The UK government is due to ban the sale of new diesel and petrol cars from 2035. This includes liquid petroleum gas or LPG.
The intention is to drive the transition from ICE to electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce the effect of fossil fuel-powered driving on climate change, moving transport to a more sustainable future.
The plan to ban new diesel and petrol cars was initially set to begin in 2040 by the then-environmental secretary. The initiative was later brought forward to 2030, and then ultimately delayed to 2035.
Sales of hybrid vehicles will also be banned from this date. Plug-in and full hybrid cars use some electric power from smaller batteries for driving, but they rely heavily on petrol or diesel to power an internal combustion engine, especially for longer journeys.
The ban doesn’t impact existing diesel and petrol car owners, hybrid cars or people using LPG. These vehicles are still allowed to drive on the road and can still be purchased and sold second-hand - at least for the foreseeable future.
What Will Happen to Petrol and Diesel Cars After 2030?
The sale of new petrol and diesel cars was initially set to be banned in the UK from 2030. However, in 2023, the government announced a delay, pushing the ban to 2035, citing the cost of living crisis as a contributing factor.
Currently, the UK government does not offer incentives or grants to private individuals for purchasing new electric vehicles (EVs). However, you may be eligible for a grant to reduce the cost of buying and installing a home charger. For more details, refer to our guide on the EV charge point scheme.
Some workplaces may offer EV leasing through a salary sacrifice scheme, where your employer leases the electric car for you and deducts the cost from your gross pay, pre-tax, making it more affordable.
If you’re considering switching to an electric vehicle due to the upcoming ban but a new EV is beyond your budget and your workplace doesn’t offer an EV salary sacrifice scheme, consider purchasing a second-hand electric car. Check out our guide for tips on buying a used EV.
Can I Still Drive My Diesel Car After 2035?
Yes, you can still drive your petrol or diesel car after 2035. The ban applies only to the sale of new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars, not to the use of existing ones.
However, this might not hold true everywhere. If Clean Air Zones expand or become stricter, we might see total bans on ICE cars entering certain areas at specific times or even all the time. This potential for stricter regulations could make petrol and diesel cars less future-proof compared to electric vehicles (EVs).
Have You Used an Electric Vehicle?
Have your transport services invested in or already using an electric vehicle?
What's your experience been whilst driving the vehicle?
Have you found it stressful in regards to needing to recharge?
Have you found the current charging infrastructure adequate in the UK?
Do you think electric vehicles are the future?