Embracing Brexit freedoms, Labour has decided to chart its own course and continue with plans to ditch brand new petrol and diesel models, despite friends in the bloc opting against the move. Since taking office, Labour has focused on a more pragmatic alignment with the EU, but the move will take the UK on a different path, affecting the 42 million motorists in the UK.
This week, the European Commission has watered down its car ban plans, with only 90% of models required to be zero-emission by 2035. It means firms will still be allowed to build some internal combustion-engined models after the cut-off, in a boost for manufacturers. However, speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, a Government spokesperson explained that all brand new non-EVs would still be banned from forecourts from 2035 in a rejection of the EU policy.
A spokesperson said: "We remain committed to phasing out all new non-zero emission car and van sales by 2035. More drivers than ever are choosing electric, and November saw another month of increased sales with EVs accounting for one in four cars sold.
“We’re investing over £7.5 billion to support drivers and manufacturers make the switch to zero emission. This includes £4 billion investment to back British manufacturing and R&D, create jobs, and drive growth in the sector. Our Electric Car Grant is making it cheaper than ever to choose an EV, with over 40,000 drivers saving up to £3,750 since launch, backed by an extra £1.3 billion announced at the Autumn Budget.”
Pressure is mounting on the UK to change its stance on the rule after a new YouGov poll showed a lack of support for the policy. A total of 58% of 5.609 adults surveyed said they “opposed” the car ban, with just 29% suggesting they backed the idea.
Meanwhile, experts have suggested the UK’s position on the ban may have become “untenable” in the wake of the EU’s decision.
The DfT explained they had introduced regulatory changes to provide additional support for manufacturers to meet the strict Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate deadline.
This includes extra flexibilities to support compliance of the rules, with manufacturers now able to earn credits to be used against ZEV targets, with exemptions also in place for lower volume manufacturers.