The government’s plans to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles could see new petrol and diesel cars banned by 2030.
By speeding up the transition to zero emissions vehicles, the internal combustion engine could be outlawed 10 years sooner than expected.
The possible move comes as Conservative MPs lobby ministers to stop the sale of diesel and petrol as soon as possible, The Times reported.
The current 2040 deadline for ending the sales of petrol and diesel cars is being reviewed after a consultation, which the government is responding to next month, began earlier this year where it is expected to bring it forward to 2035 or even sooner.
The possible move, which is backed by the Committee on Climate Change, the government's independent advisory body, to ban petrol and diesel cars in the next decade would align the UK with countries including Ireland, the Netherlands, Denmark and Sweden which have all imposed a 2030 target.
“Diesel and petrol vehicles clearly still have a vital role to play in keeping the nation mobile; however technology available is changing rapidly and AX are already making significant plans to proactively create a charging infrastructure and fleet, enabling electric car driving possible for our clients.
Scott Hamilton-Cooper, Sales and Operations Director at AX
“The electric vehicles arriving on the market now are vastly superior to previous generations of zero emissions cars. While possibly the 2030 ban feels premature, the technology available now and the continued progress mean range and infrastructure probably won’t be an issue.
“Vehicle manufacturers and retailers know that customer perceptions are changing rapidly and are responding by evolving their offerings very quickly, which should put them in a good position come 2030 or 2035.”
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