The UK government is consulting with the motor industry about reinstating the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars, a key Labour manifesto pledge that reverses the previous extension to 2035.

The consultation focuses on implementing the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which requires manufacturers to sell an increasing percentage of zero-emission vehicles. For 2024, manufacturers must achieve 22% electric vehicle sales or face penalties, though they can trade credits with other manufacturers.

Industry leaders express concerns about meeting these targets without government support. Ford UK's Lisa Brankin emphasizes the need for government-backed incentives to boost EV adoption, while SMMT's Mike Hawes notes manufacturers have already invested billions and spent £4 billion on discounts in 2024 alone.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlights positive developments:

• Over 72,000 public charging points available
• 1 in 3 used electric vehicles now under £20,000
• 1 in 4 new cars sold in November were electric
• The automotive industry employs 152,000 people and adds £19 billion to the economy

Key considerations for the consultation include:

• Which hybrid vehicles will be permitted after 2030
• How to support consumer adoption
• Infrastructure development requirements
• Industry transition support measures

The Department for Transport confirms its commitment to:

• Phasing out new petrol and diesel car sales by 2030
• Accelerating charging infrastructure deployment
• Supporting the transition to electric vehicles
• Making the UK a clean energy superpower

This policy represents a return to the original timeline set by Boris Johnson's government in 2020, which was later extended to 2035 by Rishi Sunak. The reinstatement aligns with Labour's broader automotive strategy, which argues that maintaining the 2030 deadline will ultimately save British families money through lower lifetime costs of electric vehicles.

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