The new Labour Government has pledged to reinstate the 2030 ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles.

Originally announced by Boris Johnston in 2020, but then extended to 2035, in line with other European countries, by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in 2023.

However, with a renewed emphasis on environmental concerns, the new administration intends to reverse the change.

About timing

When Boris Johnston originally announced, many professional observers and interested parties called for significant investment into the charging network and subsidising new Electric Vehicle (EV) sales.

As government finance dwindled after the pandemic and the disastrous Budget under Prime Minister Liz Truss, her successor sought to cut costs.

Hence, the 2030 ban was delayed, though Sunak also cited the public’s ‘cost of living crisis’.

However, the question remains whether the 2030 ban is practical and affordable.

Fuming

Research by The Green Insurer shows that the latest announcement does not appear to have dampened the desire to purchase a petrol or diesel car before the ban takes effect.

The findings reveal that 60% of motorists plan to buy a new car before the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel models in 2030 and of new hybrid cars in 2035 takes effect.

Of those drivers looking to buy a brand new car, two in three (68%) anticipate purchasing at least one or more petrol, diesel or hybrid cars.

Furthermore, just 19% say they will buy an electric car.

Two in five (40%) say they do not intend to buy any brand-new car before the ban comes into force.

On message

This survey of over 1,000 adults shows that the majority (88%) of UK motorists are aware of the upcoming deadline for the UK’s future ban on the sale of brand-new petrol or diesel vehicles.

Despite this, two-thirds (64%) of drivers said they were not aware that the sale of new hybrid vehicles would also be banned from 2035.

One in eight (12%) motorists claim not to be aware of any future ban on new sales of non-electric vehicles.

Home start

The research also asked motorists where they would predominantly charge any electric vehicle they may drive in the future.

Most stated that they would park it at home on their driveway (45%) or in their garage (12%).

Nine per cent said they would charge it close to their home on a street or car park.

Just 7% would use a public charging station at a supermarket or petrol station, and just 2% say they would look to charge it at their place of work.

A quarter (25%) of all respondents said they did not know where they would charge an EV.

However, concerns over accessing the charging infrastructure while on journeys continue to be a major stumbling block to the appeal of EVs, along with the premium prices of new EVs.

Help at hand

While the new government’s move shows positive intent, says Paul Baxter, CEO of The Green Insurer, it needs to be supported.

“The Labour government’s pledge to reinstate the 2030 ban on the sale of non-electric vehicles findings represents a significant and positive move for both the environment and the nation’s commitment towards a greener and more sustainable future.

“However, our findings show that there is still some more work required to convince motorists to make the switch and start driving electric.  Would-be purchasers seek reassurance on both the affordability of EVs, in terms of their upfront cost and running costs, and a reliable public charging infrastructure so that those without driveways or garages can charge their electric vehicle conveniently close to their home or whilst on the move.  With petrol and diesel cars being one of the largest emitters in the UK, it is incumbent on the government to make people aware of the benefits of EVs and also to provide tangible incentives to help those still undecided about making the jump to greener driving.”