Prime minister casts doubt on 2030 combustion car ban

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UK sales ban remains government’s commitment

Following the comments, which seemed to leave the door open for a policy change, the prime minister’s official spokesman was asked to give a cast-iron commitment that the ban would be implemented in 2030.

He told The Telegraph: “That remains our commitment. I think as you heard from the prime minister this morning, what we want to do is ensure that this approach is proportionate and pragmatic and doesn’t unfairly impact the public.

“I think that is what the public and indeed businesses would expect. But obviously the 2030 approach remains our commitment.”

He added that the government wanted to “make sure that all” net zero policies were “proportionate and pragmatic and that is what we are doing now”.

“Aston Martin exemption” to 2030 ban

The government is also contemplating an "Aston Martin exemption" to the car sales deadline, reports the Times, which would mean low-volume car makers would be given longer to switch to electric vehicles.

This follows Autocar’s report in February that European Union law makers had confirmed these 'niche' manufacturers may continue to sell ICE cars in the EU after the 2035 ban (when Europe will also go EV-only).

READ MORE: EU's 2035 ban exemption gives small UK sports car makers lifeline

Manufacturers that register fewer than 1000 cars annually will be exempt from the ban.

This is something also being considered by the UK government. Back in February, a spokesperson for the Department for Transport told Autocar it didn't rule out the prospect that this could be included.

Rishi Sunak’s car ban comments criticised

The prime minister's comments have been criticised by member of the automotive industry

One of those is the body that represents the UK’s electric charge point operators.

ChargeUK said its members have “committed over £6 billion to roll out EV infrastructure in all parts of the UK at an unprecedented rate” as part of the ZEV mandate.

This has “created good, sustainable jobs, supporting the switch to EVs and thereby reducing emissions and improving air quality for all”.

It added: “If the government fails to stand firm to its commitments, this investment and the supply of EVs entering the market will be at risk.

“ChargeUK members are already providing the infrastructure to support the electrification of transport and to usher in a cleaner future. ChargeUK members are committed to making the UK the best place to own and charge an EV and key to that is having the right charging infrastructure in the right place."

Another to launch heavy criticism was Instavolt, who called the comments "completely unacceptable".

CEO Adrian Keen said: "The timing of these calls is particularly eye raising given the wildfires in Rhodes and record-breaking temperatures this week. It shows a lack of ambition and selfishness from politicians who somehow seem to forget the climate crisis isn’t on the way, it is already here.

“These pledges and their outcomes will provide tangible improvements and help clean up dirty air. We know these policies aren’t always easy to deliver on, but they are integral to the delivery of sustainable transport in polluting cities and towns.

"Without government advocacy and support, consumer confidence will continue to dwindle when we need it most. The government said they would “Build Back Green” – these rumblings fly in the face of these pledges.”