In a move that has frustrated environmental campaigners, the government confirmed that Hybrid petrol and diesel cars will still be available for sale in 2040. This was however welcome news for the car industry.
Last year, ministers pledged to ban the sale of new cars powered with fossil fuels by 2040. However the transport secretary (Chris Grayling) confirmed on Monday ‘hybrid cars powered by both electricity and diesel or petrol – would be exempt’.
As well as the Petrol & Diesel ban the governments road to Zero strategy to reduce car pollution includes a further target. By 2030 their aim is for at least 50% of new cars to be ultra-low emission. If this target is successful it is stated that they expect “all new cars and vans to have significant zero-emission capability” by 2040 and “almost every” car and van to be zero-emission by 2050.
“I want it to be easier for electric vehicle drivers to recharge than for motorists to visit a filling station. I want them to choose electric cars because they are so convenient.”
This statement by Chris Grayling implies that the best method is to influence car buyers. He said that a delayed 400 million electrical charging fund would be put into action this summer. This is aimed to help expand infrastructure throughout the country, with hundreds of thousands more charging points on streets, in new homes and in workplaces.
Grayling also said that as well as reducing pollution, the new strategy set out a clear pathway for Britain to be a world leader in zero-emission transport. This strategy could represent a “huge global opportunity for industry and business” which could be worth £1tn a year by 2030.
Nevertheless, environmental groups have accused the government of weakening its commitments. The environmental group Greenpeace stated that the car industry was “yet again being given a free pass”. The Campaign for Better Transport also stated it was substandard, describing it as “a step backwards, giving concessions to keeping hybrids on the road, which will water down the already inadequate 2040 target”.
Although, Chris Grayling had told the Guardian – “I don’t think it’s watered down at all … We want to get rid of classic petrol and diesel engines. It’s about supporting the industry to deliver it and encouraging changes to consumer behaviour. I expect by 2040 every vehicle to have substantial zero-emission capability and most to be 100% zero-emission.”
Overall the car industry had disputed that these new 2040 targets have been adding worry for consumers. Which has contributed to fears over diesel cars, whose UK sales have slumped in the last 15 months. The chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (Mike Hawes) believed that the strategy acknowledged, “The vital role conventional engines, including diesel, will continue to play in the transition to 2040 and beyond”.
Hawes said that this was greatly received news for the car industry, and that they welcomed the “technology neutral approach”.
“We need realistic ambition levels and measures that support industry’s efforts, allow manufacturers time to invest, innovate and sell competitively, and provide the right incentives and infrastructure to take the consumer with us,”
The news that hybrids will not be banned allows a progression period in the industry. However, the 2030 targets for ultra-low emission vehicles remains a concern.
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