Time for combustion to burn out?

The UK government has signalled plans to phase out the sale of combustion engine passenger cars within 15 years, firing the starting gun on the biggest shiftin the history of one of the world’s oldest automotive markets. But how achievable is that end goal?

- Alex Grant

Is there enough support?

Despite the hype, the goalposts haven’t moved yet. Proposals to end the sale (but not the use) of anything with a combustion engine is under consultation and the 2040 phase-out goal – ambiguity over hybrids included – still stands. In the meantime, the UK market is transitioning naturally; data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) shows electric (including hydrogen fuel cell) registrations more than doubled in 2019, to 15,510 units, with long waiting lists on the latest models. There is already demand.

However, the most advanced plug-in markets, particularly Norway, have accelerated uptake by making the technology a no-brainer for end-users and the UK can learn from this. HMRC has, after a five-year absence, reintroduced a 0% company car tax rate for EVs and FCEVs (an important stimulus as more than half of all new cars are sold to businesses) and the Plug-in Car Grant was extended during the March budget. But the SMMT is arguing that more can be done, calling for exemption from VAT, VED, and insurance premium tax to bring costs down further.

Customer experience is vital. The National Franchised Dealer Association, a trade body for vehicle retailers, has launched an Energy Saving Trust-audited accreditation scheme for members aimed at driving up standards, but its director, Sue Robinson, says broader incentives would help with the transition.

“We have been urging the government to reconsider its position on plug-in hybrid vehicles and remove them from the ban. [Plug-in hybrids] still represent a small proportion of the UK car parc [which] is currently experiencing significant growth. Additionally, plug-in hybrids are easier and quicker to produce than battery-electric cars,” she says.