The Department for Transport confirmed that Labour Party MP Heidi Alexander had met with leading vehicle manufacturers to discuss the future of polluting vehicles on UK roads.
A 2030 petrol and diesel car ban deadline could be confirmed as the Transport Secretary meets with automakers. The Department for Transport confirmed that Labour Party MP Heidi Alexander had met with leading vehicle manufacturers to discuss the future of polluting vehicles on UK roads.
More than two-thirds of UK carmakers, including major players like Nissan and Stellantis, are already committed to making the switch to electric vehicles by the original 2030 deadline. Central to the plans is the ZEV Mandate, which determines the annual percentage of zero-emission vehicles manufacturers must sell.
Flexibilities within the mandate allow for tailored compliance, giving manufacturers room to adapt while meeting ambitious targets. The UK automotive sector employs over 152,000 people and contributes £19 billion annually to the economy.
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The shift to electric vehicles represents an unprecedented opportunity to attract investment, create high-quality jobs, and boost British innovation. Electric vehicles are also becoming more affordable, with running costs as low as 2p per mile and one in three used EVs now priced under £20,000.
Government support is already in motion, with over £2.3 billion invested to back domestic manufacturers and accelerate consumer uptake of EVs. A DfT spokesperson said: “Last week, the Transport Secretary held a constructive roundtable with leading vehicle manufacturers as part of the consultation on the 2030 phase-out, as we continue to listen to and work closely with industry.
“January was another record month for electric cars, with sales of zero emission vehicles making up more than a fifth of the total car market, up 42 per cent from January last year.” The spokesperson told The Independent that the early signs were “encouraging” with more than 382,000 new vehicles being sold.
Alexander previously outlined the future of petrol and diesel cars on UK roads to give consumers and drivers confidence at the beginning of the year.
