EU Ban on the Sale of New Petrol and Diesel Cars from 2035 Explained

Why Has 2035 Been Chosen?

No one is expecting the entire automotive industry to change over night, so the 2035 target is there to give manufacturers time to adjust.

The good news is that because of the new target, manufacturers are investing billions into electric vehicle technology and charging infrastructure. Which means better deals on EVs and much easier access to public commercial charging.

Many major manufacturers have already announced plans to phase out petrol and diesel models before 2035. So, in some cases, the shift towards electric vehicles is happening much faster than legislation requires.

While the details may continue to evolve over the coming years, the direction of travel is clear: the future of new car sales is increasingly electric.

The 2035 diesel and petrol car ban is part of a much bigger effort to reduce emissions and improve our air quality.

While modern combustion engines are far cleaner than older models, they still produce carbon dioxide and other greenhouse emissions that contribute to climate change and air pollution.

Reducing Transport Emissions

Road transport is one of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in the UK, responsible for 113.2 MtCO2e (million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent). Our emissions are slowly decreasing, but much more needs to be done to make headway toward Net Zero.

Electric vehicles produce no tailpipe emissions while driving, so they fit into plans to reduce the environmental impact of transport.

While the electricity used to charge EVs still has an environmental footprint, the UK’s energy grid is becoming cleaner each year as more renewable energy sources come online.

Improving Air Quality

Petrol and diesel vehicles also produce nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter, which ruin our air quality, particularly in towns and cities.

Poor air quality has been linked to all sorts of health issues, including respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. By encouraging greater adoption of electric vehicles, the government hopes to create cleaner, healthier urban environments future generations can enjoy.

Ultimately, the phase-out isn’t about forcing drivers off the road. It’s about gradually shifting future vehicle sales towards cleaner technologies that benefit everyone.

This is where things become a bit confusing.

The headlines usually refer to an EU ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035, so many drivers think it applies here in the UK, too.

However, the UK is no longer part of the European Union and sets its own vehicle regulations.

That said, the UK is pursuing a very similar (but different) goal.

The UK Has Its Own Phase-Out Plan

Rather than adopting EU legislation, the UK government is using a framework known as the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Mandate to increase the number of electric vehicles sold each year.

The mandate requires manufacturers to ensure a growing percentage of their new car sales are zero-emission vehicles. These targets increase gradually over time, which forces car makers to expand their EV ranges and reduce reliance on petrol and diesel models.

The overall direction is the same, though the targets aren’t as concrete: make electric vehicles the default choice for new car buyers over the coming decade.

Does This Mean Petrol and Diesel Cars Will Be Banned?

Just as with the EU rules, the focus is on the sale of new vehicles, not the cars people already own.

If you currently drive a petrol or diesel vehicle, you won’t be forced to replace it because of the 2035 target. You’ll still be able to:

• Drive your vehicle as normal
• Buy and sell used petrol and diesel cars
• Access servicing and repairs
• Purchase fuel

This distinction is important because many drivers mistakenly believe existing vehicles will become illegal overnight, which isn’t the case.

The 2035 diesel and petrol car ban is actually far less dramatic than many headlines suggest. Existing petrol and diesel vehicles aren’t being removed from the roads, and there won’t be a requirement to trade in your current car when the deadline arrives.

Instead, the biggest change is that buying a brand-new petrol or diesel car will become much more difficult, while electric vehicles are expected to dominate new car sales.

For years after 2035, there will still be millions of petrol and diesel vehicles on UK and European roads. Governments understand that existing vehicles won’t disappear overnight, so infrastructure and support for those drivers will continue as normal.

What Will Change?

The biggest impact will be on the new car market.

Manufacturers will increasingly focus on electric vehicles, meaning buyers will see:

• More EV models entering the market
• Greater competition between manufacturers
• Improvements in battery technology
• Longer driving ranges
• Faster charging speeds
• More affordable electric vehicles

You’ll also start to notice less and less new combustion-engine vehicles to choose from. Manufacturers won’t continue to invest in new models the closer we get to Net Zero deadlines.

