41 percent less likely to buy EV after Rishi Sunak delays new petrol car ban

Since Rishi Sunak’s announcement, 41 percent of drivers say they are less likely to buy an EV. (Image: Getty) The online vehicle retail platform Carwow has revealed that 41 percent of drivers are less likely to buy an electric car in the next 12 months. This follows Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s announcement that plans to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel-powered cars would be postponed five years, with the restriction now set to begin in 2035. Sally Foote, UK Manufacturing Director at Carwow, noted that many buyers may see how the electric vehicle market progresses before considering buying one for themselves. She explained: ‘Following the Prime Minister’s U-turn on green policies on Wednesday [September 20 2023], we ran a flash survey overnight, which shows that 41 percent of drivers said they are now less likely to buy an EV in the next year because of the delay to the 2030 ban. ‘Consumers are now more likely to adopt a wait-and-watch approach, which could slow EV sales to retail buyers over the coming years.’ Motorists will still be able to drive or buy a used petrol or diesel car after 2035. (Image: Getty) Initially announced in 2017, the Government planned to ban the sale new cars that require petrol or diesel by 2040, however the date was brought forward to assist with plans for Britain to be Net Zero by 2050. Rishi Sunak has insisted that enforcing the mandate in 2035, along with several other measures to weaken the impact of his sustainability plans, will not prolong the time needed to be entirely sustainable. However, many motoring experts have been opposed to the alteration, suggesting it could make motorists uncertain about the switch to electric. Lisa Branklin, Chair of Ford UK, said the company needs the Government to be more consistent. (Image: Getty) Sally also highlighted that many vehicle manufacturers will be frustrated with the sudden announcement, with many spending years developing electric models in preparation for 2030. She added: ‘Manufacturers have already made significant investments into new electric models in preparation for the 2030 ban. ‘Changes to product development, R&D, production and model line-ups are planned years in advance and cannot be undone.’ Following the Prime Minister’s announcement, Lisa Brankin, Chair of Ford UK, called on the Government to be consistent with their plans. She said: ‘Ford has announced a global $50billion commitment to electrification, launching nine electric vehicles by 2025. The range is supported by £430million invested in Ford’s UK development and manufacturing facilities, with further funding planned for the 2030 timeframe. ‘Our business needs three things from the UK government: ambition, commitment, and consistency. A relaxation of 2030 would undermine all three.’