Motorists could soon be banned from buying brand-new petrol and diesel cars from dealerships due to a major driving law change introduced in 2024.
Used car dealer Danny Kelly has called out Rishi Sunak’s new Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) mandate launched this January.
The new rule lays our ambitious targets for manufacturers who will need to build a certain number of electric vehicles every year by law.
Starting in 2024, brands must make sure at least 22 percent of cars rolling off the production line are emissions-free.
This target will rise to 80 percent by 2030 and then 100 percent by 2035 when the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars comes into effect.
Failing to follow the rules will see companies slapped with massive fees of around £15,000 per vehicle over the threshold.
However, Mr Kelly admitted the new policy “suppresses the freedom of choice for the consumer”.
He also warned companies may start discontinuing some of their combustion vehicle ranges over fears they may inadvertently break the rules.
Speaking to GB News, he said: “It’s going to put massive pressure on manufacturers.
“It’s going to get to a stage where consumers are going to be denied, this is my belief I can’t speak on behalf of manufacturers.
“But consumers are going to walk into a dealership and say I want to buy a petrol [car] please. But the sales woman is going to say to them ‘well unfortunately we are not going to sell you one because we hit our 22 percent target.”
“It’s bad for the consumer. It’s counterintuitive to what we stand for in this country.”
Department for Transport data shows there has been a 41 percent increase in zero-emission vehicles registered for the first time.
However, concerns remain over how the widespread adoption of electric car technology will work.
There are only around 50,000 charging bays in the UK with motorists likely to struggle to use the technology when they make the transition.
Mr Kelly added: “Without a doubt, it’s the way the world is going but whether the customer wants to follow is completely different.
“It’s my view [that if[ you’re in a detached house with a drive and an electric charging point you can have a £60-70,000 Tesla or a £25,000 Raykat Zoe.
“But if you live on a tight terraced street somewhere in the North West or the North East where you can’t guarantee a parking space outside your house.
“How the hell are you supposed to charge it with cables overnight? It’s a tripping hazard. This is a disaster waiting to happen.”
