Got net-zero news, project updates, or product launches to share? 2030 ICE ban back in danger, warns BVRLA.
Government plans to implement the 2030 phase-out for new ICE cars without additional support measures have been deemed as a major risk by the BVRLA. The rental and leasing industry body has expressed concerns that achieving Labour’s ambitious targets would require a range of additional measures in place.
A consultation on moving the 2035 ICE ban back to the original 2030 date is expected to commence later this month.
As the Department for Transport (DfT) prepares for the consultation, the BVRLA has highlighted the need for more government support to ensure the UK meets the 2030 phase-out target for new ICE cars. Additionally, the BVRLA cautioned that achieving the 2030 phase-out target for new ICE van sales, where the government’s stance remains unclear, would be unattainable.
Last month, the Government reaffirmed its commitment to reinstating the 2030 phase-out for new petrol and diesel cars, following a previous reversal by the former Conservative government. A DfT spokesperson stated, “We’re committed to delivering greener transport by supporting the transition to electric vehicles, phasing out the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, and accelerating the rollout of charge points.”
A forthcoming consultation is set to focus on defining the specifications for cars or vans to be classified as a ‘hybrid’ that can continue to be sold from 2030-2035. The lack of clarity on which non-ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) models could be sold in the UK during this period from 2030-2035 is another pressing issue that needs to be addressed.
Gerry Keaney, BVRLA chief executive, emphasised the need for greater government support to stimulate demand for new and used Battery Electric Vehicles (BEV) and improve charging infrastructure. The consultation is anticipated to encompass vans, and the BVRLA will use its involvement with the Zero Emission Van Plan to raise awareness about the challenges surrounding electric van adoption with industry and government stakeholders.
Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck, echoed concerns about the challenges of electric van adoption within fleets. He stressed the importance of the Government clarifying its position on the diesel van ban, as well as addressing practical issues with Electric Light Commercial Vehicle (eLCV) adoption faced by fleet operators.
FleetCheck outlined potential solutions to boost electric van adoption significantly, including taxation changes to incentivise van electrification, improvements in electric van technology, and lower electric van pricing. However, the timeline for these developments by 2030 appears uncertain.
Concerns were raised about the feasibility of maintaining the van ZEV mandate and the resistance among fleets to transition to electric vans due to practical limitations. FleetCheck suggested that the consultation process should allow fleets and operators to provide feedback on enhancing eLCV adoption and shaping official policy effectively.
As the Government paves the way for the 2030 phase-out for new ICE cars and clarifies its position on diesel van bans, industry feedback and collaboration will play a crucial role in addressing the challenges and achieving the transition to greener transport in the UK.
