The Transport Secretary Mark Harper has said on Thursday that proposed limits on polluting cars with manufacturers is expected to still happen, even though the Prime Minister has rowed back on banning diesel and petrol vehicles by five years to 2035.
It is understood that Harper has told motoring group that the zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate will be introduce, the PA news agency has reported.
It is expected that the Transport Minister is set to announce that by 2030 around 80% of new cars must be ZEV.
Hybrids which come with a petrol or diesel tank and have an electric motor will be banned from 2035 and final details of the ZEV details are yet to be revealed even though the planned starting date is 1 January 2024.
Steve Gooding, director of motoring research charity the RAC Foundation, said, “With the zero emission vehicle mandate apparently going ahead as planned from 2024, the pressure will still be squarely on auto manufacturers to ramp up the supply of affordable battery electric vehicles and persuade car-buyers of their benefits.
“Whilst the formal date for the end of new petrol and diesel sales will now be 2035, most look set to disappear from showrooms by 2030.
“The Government can’t dodge its own responsibilities for addressing car-buyers’ concerns about going electric.
“It must ensure the delivery of a comprehensive, user-friendly and reliable public charging network backed up by consumer protection regulations with real teeth.”
Mike Hawes, chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), said: “While the UK’s end of sale date for new conventional petrol and diesel vehicles has now been pushed back, regulation compelling the sale of EVs is still expected to be published imminently and to take effect in just over 100 days.
“This remains the single most important mechanism to deliver the UK’s net zero commitment.
“However, while manufacturers have invested billions to bring a growing choice of models to market, now more than ever consumers must be encouraged to make the switch.
“This will require a package of incentives for private buyers that complements those on offer to businesses, as well as measures to accelerate the roll out of charge points.”
