Labour Party Vows to Reinstate 2030 Ban on New ICE Car Sales

In a bid to provide certainty to manufacturers, the Labour Party has promised to reintroduce the 2030 ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars if they win the upcoming general election. This move comes after the Conservative government delayed the end of sales of non-hybridised combustion cars from 2030 to 2035.

Industry Reaction to the Delay

The decision to postpone the ban was met with mixed reactions from the industry. While Ford UK boss Lisa Brankin expressed concerns that it would undermine the transition to electric cars, JLR hailed the delay as pragmatic. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) raised concerns about confusion and uncertainty for buyers.

Labour’s Manifesto Promise

Labour argues that moving the ICE end date back to 2030 would bring certainty for car manufacturers. They also plan to support the transition to electric vehicles by accelerating the rollout of charge points and introducing a battery health standard to support sales of used EVs.

Transition Towards Electric Cars

Regardless of the ban date, the existing zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate will gradually push for a transition towards electric cars. The legislation sets limits on the ratio of non-ZEVs that manufacturers can sell each year, with targets increasing annually.

Other Party Positions

The Liberal Democrats have also pledged to restore the 2030 ban, while the Green Party aims to bring the deadline forward to 2027 and phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Reform UK, on the other hand, plans to scrap both the ICE car ban and the ZEV mandate.

Conclusion

The debate over the ban on new ICE car sales continues to be a hot topic in the lead-up to the general election. With different parties proposing various timelines and approaches, the future of the automotive industry in the UK remains uncertain.