What's happened
The UK government has launched a consultation to clarify the future of vehicle sales, focusing on the 2030 ban on new petrol and diesel cars. The proposal may allow hybrid vehicles until 2035, aiming to restore certainty for manufacturers and support the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). As of December 2024, the UK has over 73,000 public chargers installed.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to Jasper Jolly in The Guardian, the UK installed a record number of public electric car chargers in 2024, reaching 73,421 by December 20. However, the growth rate has slowed due to delays in government funding. Jolly notes that while the National Audit Office predicts a target of 300,000 chargers by 2030, concerns remain about their distribution, particularly in urban areas.
In a report by The Independent, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander emphasized the importance of the consultation to restore clarity for manufacturers and the charging industry. The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit (ECIU) believes the UK will meet its electric vehicle targets due to the flexibility in the ZEV mandate, which includes credits for hybrid sales.
The Mirror highlights the government's commitment to making charging infrastructure more accessible, with plans for 100,000 additional chargers. Industry leaders, including Mike Hawes from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, stress the need for urgent resolution on regulations to support the automotive sector's transition to electric vehicles.
How we got here
The UK government previously extended the ban on new petrol and diesel cars from 2030 to 2035. The Labour government has now proposed to restore the original deadline while considering the inclusion of hybrid vehicles until 2035. This shift aims to provide clarity for manufacturers and support the transition to electric vehicles.
Common question
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More on these topics
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Heidi Alexander is a British politician who is the Deputy Mayor of London for Transport under Sadiq Khan and Deputy Chair of Transport for London.
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Rishi Sunak is a British politician who has served as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and Leader of the Conservative Party since 2022.
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Edward Samuel Miliband is a British politician serving as Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy since 2020, and has served as Member of Parliament for Doncaster North since 2005.
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The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, commonly known as the United Kingdom or Britain, is a sovereign country located off the northwestern coast of the European mainland.
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The Energy and Climate Intelligence Unit is an independent advisory organization in the United Kingdom. The organization was incorporated in 2014.
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Labor-Gesher was a joint list of the Israeli Israeli Labor Party and Gesher parties for elections for the twenty-second Knesset. The list advocated social democracy and progressive taxation. The list's platform focused primarily on socio-economic issues.
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Stellantis is the Dutch-based multinational automotive manufacturing corporation resulting of the merger of French automaker Groupe PSA and Italian-American automaker Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, following completion of a 50-50 merger agreement.
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The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders is the trade association for the United Kingdom motor industry. Its role is to "promote the interests of the UK automotive industry at home and abroad."