Conservatives Pledge to Revoke Petrol Car Ban if Elected

Kemi Badenoch has announced that the Conservative Party intends to eliminate the prohibition on petrol and diesel vehicles scheduled to take effect in the UK, should they secure victory in the upcoming election.

In an article published in the Sunday Telegraph, Badenoch described the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate as a “noble yet ultimately detrimental piece of legislation.” The plan stipulates that starting in 2030, all newly manufactured cars must be either electric or hybrid to help fulfill the government’s legally mandated goal of achieving “net zero” emissions by 2050.

These remarks followed Badenoch’s discussions with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who has advocated for a reduction of the EU’s own ban initiatives.

EU’s Shift and Domestic Implications

Net zero emissions refers to the equilibrium between greenhouse gases emitted and those removed from the atmosphere. Recently, six EU nations, including Italy, urged their fellow member states to reconsider the timeline for phasing out new petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035, warning that such a move could negatively impact their industrial competitiveness.

Badenoch indicated that the EU appeared to be reconsidering its strict ban, stating, “The truth is that the EU’s change in stance regarding electric vehicles will leave Labour increasingly isolated. By proceeding with this mandate alone, we risk disadvantaging our domestic industry and allowing others to dominate global supply chains.”

“The only beneficiaries of this economic self-sabotage are China,” she added.

She emphasized that her administration would still aim for a transition towards cleaner transportation, but one that prioritizes “affordability, practicality, and technological advancement” over unrealistic mandates that could undermine domestic manufacturing and benefit foreign competitors.

Badenoch argued that dismantling the mandate would create the necessary “room” to revitalize the UK’s automotive sector.

Industry Reactions and Future Investments

Reports suggest that UK automotive companies are divided over the 2030 deadline, with some advocating for increased support to successfully adapt to these changes.

The government recently allocated an additional £1.3 billion to bolster the UK’s Electric Car Grant scheme, aiming to incentivize drivers to transition to electric vehicles.

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

Historical Context and Future Commitments

The prohibition on selling petrol and diesel vehicles was initially introduced in 2020 by then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson, a Conservative. At that time, Badenoch was part of the cabinet and opposed the initiative.

Rishi Sunak later postponed the ban to 2035, while the Labour Party has promised to accelerate the timeline in its manifesto for the 2024 elections.

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport reiterated the government’s dedication to phasing out all new non-zero emission vehicles, stating, “More drivers than ever are opting for electric cars.” The next general election in the UK is due by 15 August 2029, but the Prime Minister has the discretion to call for an earlier vote.