As we race towards a greener future, the UK has drawn a line in the sand: by 2030, conventional petrol and diesel cars and vans will be off the new sales list.
While new hybrid and plug-in hybrids have a slightly longer leash till 2035, they must boast the capacity to travel a considerable distance solely on zero emissions. The specifics of this "considerable distance" remain under wraps, courtesy of Whitehall.
From 2035 onwards, the automotive market will be dominated by purely electric vehicles, alongside potential hydrogen-fuelled vehicles. Meanwhile, the second-hand market remains untouched by these changes, meaning traditional petrol, diesel and non-advanced hybrids can still exchange hands post the aforementioned deadlines.
The European Union too has shared their green vision, aiming to cease the sale of petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Nonetheless, concessions are in place for smaller manufacturers and vehicles powered solely by efuels. Despite whispers about the UK potentially granting a reprieve to efuel-powered cars, it's clear Westminster won't be walking that path.
Government's Nudge Towards an Electric Avenue
A whopping £1.3 billion was pledged in 2020 to bolster the UK's EV charging infrastructure, spanning homes, streets, and motorways in England. An additional £582 million pot was established to extend grants, encouraging both individuals and enterprises to opt for EVs and PHEVs. Not stopping there, funds are flowing into battery innovation, mass production, and nuclear energy, anticipating the surge in electricity demand due to EVs.
Echoing this commitment, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson once remarked, "My Ten Point Plan will forge, nurture, and safeguard myriad green job opportunities, pushing us closer to a net-zero status by 2050. The energy of Scotland's wind turbines, the prowess of the Midlands' electric vehicles, and Wales' cutting-edge tech will be the cornerstone of our green industrial uprising.”
The momentum for a greener automotive future is undeniably strong. A testament to this shift, 2022 witnessed a remarkable 23% of all new car registrations being EVs or PHEVs. Rather than viewing the 2030 deadline with apprehension, it's an invitation to embrace the inevitable electric future. This surging trend isn't just a testament to evolving tech but showcases the collective will to invest in and propel the green automotive movement.
While some corners of the UK automotive sector might express reservations about the 2030 benchmark and the forthcoming Euro 7 emissions criteria, the overarching narrative is clear: the future is electric. And with technological advancements and increased infrastructure, electricity costs are bound to balance out, making EVs an even more attractive proposition for the discerning British driver.
Highlighting the importance of this switch, initiatives like the London Ultra Low Emission Zone underline the urgency. As drivers of traditional petrol and diesel vehicles grapple with additional daily fees, the benefits of transitioning to EVs become more evident. Not only do they offer a respite from such levies, but they also contribute to a cleaner and more sustainable urban environment.
Driving Ahead with Evitec
As the landscape of transportation undergoes its most profound transformation in generations, it's essential to align with partners who understand the intricacies of this shift. At Evitec, we're not just observers of this change – we're active participants.
Specialising in the installation and maintenance of EV chargers across the UK, we’re your ideal companion on this electrifying journey. Don't wait until the last minute to adapt to the inevitable; let's pave the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable tomorrow together.
Reach out to Evitec today, and let's supercharge your transition to the future of motoring.