UK Government Criticised for Pushing Back Electrification Transition to 2035

The UK Government has confirmed its plans to shift the ban of new petrol and diesel car sales from 2030 to 2035. The move has been criticised by some automotive industry players.

Ford has committed a global $50 billion to electrification, launching nine electric vehicles (EV) by 2025.

Its EV range is supported by £430 million invested in Ford’s UK development and manufacturing facilities, with further funding planned for the 2030 timeframe. 

Lisa Brankin, Ford UK Chair, says: "This is the biggest industry transformation in over a century and the UK 2030 target is a vital catalyst to accelerate Ford into a cleaner future. Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment and consistency.  A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three. We need the policy focus trained on bolstering the EV market in the short term and supporting consumers while headwinds are strong: infrastructure remains immature, tariffs loom and cost-of-living is high."

Mike Hawes, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Chief Executive, states: "The automotive industry’s commitment to a zero-emission new car and van market remains unchanged. Net Zero cannot be achieved without this sector’s decarbonisation. The Prime Minister has confirmed that a mandate to compel the sale of EVs – the single biggest mechanism to deliver Net Zero – will be published shortly, starting in January 2024. Manufacturers will continue to put innovative new models on the market but consumers need encouragement to buy more than ever. Today’s announcement must be backed up with a package of attractive incentives and measures to accelerate charging infrastructure to give consumers the confidence to switch. Carrots move markets faster than sticks.”

Mike Nakrani, CEO VEV, a UK fleet electrification business, comments: “The decision to row back from the now three-years-old commitment to the 2030 timeline is the opposite of what the auto industry needs to play its part in the race to net zero. It is confusing an already confused situation, where the facts have been lost to politics and spin."

However, INEOS Automotive, which is launching an all-electric 4X4 in 2026, says 2035 is a more realistic target for consumers to switch to net zero.

Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive, says: "EVs are an important part of the mix, but we believe betting only on one technology will limit options and stifle innovation. There is a mix of solutions for the widescale energy transition required to achieve net zero, and with cars it will be the same. We need support for other technologies such as hydrogen and alternative fuels in the same way these alternatives are being supported by other countries."

The UK Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak, in a BBC intervew, says he believe in net zero and wants to deliver it.