Conservatives Plan to Abandon Petrol Car Ban if Elected

Kemi Badenoch has announced that the Conservative Party intends to eliminate the upcoming prohibition on petrol and diesel vehicles in the UK, contingent upon their victory in the next election.

In an opinion piece for the Sunday Telegraph, the party leader characterized the Zero Emission Vehicle mandate (ZEV) as a “noble intention that ultimately proves detrimental.” Starting in 2030, all newly manufactured cars are expected to be electric or hybrid as part of the government’s legally mandated objective to achieve “net zero” emissions by 2050.

Badenoch’s remarks follow her discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has urged the European Union to soften its own restrictions regarding vehicle emissions.

Concerns Over Industrial Competitiveness

The term net zero refers to maintaining a balance between the greenhouse gases emitted and those removed from the atmosphere. Recently, six EU nations, including Italy, have requested that fellow member states reconsider their plans to phase out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, arguing that such measures could undermine industrial competitiveness.

Badenoch posited that the EU has indicated a potential retreat from a complete ban, adding, “The fact that the EU is reconsidering its stance on electric vehicles means Labour will find itself increasingly isolated, as pursuing this path alone will disadvantage our domestic industry while empowering foreign competitors to take control of global supply chains.”

“The only beneficiaries of this economic self-sabotage are China,” Badenoch stated.

She further emphasized that her administration would still pursue a shift towards cleaner transportation, but one that prioritizes “affordability, practicality, and technological advancement” instead of “unrealistic mandates that harm domestic manufacturing and favor foreign rivals.”

By abolishing the mandate, she believes there will be an opportunity to revitalize the UK automotive sector.

Industry Reactions and Government Plans

The UK automotive industry has shown a division regarding the 2030 deadline, with some manufacturers calling for additional support to help meet the requirements. In the most recent Budget announcement, the government allocated an additional £1.3 billion to the UK’s Electric Car Grant scheme, aimed at encouraging drivers to transition to electric vehicles.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves revealed that from April 2028, drivers of battery electric vehicles, including plug-in hybrids, will incur a charge of 3p per mile for the Electric Vehicle Excise Duty, a move some critics claim could diminish the appeal of electric cars.

The initial ban on petrol and diesel vehicle sales was established in 2020 by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, with Badenoch opposing it as a cabinet member at the time. The deadline was later postponed to 2035 by Rishi Sunak, while Labour has committed to advancing it in their 2024 election manifesto.

A representative from the Department for Transport reiterated the government’s dedication to phasing out all new non-zero emission vehicle sales, stating, “An increasing number of drivers are opting for electric.” The next general election in the UK is required to occur by August 15, 2029, although the Prime Minister has the option to call for an election earlier.