UK Considers Pushing Back ICE Ban to 2035: What It Means for the Automotive Industry
The combustion-engined car could be about to get a stay of execution in the UK. Sales of ICE vehicles were due to be outlawed from 2030 under plans laid out by former PM Boris Johnson, but reports suggest his successor, Rishi Sunak, is about to push back the ban to 2035.
Bringing the UK in Line with European Countries
That new date, still unconfirmed but first reported by BBC News and likely to be announced by a PM speech on Friday, would bring the UK into line with the 2035 timeframe laid out by European countries that are part of the EU. The rumoured rollback is one of several ways Sunak and his government are considering watering down previous climate pledges designed to help it reach net zero emissions by 2050.
Sunak’s Statement
Sunak hinted at the change in a statement: “I am proud that Britain is leading the world on climate change. We are committed to net zero by 2050 and the agreements we have made internationally – but doing so in a better, more proportionate way.” He suggested that governments “have not been honest about the costs and trade-offs” of flagship green policies, hoodwinking the public into thinking it could have its cake and eat it.
Pressure from Conservative MPs and the Car Industry
The PM has been under pressure from right-wing Conservative backbench MPs to dilute existing climate plans ahead of a general election that’s expected to take place next year. Some sections of the UK car industry had also questioned the viability of the government’s original plan, which, as it stands, will allow only sales of electric cars and certain hybrid vehicles after 2035.
The Impact on the Automotive Industry
Though the ICE ban isn’t the only part of the climate pledge under threat – Sunak is also allegedly considering slowing down the phasing out of household gas boilers – it’s the automotive angle that’s making all the headlines. Sunak’s Conservative party recently won a parliamentary election to find a new MP for Boris Johnson’s old seat, largely off the back of opposition to an expansion of London’s ultra-low emission zone scheme, and will see this rollback of the 2030 ban on ICE cars as another way to win support from drivers who don’t want to be forced into EVs and hybrids.
The Future of the Automotive Industry
The potential delay in the ICE ban has sparked debate about the future of the automotive industry in the UK. While some argue that it provides breathing room for car manufacturers to further develop and improve electric vehicle technology, others express concerns about the impact on the environment and the country’s progress towards achieving net zero emissions.
Supporters of the delay argue that it allows more time for infrastructure development, such as expanding the charging network and increasing the availability of charging stations. They believe that a rushed transition to electric vehicles could lead to inadequate infrastructure, causing inconvenience and frustration for consumers.
On the other hand, critics argue that delaying the ban sends mixed messages about the government’s commitment to tackling climate change. They believe that a firm deadline for phasing out ICE vehicles would provide clarity and certainty for car manufacturers, encouraging them to invest in electric vehicle production and innovation.
Conclusion
The potential delay of the ICE ban in the UK has sparked controversy and divided opinions. While some see it as a necessary adjustment to ensure a smoother transition to electric vehicles, others view it as a setback in the country’s efforts to combat climate change. As the government weighs its options, it remains to be seen how this decision will impact the automotive industry and the nation’s progress towards achieving net zero emissions by 2050.