The 2035 petrol and diesel car ban is a policy that aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality by phasing out the sale of new cars and vans that run on fossil fuels. What are some of the key things that you need to be aware of.
Why are new petrol and diesel vehicles being banned?
First of all, the ban was originally planned to start in 2030, but it was delayed to 2035 by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak in September 2023, to ease the burden on motorists during the cost of living crisis.
The key thing is that the ban will only affect the sale of new cars and vans that are powered solely by petrol or diesel. Existing vehicles will not be affected, and can be bought and sold freely. According to The Sunday Times Driving, the ban will not affect motorcycles, buses, lorries, or other types of vehicles, although the government may introduce separate policies for them in the future.
The ban is part of the government’s ambition to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, and to improve public health by reducing air pollution from traffic fumes, according to the BBC. As we know the internal combustion engine produces lots of carbon emissions, and as we head towards banning new petrol and diesel cars, as a measure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change, battery electric vehicles are paving the way for an exciting electric future. However, some critics have argued that the ban is too ambitious, unrealistic, or unfair, and that it will pose challenges for consumers, manufacturers, and infrastructure, says Future Car.
What are the rules on hybrid cars?
According to This Money, the rules on hybrid cars for the 2035 petrol and diesel ban are not yet clear, as the government has announced that it will launch a consultation next year to define which types of hybrid vehicles will be allowed to be sold until 2035.
However, the government has stated that only hybrid cars that can “drive a significant distance without emitting carbon” will be eligible. This means that conventional hybrids, which cannot be plugged in and have a very limited electric range, will likely be banned from 2030 along with petrol and diesel cars. Plug-in hybrids, which can be charged from an external source and have a longer electric range, may be permitted until 2035, depending on the outcome of the consultation.
Some experts have suggested that the government could use a minimum electric range of 50 miles as a criterion for hybrid cars, says This Money.
Will I be able to buy a second-hand petrol or diesel car after 2035?
The great news is that even after the ban, you will be able to buy a second-hand petrol or diesel car after 2035, as the ban only affects the sale of new vehicles. However, you may face some challenges in finding a suitable car, as the demand for electric and hybrid vehicles will likely increase over time.
You may also have to pay more for fuel, road tax, and maintenance, as the government may introduce incentives and penalties to encourage people to switch to cleaner alternatives. Therefore, you may want to consider the benefits of electric and hybrid vehicles, such as lower running costs, environmental impact, and performance etc.
“Aston Martin exemption” to 2030 ban
The “Aston Martin exemption” to the 2030 ban is a proposal that the UK government is considering to allow smaller carmakers to sell petrol and diesel vehicles for longer than the larger manufacturers. The idea is to give some breathing space to the luxury and sports car brands that may struggle to switch to electric vehicles by 2030, due to the high costs and technical challenges involved. The exemption would apply to carmakers that register fewer than 1000 cars annually in the UK, such as Aston Martin, Bentley, McLaren, and Lotus.
The proposal is based on a similar exemption that the European Union has granted to low-volume carmakers, which will be able to sell petrol and diesel vehicles until 2035, according to AutoCar. However, the “Aston Martin exemption” is not yet confirmed, and it may face opposition from environmental groups and other carmakers that are investing heavily in electric vehicles. The government has said that it will launch a consultation next year to define the details of the 2030 ban and the possible exemption.
Electric cars tend to have lower maintenance costs
If you already have an electric vehicle then you’re probably already aware that they do tend to have lower maintenance costs compared to your standard petrol and diesel engined cars. Diesel engines and petrol cars tend to be more costly when it comes to maintenance, but why is this?
Electric cars tend to have lower maintenance costs than petrol or diesel cars, because they have fewer moving parts and consumables to worry about. According to the Forbes, the estimated scheduled maintenance costs for an electric vehicle averages $0.06 cents per mile, which would be roughly £0.49 while it’s at $0.10 per mile for a conventional ICE-powered ride. which would be around £0.82. This means that over a lifetime, an electric car owner can save around $4,600 (£3,762) compared to a petrol car owner.
However, electric car maintenance costs may vary depending on the model, usage, and location of the vehicle. Some electric car components, such as the battery, may need to be replaced after a certain period of time, which can be expensive. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the manufacturer’s service intervals and get the car checked by a qualified technician when needed.
Are there financial incentives to buy an electric car?
If you’re toying with the idea of an electric car, then you’ll be pleased to know that there are actually financial incentives to buying an electric car in the UK. The government offers various grants and schemes to help make owning an electric vehicle more affordable and convenient. Some of the main incentives are:
The Plug-In Car Grant (PICG): This grant provides up to £1,500 off the purchase price of a new electric car that costs less than £32,000 and has a range of at least 70 miles. The grant is automatically deducted from the price by the dealer, so you do not need to apply for it.
The Electric Vehicle Homecharge Scheme (EVHS): This scheme offers up to £350 towards the cost of installing a charge point at your home, if you have off-street parking and own or lease an eligible electric vehicle. You can apply for the scheme online before or after buying your electric car.
The Workplace Charging Scheme (WCS): This scheme provides vouchers for businesses, charities, and public sector organisations to install charge points at their premises for their employees and visitors. The vouchers cover up to £350 per socket, up to a maximum of 40 sockets per applicant.
How does the 2035 ban affect my current car finance deal?
The 2035 ban will not affect in anyway your current car finance deal, as it only applies to the sale of new vehicles. Your agreement remains valid for the duration, including any guaranteed minimum future value (GMFV), which estimates how much your car will be worth at the end of the contract, says The Sunday Times Driving.
However, you may want to consider the future resale value of your car, as the demand for petrol and diesel cars may decline over time. You could also compare the running costs of your car with those of electric and hybrid vehicles, as the government may introduce incentives and penalties to encourage people to switch to cleaner alternatives. You can find more information about the 2035 ban and its implications on the websites of the UK government too.
Is it possible to convert my petrol or diesel car to pure-electric?
As mind blowing as it sounds, it is actually possible to convert your petrol or diesel car to pure-electric! Can you believe it? It may not be a simple or cheap process, but it is possible.
You will need to remove the old engine and fuel system, and replace them with an electric motor, batteries, and other components. You will also need to rewire the electrical system, install a cooling and heating system, and test and fine-tune the performance. You will also need to pass an Individual Vehicle Approval (IVA) test to make sure that your converted car meets the safety and emissions standards.
The cost of converting a petrol or diesel car to electric can vary depending on the type and condition of the car, the quality and capacity of the electric motor and batteries, and the labour and expertise involved. Some sources estimate that the average cost of a DIY conversion is around £10,000 to £15,000, according to the Electric Car Guide.
