The British government under Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has reiterated its commitment to a fixed deadline for the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2030, The Times reports. This decision follows years of calls from automakers for clearer guidance on the transition to electric vehicles (EVs).
Ministers are expected to present a timetable for this transition in the coming weeks to ensure the 2030 deadline is met. Furthermore, the government will not relax electric vehicle targets. This decision is seen as crucial to maintaining the confidence of manufacturers who have invested heavily in producing electric vehicles in the UK.
Although some Tory MPs have put pressure on Sunak to relax net zero emissions plans, the government’s commitment to the 2030 deadline shows its intention to be “proportionate and pragmatic” about any changes. This firm stance may not be welcomed by those who favor a more relaxed approach.
The House of Lords inquiry into electric vehicle charging infrastructure continued this week, with experts from National Grid and Zapmap coming under scrutiny. The government aims to have 300,000 public charging points in the country by 2030, but there are currently just over 44,000. This highlights the need for greater investment and improvements in charging infrastructure to support the widespread adoption of electric vehicles.
In conclusion, the UK Government’s commitment to an unchangeable deadline for sales of new petrol and diesel vehicles in 2030 shows its determination to accelerate the transition to electric vehicles. This decision provides much-needed clarity to car manufacturers and creates a sense of certainty about the future of electric vehicle production in the UK.
