Businesses will possibly “ignore” the upcoming threat of a UK petrol and diesel car ban due to a new extension for certain vehicles. The sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be banned from the end of the decade with Labour confirming a 2030 cut-off.
However, they have given some leeway to van manufacturers who will now be allowed to sell brand new combustion vans until 2035. The extension has been welcomed by many in the industry but one expert has stressed the move could backfire. However, Peter Golding, managing director at FleetCheck warned the van extension could be bad news with many businesses likely to put off changes.
He warned fleets and manufacturers were likely to simply “ignore” the issue of the upcoming ban for a few more years if they are not forced to update their model range.
Speaking to FleetNews, Peter said: “In creating a situation where diesel and hybrid vans can stay on sale until 2035, they’re potentially just giving fleet operators an excuse to continue using ICE vehicles and ignore the issue for a few more years.”
However, much of Labour’s decision is likely down to the struggling demand for cleaner vans on UK roads.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) found that electric van demand remained static in 2024.
Figures show that the number of new light commercial vehicles registered in the UK was up 3% to 351,834 units last year.
However, the 2024 EV share remained static at 6.3% despite an almost 20% increase in the number of zero-emission models available to consumers.
Paul Hollick, chair of the Association of Fleet Professionals (AFP) stressed the 2035 date was simply a more realistic timeframe for businesses.
He explained: “From a fleet industry point of view, the big news here concerns vans. The new revisions create a degree of breathing space with diesel and hybrid vans available until 2035.
“This looks like a more realistic timeframe that will allow ongoing development of new vehicles and a process of adaptation by fleets.”