch via our contact form to discuss your project requirements.
More than just a London based electrician
With JC Electrical (UK) Ltd, electrical contractors in London you can expect a professional service tailored to your individual needs. Not only do we offer Testing Maintenance, & Certification and test and inspection. We also provide commercial Emergency callouts.
We can supply, install, test and repair everything from safety and security systems to smart lighting, specialist Lighting and emergency lighting , air conditioning and bespoke commercial solutions including network cabling, fire alarms and door entry & access control installers.
Our professional NICEIC-approved electricians can install modern, reliable EV charger (Electric vehicle charging) points across West London and the rest of the capital.
Our services for homeowners include
Audio Visual, Burglar Alarm / Home security installations, home Smart Lighting and Solar Panel Installation.
Additional reading
Our site also includes some really great articles and answers some faqs.
For more details, or for a free quote, call JC Electrical (UK) Ltd on 0208 839 9561 today or get in touch via our contact form.
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