Industry experts are urging the UK government to maintain its ambitious 2035 deadline for ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, after the European Union significantly diluted its own equivalent target.
EU Backtracks on 2035 Combustion Engine Phase-Out
This week, the European Commission confirmed it is abandoning its goal of a complete ban on new internal combustion engine cars by 2035. Instead, under new rules championed by EU President Ursula von der Leyen, manufacturers will only need to achieve a 90% reduction in tailpipe emissions from 2035, leaving the door open for some hybrid and alternative fuel vehicles.
The shift has sparked a major debate about the pace of the electric vehicle transition and presented the UK with a critical strategic choice post-Brexit.
Calls for UK to "Hold the Line" and Seize Competitive Advantage
Leading figures in the UK's electric vehicle and charging sector have unanimously called for the government to resist following the EU's lead. They argue that maintaining a clear, unwavering 2035 zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate is vital for attracting investment and securing long-term industrial advantage.
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, stated that Brexit was supposed to grant the UK the freedom to chart its own course. "The UK Government must make a stronger - and more consistent - case for why drivers should switch and how net zero can power jobs, investment and growth," she said.
Echoing this sentiment, Chris Heron, Secretary General of E-Mobility Europe, offered a stark warning from a continental perspective. "From a European perspective, the UK would be mad to follow our example," he said. Heron criticised the EU's move as "hesitation" that undermines business confidence after firms have invested billions based on the original 100% target.
"Our message to Westminster is simple: hold the line on ambition, give industry certainty, and don’t muddy the picture just as the transition is accelerating," Heron added.
Certainty Drives Infrastructure Investment and Consumer Confidence
The business case for a steadfast UK policy centres on the need for certainty to drive large-scale, long-term investment, particularly in charging infrastructure.
Delvin Lane, CEO of charging network InstaVolt, argued that clarity is key. "Policy certainty brings investment, not just in vehicles, but in charging infrastructure at scale," he said. "Staying the course wouldn’t be a risk; it would be a competitive advantage for the UK market."
John Lewis, CEO of char.gy, emphasised the risk of backtracking on consumer confidence, especially for those without off-street parking. "That confidence rests on policy clarity. If the UK were to water down its own mandate... it would risk slowing investment in local charging infrastructure," he cautioned.
The consensus from industry is clear: while the EU appears to be slowing its electric revolution, the UK has a pivotal opportunity to demonstrate global leadership, secure vital green investment, and build a decisive edge in the race for future transport technology.
