Motorists sceptical about ICE Ban

Admin

October 21, 2024
3 min read

A recent survey reveals that 52% of motorists doubt the UK government will meet its 2035 deadline for ending the sale of new Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) vehicles. The original target, set in 2020, aimed to phase out petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

However, in September 2023, then-Prime Minister Rishi Sunak extended this deadline by five years, leaving the underlying Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) mandate unchanged. The Labour Party has expressed intentions to move the deadline forward, but this remains unconfirmed.

Conducted by SUSTAIN, the survey highlights a growing hesitation among motorists regarding the transition to electric vehicles (EVs). Notably, 59% of petrol and diesel car owners plan to keep their vehicles for as long as possible. Many respondents (50%) cited concerns over the environmental impact of scrapping functioning cars, while 40% feel that EVs don’t meet their needs.

The survey indicates that scepticism among motorists extends beyond timing to the government’s approach. A significant 54% of participants want to explore a wider array of sustainable motoring options rather than solely focusing on EVs. Furthermore, 22% believe the government should leverage a mix of available technologies to move away from fossil fuels. Alarmingly, over a third (34%) reported being unaware of sustainable fuels.

Concerns regarding the measurement of environmental solutions were also prominent, with 45% of respondents claiming that current policies lack a full life cycle analysis (LCA) of various green alternatives. This analysis considers the total environmental impact of products from production to disposal, crucial for evaluating the true benefits of EVs.

David Richardson from SUSTAIN emphasised the need for a multifaceted strategy, stating, “ICEs aren’t the problem; it’s the fossil fuels we use.” He advocates for sustainable fuels that are compatible with existing vehicles and could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 80% compared to traditional fuels. The survey indicates a public appetite for such innovations, with 54% expressing willingness to use sustainable fuels in their vehicles.

With many motorists planning to purchase ICE vehicles close to the deadline, the government’s ZEV mandate aims to phase out new ICE sales gradually. Yet, with ongoing overseas and used car sales options, the future of ICE vehicles on British roads remains uncertain.

SUSTAIN, a brand created by bespoke fuel specialist Coryton, champions advanced second-generation biofuels derived from agricultural waste, providing a sustainable alternative that recycles carbon already present in the atmosphere. By investing in diverse sustainable technologies, the UK can enhance its environmental efforts and meet its ambitious milestones.

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