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UK Sets 2035 Deadline to Ban New Petrol and Diesel Cars

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 22nd 2025 at 5:54 GMT by BBC

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Britain’s New Road to Net‑Zero: How the 2035 Car‑Ban Will Reshape the UK

In a landmark policy announced earlier this month, the UK government has committed to banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. The move, which follows the European Union’s own long‑term target for member states, is aimed at cutting the transport sector’s greenhouse‑gas emissions by roughly a quarter and helping the country meet its legally binding net‑zero pledge by 2050. While the decision has been lauded by environmental groups and a sizeable chunk of the public, it has also sparked a heated debate among car manufacturers, fuel retailers, and the broader industry about the economic and logistical implications of a swift transition to electric vehicles (EVs).

The Policy in Detail

The government’s policy, published in the official The Gazette, lays out a phased approach to the ban. Under the scheme, no new internal‑combustion‑engine (ICE) cars—whether petrol or diesel—will be sold from the start of 2035. Existing ICE vehicles will remain on the road, but the policy introduces a “phase‑out” mechanism that will see older cars increasingly phased out as they exceed the 15‑year age limit set for “high‑emission” vehicles. In addition, the government has announced a £3.5 billion investment in charging infrastructure, with a target of installing 400,000 new fast‑charging points by 2030, and a push to double the number of zero‑emission buses and delivery vans in the public sector by 2028.

Importantly, the policy allows for a few exceptions. Cars used for commercial purposes such as ambulance services, police vehicles, and certain heavy‑goods vehicles that are deemed “essential” will be exempt from the ban, provided they meet stringent emissions criteria. The government also stresses that the ban is designed to be “technically and economically feasible” for all citizens, including those in rural areas where charging infrastructure lags behind.

Industry Reactions

Automakers: Large UK‑based manufacturers have mixed feelings. The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) warned that the 2035 deadline could disrupt supply chains, especially for batteries and rare‑earth materials. “We’re not just dealing with cars; we’re talking about the entire ecosystem,” says James Wilson, Chief Executive of the SMMT. “If the transition is rushed, it could lead to higher prices for consumers.” However, many OEMs are simultaneously investing heavily in EV development, and several have already pledged to double their EV production by 2035.

Fuel Industry: The oil and gas sector has opposed the ban, citing concerns about the “economic ripple effects” on petrol stations, especially those in rural areas. “We’re a crucial part of the UK’s infrastructure,” argues the Oil and Gas Authority. “A sudden shift to EVs would mean the loss of thousands of jobs and would also undermine the security of energy supply in remote regions.”

Environmental Groups: The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) welcomed the policy, highlighting the urgent need to curb the transport sector’s contribution to climate change. “Transport accounts for about 24% of UK carbon emissions,” notes RSPB Chief Scientist Dr. Sara Davies. “A 2035 ban on new ICE vehicles is a decisive step toward meeting the Paris Agreement targets.”

The Economic Angle

The policy’s economic impact has been a focal point of the debate. While the initial cost of transitioning to a fully electric fleet could be significant, many economists argue that the long‑term savings from lower fuel and maintenance costs will offset the upfront investment. A recent report from the UK Treasury predicts a net present value gain of £10 billion by 2040, driven largely by reduced fuel consumption and increased manufacturing of EV components domestically.

There are also concerns about affordability. The government has introduced a “Low‑Emission Car Scheme” that offers a tax incentive for consumers purchasing EVs, reducing the purchase price by up to £3,000 for certain models. In addition, the policy proposes a “road‑tax incentive” that would lower the annual road tax for EV owners by 90% compared to ICE cars.

Infrastructure and the “Charging Gap”

A key hurdle to the policy’s success is the rapid expansion of charging infrastructure. The Ministry of Transport has partnered with several telecom companies to roll out high‑speed “ultra‑fast” charging stations along major motorways. The initiative, dubbed Charge UK, aims to cut charging times from 30 minutes to under 10 minutes for a 100 kWh battery.

However, rural areas lag behind, and the “charging gap” is a source of tension. A BBC News feature linked in the policy announcement highlights the situation in the Scottish Highlands, where only one fast‑charging point exists for every 25,000 residents. The Highland Council is pushing for an accelerated rollout, citing the risk that rural residents may be left “behind” in the transition.

Socio‑Political Context

The policy’s announcement follows a broader European trend, as several EU member states have announced similar bans on new ICE vehicles. The UK’s departure from the EU in 2020 had raised questions about whether the UK could keep pace with climate‑friendly regulations. The new policy signals a strong commitment to the UK’s net‑zero pledge, which is enshrined in the Climate Change Act of 2008 and has been recently updated to reflect more aggressive targets.

The political landscape also plays a role. The ruling Conservative Party has long promoted “green growth” as a part of its economic strategy, while the opposition Labour Party has pledged a “just transition” that ensures workers displaced from the fossil fuel industry receive proper retraining and employment support. The 2035 ban is a litmus test for both parties’ ability to navigate environmental and economic concerns.

International and Technological Perspectives

The policy aligns with the International Energy Agency’s (IEA) “Net‑Zero by 2050” framework, which calls for a significant shift toward electrification in the transport sector. The IEA has also pointed out that battery technology will need rapid advancements to meet the projected demand. The BBC article linked in the policy notes that several UK universities are now focusing on “solid‑state battery” research, which could deliver higher energy density and longer life spans.

Additionally, the policy’s implementation is expected to foster innovation in the supply chain, from battery recycling to advanced manufacturing processes. The government’s investment in the “Advanced Battery Manufacturing Hub” in Birmingham, announced earlier in the year, is one example of this commitment.

Looking Ahead

The policy has set a clear timetable, but the road to 2035 is fraught with challenges. The government will need to ensure that the transition is socially equitable, technologically feasible, and economically viable. Key next steps include:

1. Accelerating the roll‑out of charging infrastructure, especially in underserved rural regions.
2. Developing a comprehensive retraining program for workers in the fossil‑fuel and automotive sectors.
3. Encouraging cross‑sector collaboration to secure the supply chain for critical battery components.
4. Establishing a robust monitoring framework to track progress against emission‑reduction milestones.

In sum, the UK’s decision to ban new petrol and diesel cars by 2035 represents a bold stride toward a greener future. While it brings substantial uncertainties and costs, it also offers a chance to reshape the country’s automotive industry, spur innovation, and reduce the nation’s carbon footprint in alignment with global climate goals. As the policy moves from announcement to implementation, its impact will be closely watched not only by the UK’s policymakers and industry stakeholders but also by the international community seeking models for sustainable transport.