Will Petrol Stations Disappear after the 2035 ban?

Not anytime soon, so don’t worry if you’re still relying on them to fill up.

Because millions of petrol and diesel vehicles are expected to remain on the road well beyond 2035, fuel stations will still be needed for many years after.

However we’ll continue to see investment shift towards smart EV charging infrastructure as electric vehicle ownership grows. Many service stations are already installing rapid chargers alongside traditional fuel pumps to support both types of drivers during the transition, so we’ll continue to see the balance shift.

In short, 2035 marks a major milestone for new EV car sales, not the end of petrol and diesel motoring altogether.

Plug-In Hybrid Vehicles (PHEVs)

Plug-in hybrids take the concept a step further. They combine a petrol engine with a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source, you can complete shorter journeys using electricity alone.

Plug-in hybrids have acted as a stepping stone between traditional motoring and full EV ownership for those a little reluctant to make the full leap.

However, because they still contain a combustion engine and produce emissions when operating on petrol, their long-term future remains less certain than fully electric vehicles.

Hybrid vs Electric Vehicles

What Does This Mean for Buyers?

If you’re considering a new vehicle today, hybrids still offer improved fuel economy and lower running costs compared to traditional petrol and diesel cars.

However, it’s worth remembering that the long-term direction of travel is increasingly focused on fully electric vehicles.

If you’re looking to future-proof your next vehicle purchase, a fully electric vehicle aligns most closely with where the market is heading over the next decade.

The 2035 diesel and petrol car ban may seem a long way off, but it’s already influencing the decisions of car manufacturers and dealerships.

More Electric Vehicle Choice

One of the biggest changes is the sheer number of electric vehicles now available.

A few years ago, buyers had a relatively limited selection of EVs. Today, almost every major manufacturer offers electric models, with new options arriving every year.

That variety is great for first-time EV buyers. Whether you’re looking for a compact city car or a family SUV, there’s something to suit you on the electric car market today.

Changing Running Costs

Electric vehicles usually cost more upfront, but they deliver real savings elsewhere, including:

• Lower charging costs compared to fuel
• Reduced servicing requirements
• Lower vehicle tax in some circumstances
• Fewer moving parts to maintain

Drivers who can charge at home typically see the greatest savings, especially when using off-peak electricity tariffs.

If you want a reliable home EV charger, our sleek Ohme range comes with professional installation and a three-year warranty.

Resale Values May Shift

Predicting future vehicle values is never an exact science, but market demand will inevitably play a role.

As more buyers move towards electric vehicles, demand for certain petrol and diesel models may gradually decline. On the other hand, some efficient and desirable combustion-engine vehicles may continue to hold their value well for years to come.

Despite all the discussion surrounding the 2035 diesel and petrol car ban, there’s no universal answer to this question.

For many drivers, an EV simply isn’t affordable or reliable yet, while many people can make the switch today and see considerable savings.

The right choice depends on how you use your car and whether you have access to convenient charging.

A Petrol or Diesel Car Could Still Make Sense If…

• You regularly drive very long distances without reliable charging access
• You live in a property where home charging isn’t currently possible
• You’re working with a limited budget and buying on the used market
• Your current vehicle still meets your needs and has years of life left

The 2035 phase-out doesn’t suddenly make existing petrol and diesel cars poor vehicles. Millions of drivers will continue using them for many years to come.

An Electric Vehicle May Be the Better Long-Term Choice If…

Whether or not you agree with the 2035 diesel and electric car ban, the advantages of EV ownership are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore.

An electric vehicle may be worth considering if:

• You have off-street parking and can install a EV home charger
• Most of your journeys are local or regional
• You want lower day-to-day running costs
• You’re planning to keep your next vehicle for several years
• You want to avoid rising fuel costs

The most useful question you can ask right now is, What type of vehicle makes the most sense for me over the next five to ten years?

If you’re on board with lower emissions, lower running costs, and convenient at-home charging, a new EV is something you should genuinely consider