Automakers are angry and have expressed lack of stability as the UK Petrol Car Ban Delays until 2035.
Many car manufacturers have invested large sums of money into electric vehicles, recently criticized the decision by the UK government to delay implementing a ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars until 2035. They argue that this delay will disrupt supply chains and hinder the transition to greener vehicles.
After weeks of speculation regarding the commitment to achieving net zero emissions, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced on Wednesday that the ban would be pushed back by five years, with the aim of alleviating the financial burden on households.
Automakers, who had already made significant investment decisions based on the 2030 target (which had been brought forward three years from the initial 2035 target), are calling for more policy certainty and less confusion.
What the Automakers Say
South Korean car manufacturer Kia, which has plans to launch nine electric vehicle (EV) models in the UK in the coming years, expressed disappointment at the change in policy. They stated that it goes against the industry’s ongoing efforts and investments.
“Today’s announcement… disrupts intricate supply chain negotiations and product planning, while also potentially creating confusion among consumers and the industry,” commented a spokesperson from Kia.
“We urgently need a clear and reliable regulatory framework that creates market certainty and consumer confidence, including binding targets for infrastructure rollout and incentives to ensure progress,” stated a spokesperson from Volkswagen UK.
Prior to Sunak’s announcement, Ford, which has committed $50 billion globally towards electrifying its cars, criticized the rumored policy shift, calling it “the most significant industry transformation in over 100 years.”
“Our business requires three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment, and consistency. Relaxing the 2030 target would undermine all three,” stated Ford UK Chair Lisa Brankin.
“This delay will also jeopardize investment in EV infrastructure, as well as the wider market, which includes battery, solar, and green energy initiatives,” warned Adrian Keen, the CEO of public charging network InstaVolt.
Industry Responce
The car industry has also expressed frustration at the lack of clarity surrounding the government’s zero emission vehicles (ZEV) rules, which require an increasing proportion of a manufacturer’s sales to be ZEVs leading up to the ban.
Analysts and executives have also warned that the government’s flip-flopping on this issue could lead to a loss of momentum in the adoption of greener transportation. Potential car buyers who were considering switching to EVs may be deterred by the uncertainty, and plans made by electric charge-point operators could be disrupted.
Sunak presented the policy shift as a move to align with the European Union’s plan to ban the sale of new petrol cars by 2035. However, an analyst from EY pointed out that the two markets are not directly comparable.
“The UK does not provide the same demand-side incentives or infrastructure as many EU countries,” explained EY UK Electric Vehicle Lead Maria Bengtsson.
On the other hand, Toyota expressed support for the decision, stating that it will help the industry and consumers adapt. They added that it recognizes the value of all low emission and affordable technologies during the transition to greener vehicles.
With the UK Petrol Car Ban Delays until 2035 it will give car makers who are yet to achieve their EV targets more time to develop.