UK to ban combustion by 2040

British environment minister Michael Gove confirmed yesterday’s media reports in the UK stating the country plans to ban the sale of diesel and petrol cars as from 2040, including hybrids. By 2050, combustion-engine cars should be off British roads altogether.

The British seem to echo their neighbours across the Channel, where French minister of ‘ecological and solidary transition’Nicolas Hulot presented its climate plan to the press just a few weeks ago. One of the key elements is the sales ban on petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 in a bid to fight pollution and global warming.

Fear of disruption
Diesel cars are losing market share in the UK, to the benefit of petrol-powered, hybrid and electric vehicles. Still, electrified cars (hybrids or 100 % electric) represent less than 5 percent of the new car registrations.  According to Automotive News, the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, consumers need incentives to buy electric cars, pointing at range, charging points and affordability as their main concerns.

"Outright bans risk undermining the current market for new cars and our sector, which supports over 800,000 jobs across the UK”, spokesman Mike Hawes said. “We could undermine the UK’s successful automotive sector if we don’t allow enough time for the industry to adjust," he said.

A week ago, the UK government revealed its plans to invest over 800 million pounds in new driverless and zero-emission vehicle technology in a bid to boost economy as it leaves the European Union. Great Britain is to become a global leader in electric and autonomous vehicles.

Picture copyright: BMW, 2017