The UK's commitment to banning new petrol and diesel cars from 2035 is facing fresh scrutiny after the European Union announced a relaxation of some emissions rules for vehicle manufacturers.
EU shifts gear on automotive emissions
In a significant policy development, the European Commission confirmed a new "automotive package" that grants carmakers more flexibility as they work to cut emissions. While manufacturers within the EU bloc will still be required to slash emissions by 90 per cent by 2035, the revised approach marks a departure from stricter earlier proposals.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen framed the move as a balanced strategy, stating: "This is about innovation, clean mobility and competitiveness. We are addressing all of these challenges together." This decision has inevitably cast doubt on the UK's own steadfast timeline for phasing out internal combustion engine vehicles.
Industry calls for UK to stay the course
Leading figures in the UK's electric vehicle (EV) sector are urging the government not to alter its plans in reaction to the EU's policy shift. Vicky Read, chief executive of the charging infrastructure group ChargeUK, has been vocal in her opposition to any delay.
"This does not change the fact that the transition to electric vehicles is happening," Read asserted. She warned that "any move to reopen the UK's Zero Emission Vehicle mandate would be a major overreaction" and could jeopardise crucial investment in the nation's charging network.
Read emphasised that EV sales in Britain remain robust and argued that the UK's existing framework already provides manufacturers with sufficient flexibility during the transition period. Her message to policymakers was clear: "The UK should be focusing on building on this progress and helping more drivers make the switch. We should not be looking over our shoulder at Europe."
The road to net zero
The UK's 2035 ban is a cornerstone of its strategy to fully electrify road transport and edge closer to its legally binding net zero emissions target. The policy mandates that all new cars sold from that date must produce zero tailpipe emissions, effectively ending the sale of new conventional petrol and diesel models.
The contrasting approaches emerging between the UK and its European neighbours now present a key test of political and industrial resolve. While the EU opts for a more adaptable route, the pressure is mounting on UK ministers to demonstrate unwavering commitment to their original green transport blueprint, ensuring investor confidence and consumer certainty remain intact.
