UK Prime Minister Delays Petrol and Diesel Car Ban to 2035 in Bold Emission Reduction Shift

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The original strategy allowed for certain hybrid powertrains with substantial zero-emission capabilities to be sold until 2035. However, the revised policy now broadens this window to include all combustion engine vehicles, granting consumers more time to transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

Prime Minister Sunak emphasized the government's dedication to establishing the UK as a global leader in EVs. He pointed to increasing investments in EV technology, decreasing costs, enhanced driving ranges, and an expanding charging infrastructure as driving forces behind consumer adoption. I believe it should be your choice, not government coercion, to make this transition, especially given the initial high costs and the need for further infrastructure development. Hence, you will still have the option to purchase combustion engine vehicles until 2035."

A noteworthy change is the allowance for existing petrol and diesel cars to be sold on the second-hand market after 2035, a departure from the initial ban's focus on new vehicle sales.

In addition to the delay in the ICE ban, the UK government is exploring the possibility of an "Aston Martin exemption." This provision would offer low-volume car manufacturers more time to shift to EV production, mirroring a similar provision within European Union regulations. It allows niche manufacturers to continue selling ICE vehicles within the EU post-2035. Manufacturers producing fewer than 1000 vehicles annually could be exempt from the ban.

The overarching goal is for the UK to achieve its 2050 net-zero carbon emissions target while ensuring a smooth and realistic transition to EVs. Prime Minister Sunak expressed confidence in meeting international climate targets while pursuing policies that are practical and inclusive.

Meanwhile, in India, the government is also actively encouraging the auto industry to embrace electric mobility and alternative fuels. With pollution concerns and a significant reliance on petrol and diesel imports, the Indian government is considering measures to phase out diesel-powered vehicles sooner. Future plans may involve imposing higher tax rates on diesel vehicles if their sales fail to decline.