As part of the government’s scheme to make the UK greener, all petrol and diesel vehicles will be banned from sale in 2035.
After that deadline the only new cars sold will be pure electric vehicles and other cars using alternative zero emission fuel. As the UK’s transition from fossil-fuel cars carries over to zero emission vehicles the government is looking to invest around £1.3billion in installing EV charging stations for homes, motorways and service stations up and down the country.
The scheme was originally scheduled to come into effect in 2030 but was postponed by the government. The change in date brings the UK in line with bans already announced in the EU and in other global markets.
If you are interested in reducing the impact your vehicle has on the environment read our useful blog about eco-safe driving.
Why are new petrol and diesel vehicles being banned?
The ban aims to reduce the UK’s greenhouse gas emissions – petrol cars emit C02 and diesels emit nitrogen oxide – to reach net zero by 2050.
It is part of a wider £12 billion ‘Green Industrial Revolution’ that the Government hopes will create 250,000 jobs as the country invests more in battery technology, carbon capture, and green energy.
Can I buy a second-hand petrol or diesel car after 2035?
The ban is only ending the sale of new ICE (internal combustion engines) powered by petrol and diesel, meaning you will be able to buy second-hand fossil fuelled cars after the ban.
Are hybrid vehicles affected by the 2035 ban?
The government had previously given the sale of hybrid vehicles five years’ grace but that has now been scrapped and their sale will also be banned from 2035.
Will I be forced to get rid of my petrol/diesel car after 2035?
In short, no. The ban only affects the sale of new vehicles that run on fossil fuels. Even if you buy a vehicle just before the ban comes into effect, your car will still be road legal. The average life of a car is around 15 years, so new combustion engines are likely to still be on roads until around 2050.
Will my classic car be affected by the UK’s 2035 petrol and diesel ban?
Again, as the ban refers to the sale of new vehicles, classic car owners needn’t worry about having to scrap their vehicle. At the time of writing there is nothing to suggest these old cars will be forced off the road and there have been no hints that any legislation is forthcoming either.
Are vans and other commercial vehicles included in the 2035 ban?
Just like the sale of cars, vans, trucks and commercial vehicles will also be included in the ban.
Are motorbikes included in the 2035 ban?
Motorbikes aren’t included in the ban. The Department for Transport (DfT) and the Motorcycle Action Group (MAG) have confirmed that motorbikes won’t be included in the decarbonisation bill. For now, riders will continue to be able to buy new fossil fuel powered motorcycles beyond the 2035 date. Should this change, the DfT has promised to consult MAG and its members before taking action.
Will petrol and diesel still be available to buy after the ban?
You will still be able to buy petrol and diesel after the new car ban on fossil fuels. You will also be able to buy second-hand petrol and diesel cars ensuring there is sufficient demand for fossil fuels at filling stations.
I would like to buy electric, but they’re too expensive. Is the government doing anything to bring the price down?
Electric cars are significantly more expensive than fossil-fuelled vehicles, even more so following the termination of the government’s UK plug-in car grant in 2022. However, the difference is narrowing.
Many think the ban will mean more EV production, economies of scale, increased demand and a lowering of price. Increased competition, especially from Chinese manufacturers, should also impact prices.
What range does an EV have?
Electric vehicles typically have a range of 100 to 300 miles on a single charge, depending on the model and battery capacity. Advanced EVs can even exceed these figures.
Where can I charge an electric vehicle?
The charging infrastructure is expanding, with various options for recharging. Home charging is common, using standard outlets or dedicated chargers, providing convenience for overnight charging.
Public charging stations are widespread in urban areas and are often located at regular filling stations, in car parks and at supermarkets. They offer Level 2 charging – operating at a higher voltage and providing a faster charging rate compared to standard household outlets – and fast-charging options.
Fast-charging networks along motorways facilitate long-distance travel, reducing ‘range anxiety’.
Workplace charging is becoming more prevalent, contributing to the overall accessibility and convenience of electric vehicle charging.
How can Sterling help you?
No matter what vehicle you drive, Sterling has you covered. We offer a wide variety of insurance policies to keep you, and your car, safe. Whether you need standard car insurance or something a little more niche, give us a call on 0344 381 9990 for a quote.
