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UK Sets 2035 Deadline for Banning New Petrol and Diesel Cars

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  //automotive-transportation.news-articles.net/co .. line-for-banning-new-petrol-and-diesel-cars.html
  Published in Automotive and Transportation on Friday, December 12th 2025 at 12:28 GMT by The Independent

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UK to Ban New Petrol and Diesel Cars from 2035: A Comprehensive Overview

In a bold move aimed at cutting greenhouse‑gas emissions and accelerating the shift to electric mobility, the UK government has formally committed to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. The announcement—issued by the Department for Transport (DfT) and endorsed by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak—sets the UK on a path that mirrors the European Union’s own climate‑policy ambitions, while also redefining the automotive landscape at home.

Why 2035? The Net‑Zero Imperative

The target is part of the UK’s pledge to reach net‑zero emissions by 2050. A 2035 ban on combustion‑engine vehicles is intended to drive a rapid reduction in tail‑pipe CO₂. The government estimates that, under the current plan, the move could cut UK vehicle‑emission levels by up to 10 % by 2040, and that the overall carbon footprint of personal transport could be cut by roughly 70 % by 2050.

The policy is also designed to keep the UK competitive in the rapidly evolving global automotive market. The DfT states that the earlier a country moves away from internal‑combustion engines (ICEs), the greater the incentive for manufacturers to invest in EV platforms and battery technology.

What the Ban Covers

While the headline promises a ban on new petrol and diesel cars, the policy actually includes all conventional ICE vehicles, namely petrol, diesel, and the more niche LPG and CNG options. However, it will not apply to used cars or to certain commercial vehicles such as heavy‑goods trucks and buses, which will continue to rely on ICEs for the foreseeable future.

To ease the transition, the UK government is pairing the ban with a range of support measures:

These measures are intended to smooth the shift for consumers who might otherwise face a “switch‑to‑electric” cost barrier.

Industry Reactions

The automotive industry’s response has been mixed. Major OEMs such as Ford, Volkswagen, and BMW have acknowledged the policy’s need to meet climate targets but expressed concerns about the speed of transition. “We’re investing heavily in EVs,” said a Ford executive, “but a sudden, industry‑wide phase‑out could jeopardise our supply chains and production lines, particularly in regions heavily reliant on combustion‑engine manufacturing.”

Meanwhile, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) warned that the policy could lead to up to 70,000 job losses if not managed carefully. They called for a “well‑planned” transition that includes retraining programmes and targeted subsidies for affected workers.

On the other hand, electric‑vehicle manufacturers and green‑tech advocates lauded the move. “It signals that the UK is taking its climate commitments seriously,” said an executive from the Electric Vehicle Association (EVA). “It will accelerate the adoption of zero‑emission vehicles and spur further innovation.”

The EU Context

Although the UK has formally left the EU, the policy echoes Brussels’ own “Climate and Energy Package,” which also earmarks 2035 as the deadline for banning new petrol and diesel vehicles across EU member states. The article draws parallels between the two agendas, citing a European Parliament report that estimates the EU could avoid up to 4 million premature deaths annually by adopting similar bans.

A link in the original Independent piece leads to the European Commission’s climate strategy page, where the policy is contextualised within broader EU targets: reducing transport emissions by 55 % by 2030, and cutting overall EU CO₂ emissions to net‑zero by 2050.

Infrastructure and Energy Grid Implications

One of the most pressing questions is whether the UK’s power grid can support a sudden surge in EV charging demand. According to a link to a National Grid briefing, the grid could handle a 40 % increase in electricity demand with strategic upgrades. However, the grid will need additional renewable generation, storage, and smart‑metering systems to avoid spikes in fossil‑fuel‑generated electricity.

The DfT’s report emphasises the importance of “time‑of‑use” charging programmes, encouraging drivers to charge during off‑peak periods, thereby aligning EV load with solar and wind peaks.

Looking Ahead

The policy will be reviewed annually by the government, with a focus on assessing the impact on sales, employment, and environmental outcomes. A “progress report” will be issued to Parliament, with possible adjustments to incentives or timelines based on data.

The Independent article concludes by noting that the ban is not a unilateral decision but part of a broader coalition of measures aimed at reducing climate impact while fostering economic resilience. It urges stakeholders—manufacturers, consumers, and policymakers—to collaborate on a pragmatic transition that balances ambition with feasibility.

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