The Central focus of the consultation is to determine which hybrid powertrains may remain available for sale between 2030 and 2035. The UK government has launched an eight-week consultation to finalise its plans for phasing out new petrol and diesel cars by 2030. This initiative aims to gather industry input on restoring the 2030 phase-out date for purely petrol and diesel vehicles and facilitating a successful transition to zero-emission alternatives. A central focus of the consultation is to determine which hybrid powertrains may remain available for sale between 2030 and 2035, ensuring clarity and direction for manufacturers and consumers alike, reports BBC.

Proposed updates to the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate are also a key part of the discussion. The mandate outlines the percentage of zero-emission cars and vans manufacturers must sell annually until 2030, with built-in flexibilities to accommodate market challenges. These flexibilities allow for alternative compliance pathways, such as compensating for shortfalls in zeroemission vehicle sales through other measures. The consultation seeks to refine these mechanisms, ensuring they continue to support the automotive sector while maintaining the UK’s decarbonisation trajectory. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander highlighted the economic and environmental opportunities of the transition, emphasising that one in four new cars sold in November were electric. She stated, “Drivers are already embracing EVs faster than ever… Today’s measures will help us capitalise on the clean energy transition to support thousands of jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower, and rebuild Britain.” Industry leaders, including Edmund King of the AA and Mike Hawes of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), echoed the need for clarity and robust planning to address concerns about hybrids, vans, and charging infrastructure.

The consultation will also explore the demand-side support measures needed to boost adoption and technical updates to the ZEV Mandate without compromising regulatory goals.