In a significant policy shift, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has pledged to abolish the planned ban on new petrol and diesel car sales if her party wins the next general election.
The Conservative Pledge and Its Inspiration
Writing in The Telegraph, Badenoch committed to scrapping the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate. This law currently requires that 80% of new cars sold by manufacturers be zero-emission by 2030, moving to a full 100% ban on new petrol, diesel, and hybrid sales by 2035.
Badenoch framed the move as a "common sense" approach, inspired by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. She criticised the mandate as a "well-meaning but ultimately destructive piece of legislation" that disadvantages the UK's automotive industry against global competitors like China.
What is the Current 2030 Ban?
The existing policy, confirmed after previous government hesitations, is a phased approach:
- From 2030: A ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
- Until 2035: New hybrid vehicles can still be sold.
- Manufacturer targets: Car makers must ensure 80% of their new car sales and 70% of new van sales are zero-emission by 2030.
Critically, the ban does not force existing petrol or diesel cars off the road. It only applies to the sale of new vehicles. The mandate also includes consumer protections, requiring an eight-year or 100,000-mile battery warranty for new EVs, with a replacement if capacity falls below 70%.
Industry Reaction and European Context
The announcement has sparked a divided response from industry bodies. Mike Hawes, Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), noted that the EU's reported hesitation on its own 2035 ban could influence UK policy. Six EU nations, including Italy and Poland, have called for a review over competitiveness fears.
However, the UK's electric vehicle charging industry issued a strong warning. Vicky Read, CEO of ChargeUK, stated that the ZEV mandate provides the certainty needed for billions in infrastructure investment. "To weaken it would be to pull the rug from underneath this industry yet again," she said, highlighting the 90,000 public charge points already installed.
The government, meanwhile, has reaffirmed its commitment to the 2035 phase-out. A spokesperson pointed to over £7.5bn of investment to support the transition and noted that EVs accounted for one in four new cars sold in November 2025.
Direct Impact on UK Drivers
For motorists, the political debate creates uncertainty. The ZEV mandate has been steadily increasing the availability of electric models in showrooms. Its removal could alter the market significantly.
Furthermore, drivers are already facing a new financial consideration: the 3p per mile road tax for electric vehicles, announced in the Autumn Budget, which will cost the average EV driver around £250 annually from April 2028.
The future of UK motoring, its environmental targets, and industrial strategy now appears set to be a key battleground in the coming election campaign.
