Secretary of State for Transport (): Government has commenced
a consultation on phasing out the sale of
new petrol and diesel cars from 2030, driving forward the
commitment made in our manifesto, supporting delivery of both our
clean energy mission and our economic growth mission.
The previous government caused significant harm to the industry
by moving goalposts on phase out dates, creating doubt in the
minds of investors and boardrooms and putting at risk the
billions of pounds of committed investment in the automotive
sector and in the chargepoint sector. Our plans will restore
clarity for manufacturers, provide renewed confidence for
charging infrastructure investors and give confidence to
consumers considering making the switch. No new petrol or diesel
cars will be sold after 2030. All new cars and vans will need to
be 100% zero emission by 2035.
The need to transition away from a reliance on fossil fuels has
never been clearer, and the transition to zero emission vehicles
will play a critical role in quickly reducing carbon emissions
and improving our energy security. It is not just an
environmental necessity but an opportunity for the UK to lead in cutting edge technologies,
representing a significant industrial opportunity for the
UK. This shift promises
cleaner air and quieter streets, enhancing the quality of life in
our communities. British people and businesses are already
embracing electric vehicles because they are cheaper to run,
great to drive and simpler to maintain.
This consultation marks a new phase of collaboration between the
government and the automotive and charging sectors as we support
and work together with industry to grasp the opportunities of
this ambitious and transformative shift – ensuring the prosperity
and security of our nation, with higher growth, better jobs, and
cheaper bills. This transformation is a challenge we can meet by
working together.
The consultation is an opportunity to consider stakeholders'
preferences on technology choices and the types of vehicles
permitted between 2030 and 2035 alongside ZEVs. It commits to maintaining
the trajectories in the ZEVmandate while considering how
the current arrangements and flexibilities are working and what
steps can be taken to support domestic manufacturing and cement
the UK's position as one of
the major European markets for ZEVs.
In order to support the transition, we need to continue to
accelerate the rollout of charging infrastructure right across
the country, building on significant deployment to date. I have,
therefore, also announced a broad package of measures that will
make charging infrastructure quicker and easier to install,
supporting £6 billion of private investment out to 2030. This
includes simplifying planning rules, publishing our review to
speed up grid connections, and continuing to provide resource
funding for local councils up and down the country.
These new policies build on over £2.3 billion of government
support to UKmanufacturers
and consumers to transition to zero emission vehicles.
We will work in partnership with the sector to harness the
opportunity this transition represents to support thriving
automotive and charging sectors, achieve our clean energy
superpower mission and build a prosperous, sustainable future.
