Petrol and diesel ban

The government has confirmed plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars and vans from 2030.

Under the proposals, hybrid cars and vans would be allowed until 2035, when the ban will be extended so that only new battery electric vehicles will be available on forecourts.

The move brings forward by a decade the deadline for the end of the sale of new internal combustion engine cars and vans.

To be formally introduced, the plan will need the approval of parliament, but the announcement effectively kick-starts a 10-year timetable towards decarbonisation for fleet operators.

The ban would not affect more than 30 million cars and vans already on the road, which would remain in use. 

Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed the ban as part of a 10-point plan for green initiatives backed by billions of pounds worth of investment.

There will be £1.3 billion to accelerate the rollout of charge points for electric vehicles; £582 million in grants for those buying zero or ultra-low emission vehicles; and £500 million to develop battery technology.

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association welcomed the government’s decision to take a phased approach.

BVRLA Chief Executive Gerry Keaney said:

“Setting these phase-out dates is just the start of the journey. Now the Government needs to create the supportive environment that will enable fleets and motorists to step up to the challenge of decarbonising road transport.”

There are signs that a rapid transition is underway, with some leasing companies reporting that battery electric cars now make up half of their current order bank, as the number of models available grows.

However, van fleet operators will require more time to adapt, particularly in sectors where vehicles operate in remote locations or where they are fitted with bespoke equipment that requires the support of an engine.

The Government will also consult on proposals to phase out new diesel HGVs, but a date has yet to be set.

Lisa Spong, Sales Director of Reflex Vehicle Hire, said:

“We have already worked extensively with customers to deliver trials of electric vehicles and we will be consulting closely with fleets about supporting their transition over the next decade.

Although there are still a lot of questions that van fleet operators need answered about this transition, not least in terms of vehicle supply and charging infrastructure, we will help them adapt and change as the 2030 deadline approaches.”

Flexible rental services from Reflex Vehicle Hire can help in a variety of ways.

Firstly, customers are not tied up in long-term contracts, so they can cost-effectively test new technology to see how it suits their business and adapt the vehicle mix when needed.

Secondly, the Reflex Vehicle Hire fleet features some of the newest and most up-to-date vehicles on the market, so the latest technology is always available to try.

We have close relationships with leading commercial vehicle manufacturers who are pioneering the launch of new models that will deliver a cleaner future. This ranges from the latest, cleanest diesel vans that will be in use for the next decade, through to pioneering electric cars that are a growing part of the fleet market.

Reflex Vehicle Hire has already supplied dozens of the first electric commercial vehicles to clients, enabling them to experience the potential of zero-emission technology, without tying up capital or making a long-term commitment. 

This has given us unique insight into best practice when introducing low-emission vehicles, ranging from charging infrastructure challenges through to the best operational uses for different fuels. 

For details of our extensive range of cars and vans, visit our Vehicle Selection section or contact one of our expert team members to discuss your requirements. 

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