Most motorists are sceptical about whether the ambitious deadline to phase out Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles by 2035 will be met.
A survey by alternative fuel lobby group Sustain reveals that over half (52%) do not believe the current deadline for ending the sale of new petrol and diesel cars will be achieved.
Furthermore, 59% of motorists driving ICE vehicles plan to keep them going for as long as possible, even as the government pushes the Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate.
The uncertainty stems partly from former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s decision in 2023 to delay the original phase-out of new ICE vehicle sales from 2030 to 2035.
Although the Labour Party has hinted at bringing the date forward again, this remains unconfirmed.
Despite the delay, motorists are questioning whether the government’s plan is realistic, with one in four planning to buy an ICE car close to the 2035 deadline.
David Richardson of Sustain, the research sponsor, noted: “Whether we meet the deadline on new car sales or not, one thing is certain, we’re going to have ICE vehicles on our roads for years to come. What we need is a strategy that addresses this.”
While the UK government’s push towards electric vehicles (EVs), Sustain said many motorists feel that this singular focus overlooks other viable green alternatives.
Over half (54%) of respondents said they want to hear more about other sustainable motoring options, including sustainable fuels, hybrids, and hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Richardson said it was important to explore all technologies, stating: “It’s important to stress that ICEs are not the issue here, it’s the fossil fuel we put in them. If credible alternatives are already available that could make our current cars more environmentally friendly, shouldn’t we embrace them?”
Despite the ZEV mandate, which requires manufacturers to increase the proportion of EV sales each year, many Brits are reluctant to make the switch. The survey found that 40% of respondents felt EVs do not suit their needs, and over a quarter (27%) plan to purchase a new ICE vehicle close to the 2035 deadline to keep driving for another decade.