Sales of hybrid petrol and diesel cars could extend beyond 2030 in a blow to the Labor Party…

November 28, 2024, 09:06

Drivers could be able to buy some hybrid petrol and diesel cars after 2030 as ministers look to delay the introduction of more electric vehicle regulations.

In its election manifesto, the Labor Party promised a ban on cars with combustion engines emitting exhaust gases from 2030.

However, some models may remain on the market for another five years as part of a relaxation of stringent environmental targets.

Rishi Sunak extended the deadline to 2035 – a date that many other European countries have reached – but Labor has promised to speed up action in its bid to go green.

Earlier this week, ministers confirmed they would review and consult on changing the rules on the number of electric cars that must be sold each year, despite warnings from the industry.

Vauxhall owner Stellantis has warned it could cut 1,100 jobs at its Luton plant, partly blaming electric vehicle targets.

Car companies say demand has weakened and they fear they won’t be able to meet targets this year.

Read more: Minister admits electric vehicle plans are failing after Vauxhall owner says it will close its van factory

Read more: Strict rules for the sale of electric cars will be changed in response to opposition from manufacturers

On the idea of ​​selling some hybrids after 2030, one government source told LBC: “That would be our preference. To make this work, we will have to take some political risks.”

Another said: “We want to provide certainty for businesses, but we will also listen to concerns raised in the sector.”

During PMQs on Wednesday, Tory leader Kemi Badenoch asked the Prime Minister whether he would stick to the 2030 deadline.

But the Prime Minister pointedly dodged the question, saying only: “The electric vehicle mandates that are the problem were actually introduced by the last government.

“I would also remind her that she was the business secretary who introduced them.”

Later, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told MPs: “We will soon launch a consultation on our manifesto commitment to end the sale of cars that run solely on petrol and diesel by 2030.

“However, we will use this consultation to engage with industry on the previous government’s mandate to transition to ZEM and the flexibilities included in it, and we welcome their views as we move forward.”

Yesterday, Downing Street insisted the Prime Minister was committed to Labour’s manifesto, but added he “lives to meet global challenges”.

LBC understands one option is to freeze the target of 22% of electric cars to be sold this year.

Next year, this percentage is expected to increase to 28 percent, but ministers want to give companies a “breathing space” until new models appear on the market.

They could also reduce the £15,000 car penalty they would have to pay if they didn’t meet their targets.

One source said: “We don’t want to take anything off the table and are keen to hear from all companies on what would be most effective.”

Read more: Vauxhall to close Luton factory, putting 1,100 jobs at risk

Ministers also want to tighten financing deals and revisit subsidies to help more Britons buy electric cars on zero-interest loans to boost demand.

It was published after new data showed the number of cars manufactured in the UK fell for the eighth month in a row.

The Society of Automotive Manufacturers and Traders showed that in October this year, factories produced 15.3% fewer cars than a year earlier – to 670,346 cars.

About one in three cars produced in October was an electric or hybrid vehicle.

Mike Hawes, SMMT chief executive, said: “These are extremely worrying times for the automotive industry, with huge investment in plants and new zero emissions products under great pressure.

“The global market slowdown – particularly in electric vehicles – is impacting production volumes, with the UK situation particularly acute given that we have arguably the toughest targets and most accelerated timeline, but without the consumer incentives needed to drive demand.

“The cost of stimulating this demand and meeting these targets is enormous and, as we see, unsustainable.

“Urgent action is therefore needed and we will work with the government to rapidly review the regulation and develop an ambitious and comprehensive industrial strategy to ensure our competitiveness.”