What is the 2030 ban on petrol and diesel vehicles?

In a move the UK Government has called "historic", the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned by 2030.

Why are they bringing in the ban?

In February 2020, it was announced that the government were discussing bringing forward the ban from 2040 to 2035, if feasible.

The Independent Committee on Climate Change largely fuelled this change in order for the UK to meet it's 2050 climate change goals.

The ban was agreed as part of the ï¿¡1.8 billion investment to speed up the adoption of electric vehicles, including improvements to charging infrastructure across the UK.

It is hoped to improve air quality and ensure the UK becomes Net Zero by 2050.

The UK hopes to "be the fastest G7 country to decarbonise cars and vans".

What vehicles are affected by the ban?

All brand-new cars and vans sold after 2030 will have to be hybrid or electric.

If you currently drive a petrol or diesel vehicle, or you purchase a used ICE vehicle after 2030, you will still be able to use it.

What does this mean for hybrid vehicles?

New hybrid vehicles will be allowed after 2030, until 2035.

Yes, that's right. Just five years after the initial ban, hybrid vehicles will also be banned as all new vehicles will be have to be fully zero emission via tailpipe.

This delivery plan sets out investment and policy initiatives to help meet our phase out dates, including significant milestones and how we will monitor progress.

How will this affect businesses?

A temporary grant was introduced to incentivise homeowners to switch to electric vehicles. A grant was offered for approved chargers and installers to enable a more affordable way of having a charge point at home. This grant is no longer available.

The government states that "a driver is never more than 25 miles away from a rapid chargepoint anywhere along England’s motorways and major A roads". However, this is not good enough for businesses who have extensive journeys or heavier loads.

At-work charge points are a necessity for businesses looking to introduce electric vehicles into their fleet.

There is a Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS) for businesses to have such chargers installed.

You must meet the following criteria:

1. Grant can only cover up to 75% of costs (including VAT) involved in the purchase and installation of EV charger points
2. A maximum of ï¿¡350 per socket
3. A maximum of 40 sockets across all sites for each applicant

To get started, visit the WCS online application form or call our team of OLEV-approved experts for more advice on 01827 211600.