UK Hybrid Car Ban and Net-Zero Emissions

UK Urged to Stick to 2030 Hybrid Car Ban or Face Catastrophic Setback in Net Zero Ambitions

The UK government has been urged to press ahead with its planned hybrid car ban from 2030, or risk a “catastrophic misstep” on the road to achieving net-zero emissions. The warning comes from Electric Vehicles UK (EVUK), which has raised concerns about the inclusion of full hybrids—such as the Toyota Prius—on the list of vehicles that can be sold after 2030.

According to EVUK, allowing full hybrids to continue in the market would significantly undermine consumer confidence in the government’s electric vehicle (EV) strategy and could have far-reaching implications for the nation’s ambitious zero-emission goals.

Why Are Full Hybrids Under Scrutiny?

Full hybrid vehicles, like the Toyota Prius, use both an internal combustion engine and an electric motor powered by a battery. Unlike plug-in hybrids, which can be recharged through an external power source, full hybrids recharge their batteries through the engine itself. They can generally only operate on electric power for short distances, at low speeds, and for limited durations.

EVUK’s chief executive has been vocal in calling for the exclusion of these vehicles from the UK market by 2030. He stated, “The inclusion of full hybrid technology would be a catastrophic misstep and make a laughingstock of the UK government’s world-leading zero-emission vehicle policy.” He further emphasised that allowing hybrids without plugs to continue would create a “profound” decline in consumer confidence, potentially setting back the progress toward a greener future.

He also noted that while he does not oppose plug-in hybrids—vehicles capable of zero-emission driving over longer distances—he firmly believes that the government should not allow full hybrids without a plug to remain on sale. “If lobbyists do persuade the government to include full hybrids, it would be a big backward move. The ramifications for the nascent EV industry and for fragile consumer confidence could be profound.”

What is the Government’s Hybrid Car Ban Consultation About?

The Department for Transport (DfT) has announced that it will consult on which hybrid cars can still be sold in the UK from 2030 to 2035, following the scheduled hybrid car ban on new internal combustion engine (ICE) cars from January 2030. While the government is focused on creating an environment that supports zero-emission vehicles, the consultation aims to strike a balance between the rapid transition to EVs and the economic impact on the automotive industry.

The UK’s zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) mandate, which came into effect in 2024, will require manufacturers to sell a minimum percentage of pure electric cars each year. The mandate aims to increase this threshold from 22% in 2024 to 28% in 2025, with the target reaching 80% by 2030. As part of this mandate, only zero-emission vehicles will be allowed on the market after 2035.

While the mandate is designed to accelerate the shift toward fully electric cars, the automotive sector has raised concerns about the potential impact on jobs. In November, Stellantis, the owner of Vauxhall, announced the closure of its van-making factory in Luton, citing the strain of the stringent ZEV mandate as a key factor. The move put 1,100 jobs at risk, highlighting the complex balance the government must manage as it pushes forward with its zero-emission goals.

What Are Industry Concerns Over Job Losses?

A former chief executive of Aston Martin and ex-chief operating officer of Nissan added his voice to the ongoing debate, acknowledging the role of full hybrids in the transition to cleaner vehicles. However, he argued that this technology is outdated. “Full hybrids are a better solution than mild hybrids, which cannot be driven on electricity alone, but they still use technology that belongs to the late 1990s,” he said.

His comments reflect a growing consensus within the automotive industry that the UK must focus its efforts on more sustainable, cutting-edge technologies to meet its 2030 targets and beyond. The debate over the inclusion of full hybrids is expected to intensify as the consultation period progresses.

How Committed is the Government to the Clean Energy Transition?

The government remains determined to navigate this transition in a way that balances environmental concerns with the needs of the industry. A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said, “We are consulting with industry on which cars, including which types of hybrid cars, can be sold alongside fully zero-emission vehicles from 2030. Drivers are already embracing electric vehicles faster than ever, and 2024 was a record year for the UK new car market, with the strongest overall growth of any major European market.”

The spokesperson emphasised the role that industry will play in shaping the future of transportation in the UK, noting that the clean energy transition presents opportunities to support thousands of jobs, make the UK a clean energy superpower, and rebuild the country’s economy.

The consultation will run until 18 February 2025, and the government hopes to finalise its approach to hybrid cars and other low-emission technologies in the coming months. As the UK moves closer to its ambitious 2030 target, it is clear that the inclusion of certain technologies—such as full hybrids—will remain a key point of contention in the ongoing debate over the future of motoring in the country.

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