The 2030 Ban on Petrol and Diesel Cars Explained

The ban on petrol and diesel cars in the UK is a cause of high concern among businesses. While it was originally planned for 2040, the government decided to bring it forward to 2030 in an effort to reach zero emissions from all new cars and vans sooner.

With only 8 years remaining, is the UK ready to switch to electric vehicles? This article answers the most common questions around the ban on petrol and diesel cars 2030.

What is the government ban on petrol and diesel cars in the UK?

The upcoming ban on petrol and diesel cars means that the sale of all new conventionally fuelled vehicles will be banned in the UK starting with 2030. The sale of new hybrid cars will also end in 2035. This is part of the government’s ten-point green industrial revolution aiming to cut carbon emissions and achieve a cleaner environment.

To reach this goal, many cities across the UK have already introduced low emission zones. That means that if your vehicle doesn’t meet the emissions requirements you have to pay to enter these zones.

Will commercial vehicles like trucks and vans be affected?

Yes! The government ban on petrol and diesel cars refers to all vehicles, no matter what type or size. That includes commercial vehicles like trucks and vans.

How about hybrid cars?

Hybrids are included in the plan, but they’re given a bit more time. The sale of new hybrid cars will end in 2035.

What will happen to my current petrol or diesel car?

You’ll still be able to drive your old petrol or diesel car. The ban only refers to the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, it does not affect in any way your right to drive your conventionally fuelled car.

Can I still buy or sell petrol or diesel cars after 2030?

The 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars only ends the sale of new traditionally powered vehicles. That means you can continue to buy and sell used petrol and diesel cars after 2030. This also applies to hybrids.

Are other countries introducing a ban on petrol and diesel cars?

Yes. In fact, Norway is looking at a tighter deadline than the UK, as it plans to end the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2025.

Other countries planning a ban on petrol and diesel cars in 2030 include Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Ireland.

France and Spain are giving people more time with the deadline set for 2040.

How is the government supporting the switch to electric?

Not too long ago, the UK government had in place a £300 million plug-in car grant scheme to help households make the switch from petrol and diesel to electric. As a result, the number of electric vehicles in 2022 rose to 100,000. Basically, one in six new vehicles sold in the UK is fully electric.

But that grant scheme ended as the government decided to free up funds to expand the charging network.

At the moment, there are grant schemes available for electric vehicle charging infrastructure.

In short, using the EV charge point grant, you can get up to 75% of the cost of installing EV smart charge points at domestic properties across the UK.

Businesses can also benefit from the Workplace Charging Scheme, meaning they can get a grant in the form of a voucher from the Office for Zero Emission Vehicles (OZEV).

Should you get an EV before the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel cars?

The ban on petrol and diesel cars in the UK only ends the sale of new petrol and diesel fuelled cars, it doesn’t end your right to drive a car, regardless of how it’s powered. There’s also nothing to stop you from buying petrol, diesel or hybrid cars, if that’s what you want.

But the government encourages everyone to make the switch and offers support expanding the charging infrastructure with hundreds of new charging points every month.

The benefits of EVs compared to traditionally powered vehicles are undeniable:

Electric cars are better for the environment. Reducing the carbon emissions means reducing climate change.

EVs are cheaper to maintain. While they can be expensive to buy, EVs can fit your budget as they’re cheap to maintain. Less moving parts, less things to break.
Electric vehicles save you money. You don’t pay congestion charges or ULEZ. Electricity is much cheaper than diesel or petrol.
EVs provide a better driving experience. EVs have more responsive acceleration and regenerative braking. They handle better, provide comfort and safety.
Electric vehicles are constantly improving. If you’re worried about EVs range being limited, you shouldn’t be. They have evolved greatly and you can travel for hundreds of miles before needing to recharge.

How to make the switch to EVs easier?

Truth is there is still a requirement for some petrol and diesel vehicles. They are needed in this transition. You can’t change an entire fleet of vehicles overnight. Petrol and diesel cars will not disappear with this ban.

However, you have to think about future-proofing your business. And the best way to do that is by starting to make the switch.

Fortunately, buying electric vehicles is not the only option you have. While the total cost of ownership is well worth it, they are indeed expensive to pay for upfront.

So, what other options do you have? There’s always EV hire or electric car lease.

Start the transition to electric with EV hire

Hiring an electric vehicle can be a great starting point. EV hire solutions are affordable and come with many benefits.

We should know, as we offer some of the best EV hire packages.

We can tailor our hire solutions to fit your business needs. And we can add in some great benefits such as support with vehicle insurance, cameras, and fuel cards. An all-in-one solution for your business.

Get in touch and you’ll soon be on your way to futureproof your business.

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Lease an electric car to get started with EVs

You can’t change your company vehicles to electric in one go. But you do need to start future-proofing your business. Car leasing may be just the solution to get the electric cars you want.

Leasing is an affordable way to get an EV. You pay fixed monthly payments that can lower than other alternatives. And you can keep your electric car at the end of the lease term or change it for the latest model. It’s up to you.

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