The UK government is expected to bring forward its ban on the sale of new petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles to 2030.
According to sources in the energy and transport industries, UK prime minister Boris Johnson will make the announcement this autumn.
An article in the Guardian revealed how the announcement, which will disclose new clean energy policies, would have been made this week if not for a spike in coronavirus cases.
Earlier this year the government had consulted on bringing the deadline forward from 2040 to 2035, but now aims to speed up a green economic recovery following the Covid-19 pandemic.
Engenie, one of the UK’s rapid EV charging networks, welcomed the proposed acceleration.
Ian Johnston, CEO of Engenie, said: “Petrol, diesel and hybrid cars pollute our cities, undermine public health and are one of the single largest contributors to climate change. A 2030 ban would therefore represent a decisive step in the right direction.
“Over the next decade, the private sector must continue its work to ramp up rapid charging infrastructure across the UK to give drivers the confidence to make the switch to electric. In return, the government must commit to supporting infrastructure in rural areas where private investment models are not able to support. By doing so, we can not only meet this target, but surpass it.”
A 2030 deadline would bring the UK in line with Ireland, Germany and the Netherlands, and put the country ahead of France’s 2040 target but behind Norway’s 2025.
